News for Schools
Community Open Day Dazzler
The National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda hosted a Community Open Day on Tuesday the 8th of April with over 700 people attending the free day. In the hall, kids made treasure boxes, coloured in pictures and painted lady birds onto stones. Wildlife rescuers brought in rescued possums and a Tawny Frogmouth owl to help people understand and appreciate these animals that live in the trees around our homes.Parks Victoria fire fighters were there, giving the kids a chance to sit in and walk around one of the tankers that is used to fight fires in the forested areas. Rangers also ran puppet shows and showed the kids how to make their own damper.Visitors especially enjoyed the chance to get ‘up close and personal’ with many of pythons and lizards displayed by the snake handler, who fascinated all with talks about the diversity of reptiles found in Australia.
“The family atmosphere in the gardens was great! Children and their parents enjoying an old fashioned fun day out together with games, face painting, puppet shows and children’s crafts. Ranger Roo even came by to open a brand new sensory garden for people to enjoy,” said Parks Victoria Team Leader, Maureen Irvin. If you missed the community open day this year don’t despair, it is held every year in the Easter school holidays, so keep your eye out for the Community Open Day in 2010. The National Rhododendron Gardens are located in The Georgian Road, Olinda (Melway Reference 66 K6). Entry charges apply and group bookings are welcome.
News item posted: 17 April 2009
