Students learning about the local environment at the Bees and Blossoms session.
Local students are learning about the importance of native pollinators through Bees and Blossoms Pollinator Education Sessions delivered by RiverConnect and the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project.
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Throughout March and September, 18 hands-on sessions will be led by Australian native bee expert and program facilitator Clancy Lester.
A session was held on Wednesday, March 11, at Boulevard Bush Reserve in Shepparton.
Hands-on activities taught students about the role native bees play in supporting biodiversity, agriculture and food security.
Mr Lester said he was pleased to see local students engaging in outdoor learning.
“In a society disconnected from nature and from each other, it’s a great initiative to get people outside and observing their local environment,” he said.
“It's been great to partner with RiverConnect, who stand for everything I believe in, and the workshops have been an absolute hit.”
RiverConnect, funded by Greater Shepparton City Council and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, focuses on connecting the community with the local river environment.
Students enjoy hands-on learning at Boulevard Bush Reserve, Shepparton.
The program works with a range of government departments and community organisations.
Lighthouse is an organisation centred on young people in our community and has worked with RiverConnect for the past decade, formally joining RiverConnect’s Implementation Advisory Committee in 2025.
Lighthouse secondary and transitions manager and RiverConnect implementation advisory committee representative Troy Snelling said Lighthouse aimed to strengthen connections that made our community thrive.
The sessions were hands-on for students.
“Partnering with RiverConnect has allowed us to support bringing people, knowledge and opportunities together, assisting young people to have meaningful access to environmental education that grows their understanding and pride in this place we call home,” Mr Snelling said.
RiverConnect implementation advisory committee councillor representative Steven Threlfall said the partnership reflected RiverConnect’s commitment to working with community organisations.
“There has been fantastic uptake in the program, reflecting the long‑standing partnership between RiverConnect and Lighthouse and our shared commitment to delivering meaningful opportunities for young people across Greater Shepparton,” Cr Threlfall said.
Greater Shepparton schools wishing to participate can book a free session for September through the RiverConnect online booking form at shepp.city/rcbooking
