Under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, one of the BCT’s four tasks is to promote ‘public knowledge, appreciation and understanding of biodiversity and the importance of conserving biodiversity.’

BCT Education Program Objectives

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Assist landholders

to conserve biodiversity by providing ecological advice and access to technical and educational resources.

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Raise public awareness

about the importance of biodiversity and its conservation on private land.

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Influence more landholders

to participate in private land conservation.

The BCT is focusing its education efforts on private land conservation. We are taking an approach of designing and delivering educational projects in partnership with expert organisations, including Landcare NSW, the Australian Museum and Petaurus Education Group.

The BCT’s education projects to date have reached over 1780 students and provided professional development to 172 teachers across the state. See all Biodiversity Conservation Education Program outcomes below.

Biodiversity Conservation Education Program dashboard data as at 30 June 2023
Biodiversity Conservation Education Program Outcomes

Schools

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Alice with MIAB

Conservation Champions is a free education project run by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust with the help of Petaurus Education Group.

The project includes curriculum-linked class lessons, excursions, resources and professional development opportunities for NSW schools, providing regional students with the opportunity to learn about the importance of biodiversity conservation across a range of different landscapes. 

Elements of the project aim to connect motivated students to a champion landholder who is promoting biodiversity conservation, as well as scientific experts in biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices.

Visit the Conservation Champions website

Conservation Champions project outcomes ALCA 2022

Watch this short recording of the Conservation Champions project outcomes, which was presented at the ALCA 2022 conference.

Biodiversity Conservation - Deniliquin High School

Celebrating our Conservation Champions in Deni and learning about biodiversity conservation with Deniliquin High School.

Biodiversity Education - Boorowa Primary School

Celebrating our Conservation Champions and learning about biodiversity conservation in Boorowa with local primary school students.

A series of ‘Biodiversity on my land’ boxes developed with the Australian Museum are used throughout the Conservation Champions program, and contain additional engaging activities and resources including games, puppets, bush treasure hunts and picture books. 

An online interactive unit targeted at year 11 agriculture students is also used as part of classroom activities, adding flexibility to the project. This interactive unit includes a cause and effect module, highlighting the ecosystem services conservation areas can provide to an agricultural landscape. 

Conservation Champions is aligned with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum requirements and involves a range of free primary and secondary resources (available for download below). The resources and lessons are linked with the curriculum for stages 1-6 and excursions linked for stages 5-6. 

The entire project is free for schools, including assistance with travel arrangements. All presenters have their WWCC & First Aid. 

If you have any questions or are interested in getting involved in Conservation Champions, please get in touch by filling out this short online form. 

Visit the Conservation Champions website

Native Grasslands - what can we find?

Join Alice as she explores the wonders of a native grassland! Come and meet all the amazing creatures who call this ecosystem home! We also meet farmer Viv who is managing her grassland for biodiversity values alongside her productive farming activities.

What can you find in a woodland?

Join Alice on a tour of a NSW woodland! Alice will show you the kinds of animals you can find and chat about why woodlands are so important.

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what is biodiversity
Learning Activity 1.33 MB
What is biodiversity?

An overview of the key elements that make up the word biodiversity

Download (PDF, 1.33 MB)
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Ecosystem Services
Learning Activity 1.2 MB
Ecosystem services

An overview of the categories of ecosystem services that support primary industries and landholders

Download (PDF, 1.2 MB)

 

Enjoy the games below by printing and cutting out!

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Celebrity heads
Learning Activity 4.5 MB
Celebrity heads

A native animal version of classic game - celebrity heads!

Download (PDF, 4.5 MB)
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Corridor game
Learning Activity 1.48 MB
Tree corridor game with pieces

A biodiversity conservation edition of traditional 'snakes and ladders'

Download (PDF, 1.48 MB)

A biodiversity conservation edition of Monopoly! See game and pieces plus card decks below. 

Download game instructions here.

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Conservationopoly
Learning Activity 2.09 MB
Conservationopoly board, dice and pieces

An in-depth game with a focus on biodiversity conservation in an agricultural setting

Download (PDF, 2.09 MB)
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Conservationopoly card decks
Learning Activity 2.27 MB
Conservationopoly card decks

Card decks to print and cut out as part of Conservationopoly game

Download (PDF, 2.27 MB)

 

Enjoy the activities below by printing and cutting out!

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Woodlands
Learning Activity 1016.1 KB
Woodland ecosystem activity

Match native species with their habitat in a woodland ecosystem

Download (PDF, 1016.1 KB)
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Koala crown
Learning Activity 350.08 KB
Koala crown

Cut out, staple and wear!

Download (PDF, 350.08 KB)
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Parrot crown
Learning Activity 164.55 KB
Parrot crown

Cut out, staple and wear!

