WILD MINDS program sparks curiosity through nature

Children and families are exploring the wonders of the natural world through the Tasmanian Arboretum’s new WILD MINDS Discovery Days program, supported by the Tasmanian Community Fund.

Based at the Arboretum in Eugenana, the initiative uses hands-on, nature-based learning experiences to help young people build curiosity, confidence and a stronger connection with the environment.

Tasmanian Arboretum Committee Member and Schools Education Program Organiser Phil Murray said TCF support had helped transform the program from an idea into a growing community initiative.

“TCF support was transformational for our program and since the documents were formalised in January, we have been flat out leveraging that support to get WILD MINDS up and running,” he said.

“The funding allowed us to purchase valuable equipment and expertise, including the creation of curriculum materials that we fully leveraged for our Wild Wings program last month.”

More than 20 children and 15 parents attended the recent Wild Wings Discovery Day, which focused on the diverse birdlife that calls the Arboretum home.

Activities included bird spotting, learning bird calls, building nests, examining feathers and nesting materials under microscopes and creating clay bird sculptures inspired by the day’s discoveries.

Mr Murray said the positive feedback from families reinforced the value of interactive outdoor learning.

“There are numerous studies that demonstrate the immense value for learning when it is done in nature and is interactive,” he said.

“Most recently, comments from parents and how impressed they were with their children’s engagement with Wild Wings supported that assessment.”

The WILD MINDS program also continues to build partnerships with organisations including UTAS Children’s University, Landcare Tasmania and local producers and educators, helping broaden opportunities for participating children and families.

Mr Murray said these partnerships were critical to the long-term success of the initiative.

“Our partnerships are vitally important and the grant allowed us to expand those relationships,” he said.

“Children’s University has been invaluable in helping us engage families and encourage children to take part in these experiences.”

The program is also helping attract new volunteers and advisors to the Arboretum, with education and environmental experts set to help develop future Discovery Day activities throughout the year.

Mr Murray said the broader goal of WILD MINDS was to create enjoyable experiences that fostered lifelong curiosity and connection with nature.

“We want WILD MINDS Discovery Days to offer children a fun and interactive experience that helps them understand the excitement of being in nature,” he said.

“These experiences help spark curiosity, observational skills and the joy of exploring.”