GOLDCREST HIGH NATURE CLUB

One of the priorities of Goldcrest High Latur is to teach its pupils the importance of conserving our environment. As a start on this journey that can last through one's whole life, the school invited Mr. Julius Rego, who is associated with the Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai to visit the school and interact with the children.

Mr. Rego visited the school on 14 September 2010 and gave our Grade 3 to Grade 6 students an opportunity to experience nature. The children were taken on a nature walk to familiarize them with the flora and fauna of the area surrounding the school. This activity created an awareness in the students that that they are an integral part of the environment and more importantly, that they should endeavor in whatever way they can, to protect our environment .

Mr. Rego explained to them the difference between looking and observing. The students found a new way of looking at their surroundings - with a different vision. They were thrilled to observe at least fifteen types of butterflies such as the common grass yellow- Eurema hecabe, small grass yellow - Eurema brigata, plain tiger - Danaus chrysipus, common crow- Euploea core, painted lady- Vanessa cardui. Along with butterflies various types of birds were also spotted like Drongo,
Sunbird, Green bee eater, Red wattled lapwing, Robbin, Stork, and Egrets. The students were made aware of the fresh water eco system existing around the school campus.

Small steps leading to big leaps – To take the children further on the path to environmental awareness, the following plans have been made:

• Interschool drawing  and painting competitions
• Invitation to other schools to participate in the schools efforts towards environmental awareness
• Creation of a vegetable garden
• Creation of a butterfly garden with plants in plots to attract butterflies
• Creation of a wild flower garden
• Attempts to harvest rainwater
• Take children on field trips to places such as abandoned stone quarries, Kharosa caves, etc.
• Visit the  municipal office to learn about solid waste collection and disposal
• Making of Composting bins for students
• Teaching the principles of recycling and reusing: children can collect used plastic or waste  and that can be reused
• Teach the importance of resource conservation: water & electricity
• Send projects to the Children’s Science Congress organized by Department of Science and Technology

Mr. Rego recommended the following books which would give information on the activities listed above:

• Common Indian Wild Flowers: Isaac Kehimkar  : Published by BNHS
• Flowers of Sahyadri VOL. 1and 2 : Dr. Shrikant Ingalhallikar
• Book on butterfly: Krishnamegh Kunte
• Birds of Indian subcontinent: Inskip
• Trees of Delhi: Kishen and  Dr. Sahani
• Silent spring : Dr. Rachel Carson
• Secrets of soil : Tomkins Peter