Download (PDF, 164.55 KB)
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BCT Colouring pack
Learning Activity 2.54 MB
Colouring in biodiversity

A fun colouring activity

Download (PDF, 2.54 MB)
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BCT Activity Page
Learning Activity 828.44 KB
Biodiversity find-a-word and maze

A fun and simple learning activity

Download (PDF, 828.44 KB)
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book
Publication 2.86 MB
I am similar, we are different - children's book

A story about the special features of threatened native species

Download (PDF, 2.86 MB)
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MIAB
Publication 9.97 MB
Biodiversity on my land box supporting resources

Resources to support the activities included in the Biodiversity on my land - museum in a box

Download (PDF, 9.97 MB)
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Quick
Publication 1.24 MB
Quick activities instructions

A selection of quick activities to support the Biodiversity on my land - museum in a box

Download (PDF, 1.24 MB)

A biodiversity conservation edition of Monopoly! See game and pieces plus card decks below. 

Download game instructions here.

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Conservationopoly
Learning Activity 2.09 MB
Conservationopoly board, dice and pieces

An in-depth game with a focus on biodiversity conservation in an agricultural setting

Download (PDF, 2.09 MB)
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Conservationopoly card decks
Learning Activity 2.27 MB
Conservationopoly card decks

Card decks to print and cut out as part of Conservationopoly game

Download (PDF, 2.27 MB)
Biodiversity in our Soils

Learn about what makes up our soil and why biodiversity is important for soil health - and the overall health of an ecosystem!

Landholders

Learn conservation management activity you can do on your property via our free online learning program of themed modules. The modules can be completed via your computer, tablet device or mobile. Completion contributes towards a Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management.

Review the modules

The BCT’s conservation management video series is for landholders participating in private land conservation or considering doing so. They provide best practice management advice to landholders and complement the BCT’s conservation management guidelines available here. 

Integrated weed management

Learn about protecting and enhancing the biodiversity on your property by controlling weed outbreaks through integrated weed management.

Watch the video here [Youtube] 
Managing for Conservation
Restoring Native Vegetation

The BCT's Nigel and Dani talk through the different factors to consider before undertaking a native vegetation restoration project on your property.

Watch the video here 
Managing for Conservation
Recovering from a Fire Event

BCT Ecologist Joel Stibbard talks through the steps for recovering after a bushfire event, how to prepare for future fires, and what you can do to help restore the biodiversity on your property.

Watch the video here 
Managing for Conservation
Grazing as a Conservation Tool

The BCT's Alice McGrath talks through the key things to consider when using grazing as a tool for conservation.

Watch the video here 
Managing for Conservation
Hollows to support habitat

The BCT's Harriet Ampt talks through different options to help native animals by installing artificial hollows on your land.

Watch the video here 
Managing for Conservation
Exploring your conservation area

The BCT's Joel Stibbard talks through the various ways to identify and record the biodiversity on your property and highlight how the information can build our understanding of landscape.

Watch the video here 
Managing for Conservation
Wildlife friendly fencing

Watch the BCT's Joel Stibbard talk over important things to consider when choosing appropriate fencing for your conservation area.

Watch the video here 
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Grazing management tools
Publication 1.77 MB
Grazing management tools

A deck of grazing management 'cards' to assist with measuring healthy condition vegetation and ground cover, identify who's grazing in your paddock, and set up photo monitoring points. Print, cut out and attach together as a handy guide.

Download (PDF, 1.77 MB)
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Sward
Publication 127.96 KB
Sward height ruler - all BCT regions

Print and cut out this ruler (double-sided) to assist in measuring average sward height of native grasses in your conservation area.

Download (PDF, 127.96 KB)
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Sward
Publication 139.76 KB
Sward height ruler - Central West region

Print and cut out this ruler (double-sided) to assist in measuring average sward height of native grasses specific to the Central West NSW in your conservation area.

Download (PDF, 139.76 KB)

The BCT’s BioBites video series featuring BCT staff was created in 2020. These short videos for kids and big kids at heart who love learning about biodiversity without having to travel.

BCT BioBites Episode 1
How to Identify Eucalyptus Trees

Nigel shares his tips on how to identify different types of eucalypts just by observing their bark.

Watch the episode here 
BCT BioBites Episode 2
How to Make a Native Bee Hotel

Join BCT ecologist and novice handyman Joel to learn how to make a bee hotel and support our local bee populations.

Watch the episode here 
BCT BioBites Episode 3
The Wonders of Wattles

In this episode of BioBites, Cassie and her son Toby take you on a tour of a wattle wonderland.

Watch the episode here 
BCT BioBites Episode 4
Looking for Biodiversity

Alice takes us for a walk on the farm and shows us how to identify biodiversity - a great exercise for kids and budding ecologists.

Watch the episode here 
BCT BioBites Episode 5
Backyard Birdbaths

BCT Ecologist and resident bird nerd Tiff shows us some tips and tricks on how to build a birdbath.

