Nature Education Symposium
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, which is part of the Office of Environment and Heritage, is pleased to host the Nature Education Symposium.
When: Thursday 9 August 2012, from 10am to 4pm (doors open at 9.30am with morning tea)
Where: ANZ Lecture Theatre, Taronga Zoo
Online bookings: use our secure payment facility to book online.
Event information
The event will feature a keynote address by Richard Louv, author of several books including Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle and co-founder and chairman of the Children and Nature Network in the USA. Louv coined the term 'nature‐deficit disorder' to describe the disturbing disconnect between people, particularly children, and nature. He outlines the positive effects of nature on the development of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and creative skills in children.
Richard will be accompanied by Australian experts from a variety of fields to talk about the importance of nature in children's development, as well as discuss the role that technology can play in nature education and in children’s engagement with nature.
This is your opportunity to meet one of the world's leading international speakers, whose writings and associated research are influencing programs and policies around the world. Learn about new education tools and be inspired!
Participants to the Nature Education Symposium will expect to gain:
An opportunity to engage in person with Richard Louv and other leading practitioners in the field of nature education
Knowledge and understanding of Richard Louv’s case for nature-deficit disorder and proposed solutions to overcome nature-deficit disorder
Inspiration to engage children in nature
Ideas to inspire and support the development of programs, activities and skills for implementation when teaching or educating
Knowledge and understanding of the emerging technologies and tools.
Program and speakers
Venue Show details
Taronga Zoo is home to many threatened and endangered animals
Bradleys Head Road, Mosman 2088
The ANZ Lecture Theatre is located in the Taronga Centre, which is adjacent to Taronga Zoo. The foyer overlooks the baby cotton top monkeys and harbour, and is flooded with natural light.
Taronga Zoo, Sydney, is one of the most beautiful zoos in the world, with spectacular views over Sydney Harbour, and is home to the largest native and exotic animal collection in NSW. Taronga Zoo is Sydney's favourite attraction and winner of the 'NSW Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attractions' 2010 and 2011, as well as 'Best Major Attraction' at the 2011 national Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
How to get there Show details
Access to the ANZ Lecture Theatre is through Taronga Centre outside the main gate. See map (PDF, 500KB).
The quickest and easiest way to get to Taronga Zoo is by public transport.
Contact the Transport Information Line on 131500 or http://131500.com.au for more information.
Ferry
A direct ferry to Taronga Zoo is available from Circular Quay. The ferry departs every half hour and takes approximately 15 minutes. Guests are advised to use their event ticket to catch the Sky Safari cable cart from the Taronga Zoo Ferry Wharf to the main entrance. Sky Safari operates every day from 9.30am.
Bus
Buses depart Wynyard Station every half hour and drop guests off at the Taronga Zoo main entrance.
Parking
Parking is available at the zoo. Entry to the carpark is from Bradleys Head Road. The first 90 minutes is free and after that a day rate of $16 is payable. There is also limited, metered parking available for an all day/flat rate of $12 per vehicle, or $4 per hour.
Registration Show details
Cost: $50 per adult, $30 per student concession. Please note concession rate applies to Australian student card holders only. ID must be presented.
The entrance ticket includes:
- Full day access to the Symposium
- Tea, coffee, fruit, sweet pastries and muffin on arrival
- Lunch (NB special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice. Please contact Eric Chartrand via email eric.chartrand@environment.nsw.gov.au to discuss specific dietary needs).
The registration fee is tax deductible as part of professional development. Please keep the receipt for tax purposes.
Online booking: use our secure payment facility to book online.
Note that this event will be recorded for promotion and the development of educational materials. The Department of Education and Communities is supporting the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for the production of the materials.
For registration enquiries, please contact:
National Parks Contact Centre
13000 PARKS (13000 72757)
Parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
About us Show details
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is part of the Office of Environment and Heritage which is part of the Department of Premier and Cabinet. We work to protect and conserve the NSW environment, including the natural environment, Aboriginal country, culture and heritage and our built heritage, and manages New South Wales national parks and reserves. New South Wales has over 870 national parks and reserves. They include landscapes from rainforests and rugged bush to marine wonderlands and outback deserts.
For more information visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
WilderQuest
WilderQuest is a program incorporating an online environment and in-nature experiences, developed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to encourage children and their families to spend time in nature. The WilderQuest website has an emphasis on helping Australian children become comfortable with and fascinated by nature.
For more information visit http://wilderquest.nsw.gov.au
Taronga Conservation Society Australia
The Taronga Conservation Society Australia operates Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo and many supporting capabilities including wildlife hospitals, education centres and the philanthropic Taronga Foundation. The Taronga Conservation Society Australia is committed to creating direct and positive connections between wildlife and people. Its efforts aim to protect threatened species, increase understanding of wildlife and inspire community action.
For more information visit www.taronga.org.au
Media Show details
Partner
An Evening with Richard Louv
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is also hosting will be also be presenting at a special public evening event at the State Library of NSW on Wednesday, 8 August 2012. Registrations are essential – find out more about this event here.
Page last updated: 25 July 2012
