Students say ‘Yep’ to the environment

BELGRAVE’S Mater Christi College hosted this year’s Young Environmental Protectors (YEP) conference on Friday, 9 September, the fifth YEP conference held since the Shire of Yarra Ranges began its Educating for Sustainability Program back in 2001.
Established to actively engage students in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness, the YEP program has been embraced by many schools within the shire, with over 50 students and 15 teachers from secondary schools participating at this year’s conference.
‘YEPers’ have been responsible for a diverse range of environmental initiatives, from planting 4000 trees to create a habitat for sugar gliders on a Benalla farm, to canoeing down the Yarra testing water quality to add to the Shire’s WaterWatch database. Participating in fundraising and community events also form part of these activities.
“There is no formal structure for a YEP group within the school community,” explained Marga Wennersten, Environment Education Officer for the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
“Some are set up with the usual club structures such as president, secretary and treasurer; while others choose a less formal approach using a grapevinelike means of communication. The key aim is for students to gain an appreciation of sustainability and environmental issues, and in turn to be excited at contributing positively to the community and society.”
The theme of this year’s conference was ‘You can make a difference’, involving a number of interactive workshops such as how to construct a ‘no dig’ vegie garden. Special guest Holly Thomas provided examples of activities the Healesville YEPers initiated, resulting in her receiving the Shire of Yarra Ranges Australia Day Award in 2001.
“The schools’ response to the conference was fantastic, as was the enthusiasm from students and teachers to continue growing the YEP concept,” said Ms Wennersten. For more information on the YEP program you can call Marga Wennersten at the Shire of Yarra Ranges on 9294 6491.