Watch the episode here 
BCT BioBites Episode 6
Setting Camera Traps

In this episode Toby shows us how to set up a camera trap to help identify the animals living on your property.

Watch the episode here 

Keep up to date with upcoming events and webinars, as well as past recordings in case you miss out on the day of viewing - https://www.bct.nsw.gov.au/info/events

 

Partnerships

The BCT and Landcare NSW are working with regional Landcare networks to raise awareness and support private land conservation efforts across the state.

A co-managed and community-guided program, Partnering in Private Land Conservation Program aims to work collaboratively to build understanding and skills regarding biodiversity, educate private landholders on conservation efforts, and increase participation in private land conservation.

The 2-and-a-half-year program will build on, and further, the successful work already undertaken by the NSW Landcare community and the strength of partnerships and understanding of the importance of biodiversity at a grass roots level.

Key objectives of the project include:

  • Building understanding and capacity between the BCT and local Landcare groups to complement each other’s knowledge and skills and plan how to work together.
  • Building biodiversity conservation knowledge with landholders through communication and education initiatives. This will be delivered through grant funding to eligible groups who wish to participate.
  • Increase the participation of landholders in private land conservation programs.

Regional Landcare Networks Projects

Across the state, Regional Landcare Networks have been funded to develop networking, education and communication activities with private landholders. These projects will build understanding of private land conservation and increase opportunities for regional Landcare and BCT staff and volunteers to meet and share their knowledge and skills.

Private landholders will be provided with opportunities to network, participate in education and training activities and share their stories of conservation on their own land.

Visit the Landcare NSW website to read about upcoming regional projects.

We encourage you to contact Landcare NSW or your regional Landcare Network for more information on how to participate.

The BCT has partnered with the Australian Museum (AM) on their world-leading citizen science project, FrogID.

Developed by the AM, FrogID is a free mobile app for iOS and Android devices that enables anyone to help monitor frogs by recording their calls. Frogs are highly sensitive to changes on land and in water and declines in frog populations are shown to have large-scale, long-term ecosystem-level impacts.

The BCT is encouraging landholders to get involved in this important initiative to help track changes in frog populations, fill knowledge gaps, gauge the effects of environmental change and inform landholders about the state of the environment.

See the resources below for more information and how to get involved.  

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BCT and FrogID
Publication 4.69 MB
FrogID and BCT

Learn about why frogs are important for biodiversity and how to download the FrogID app to monitor for frogs on your land

Download (PDF, 4.69 MB)
Video
Monitor frog and ecosystem health on your land

A recording of the webinar co-hosted by the BCT and Australian Museum(AM) to celebrate FrogID week in November 2021.

Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology, Dr Jodi Rowley talks about the importance of frogs and the threats they currently face, why we should carefully manage their habitats, and how you can use the AM's free FrogID app to help monitor biodiversity on your land. 

Watch the video here 
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FrogID how to
Publication 258.83 KB
How to use the FrogID App

A simple guide to downloading and using the FrogID app

Download (PDF, 258.83 KB)
Video
How to use FrogID

A short video featuring Dr Jodi Rowley explaining how the FrogID app works.

Watch the video here 

Past projects

Biodiversity Conservation - Deniliquin High School

Celebrating our Conservation Champions in Deni and learning about biodiversity conservation with Deniliquin High School.

Biodiversity Education - Boorowa Primary School

Celebrating our Conservation Champions and learning about biodiversity conservation in Boorowa with local primary school students.

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Biodiversity Conservation at Boorowa
Publication 23.95 MB
Biodiversity Conservation at Boorowa

A book by students Isabella Piper, Ella Mcintosh, Emma Craig and Carrie Smith.

Download (PDF, 23.95 MB)
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Biodiversity Conservation at Mater Dei
Publication 18.78 MB
Biodiversity Conservation at Mater Dei

A book by students Holly Reinke, Jack Dunlop, Larissa MacDonald and Luke Krvavac from Macarthur Anglican School, Cobbitty.

Download (PDF, 18.78 MB)
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Biodiversity Conservation at Moona
Publication 17.23 MB
Biodiversity Conservation at Moona

A book by students Emma McCallum, Patrick Taggert, Hayden Kelvey, Austin Schofield, Bella White, Carly Fisher & Sophie Stringer.

Download (PDF, 17.23 MB)
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Biodiversity Conservation at The Yanko
Publication 9.69 MB
Biodiversity Conservation at The Yanko

A book by Year 5/6 students of St. Joseph’s Primary School, Jerilderie

Download (PDF, 9.69 MB)
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Biodiversity Conservation at Fowler’s Gap
Publication 17.31 MB
Biodiversity Conservation at Fowler’s Gap

A book by Year 5/6 students from School of the Air, Broken Hill and Hay.

Download (PDF, 17.31 MB)
MaterDei field day