Wetland Walk for budding environmentalists

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) ‘Wetland Walk’ program is about children and their parents being taken on a guided nature walk, in small groups at an urban wetland. The program is specially designed for children between ages 4-12 years. Children and parents ‘exploring’ together is expected to generate interest of the parents to continue the learning experience even at home.

The event is scheduled for 2 April (Sunday) from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Biodiversity Study Park, Thalawathugoda.

Environmental awareness among urban children is increasingly being limited to school curriculums. This is a result of multiple factors such as concentration of housing, increased pressure on education, time constraints of parents and general ‘stresses’ of an urbanised lifestyle. The need to make the younger generation more environmentally savvy is in fact a national need to protect our natural landscapes and biodiversity. Considering the above WNPS felt it was important to create a platform for hands-on learning experiences related to the environment, and to do so within the city.

‘Wetland Walk’ was first conducted in December 2016, with the participation of 120 children and their parents.

The guided tours are organised using a group of handpicked experts from the scientific community linked to environmental conservation, the Young Zoologists Association and volunteers from within the WNPS. The discussion on the field tour focuses on both Flora and Fauna found in the wetlands, along with why wetlands are important for the city and the country.

The venue chosen is the Biodiversity Study Park, Thalawathugoda which is conveniently located, close to the Parliament. This wetland, located on 60 acres of land is said to be home to more than 50 species of wetland birds (including migrants), over 25 butterfly species, many types of fishes, dragonflies, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and many terrestrial and aquatic plant species. Considering the high biodiversity and layout of the facility it was chosen to be ideal for the WNPS children’s program.

Pre-registration is recommended since only 100 children will be accommodated for the event. For more details please contact the WNPS office by phone or email (details below):

Date: 2 April (Sunday)

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Venue: Biodiversity Study Park, Thalawathugoda

Entrance fee: Rs. 1,000 per child (includes membership as a WNPS Junior Member for 2017)

Contact no: 0112 887 390

Email: [email protected], [email protected].