Young Minds Connect with Nature: NEPAFE Celebrates World Environment Day at Tidbinbilla

Children from Pathsala Canberra joined NEPAFE at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve for a memorable day of discovery, birdwatching, and hands-on environmental learning.

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, the Nepalese Association of Agriculture, Forestry & Environment in Australia (NEPAFE) came together with the young students of Pathsala Canberra for a special outdoor celebration at the stunning Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The event, held on 7 June 2026, brought together children, educators, and nature enthusiasts for an afternoon of exploration, learning, and inspiration.

A Walk Through The Sanctuary

The program kicked off at 12:00 PM, and the group was fortunate to be welcomed right at the start by Robyn, a dedicated Park Care Volunteer at Tidbinbilla. Robyn gave the group a warm and informative introduction to the reserve, covering the local flora and fauna found in the area, fascinating insights into platypus activity and where to spot them, tips on the best spots to look out for wildlife, and an important overview of park etiquette and safety. Her local knowledge and enthusiasm set a wonderful tone for the afternoon and was warmly appreciated by children and adults alike.

From there, Mr. Sujan Neupane from NEPAFE led the group on a guided walk through The Sanctuary — one of Tidbinbilla’s most cherished wildlife precincts. The relaxed, interactive walk gave children the opportunity to observe native animals and birds in their natural habitats, sparking curiosity and wonder in equal measure.

Highlights of the walk included sightings of several beautiful bird species, including the Dusky Moorhen, the iconic Laughing Kookaburra, graceful Pied Ducks, and elegant Swans — a wonderful introduction to the rich birdlife that calls Tidbinbilla home.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The outing was far more than a nature walk. Mr. Neupane facilitated a casual interactive session throughout the walk, weaving together conversations about birds and animals, the significance of healthy habitats, the principles of sustainability, and the rich Indigenous history of the Tidbinbilla area. Learning materials provided by BirdLife Australia were used to engage the children in age-appropriate activities, making ecology accessible and exciting.

The children explored a range of important themes during the program:

• Identifying native bird species and understanding their ecological roles
• The importance of protecting natural habitats and biodiversity
• Environmental sustainability and what it means in everyday life
• The Indigenous history and cultural significance of the Tidbinbilla area
• Practical strategies to reduce waste, reuse resources, and recycle responsibly

Championing a Circular Future

With valuable support from Recycle To Revive (R2R), the program also incorporated an important message around the reduce, reuse, recycle framework. Young participants learned practical, everyday actions they can take to minimise their environmental footprint — empowering them to become active agents of change in their homes, schools, and communities.

Part of a Broader Educational Initiative

This World Environment Day celebration was not a standalone event. It forms part of NEPAFE’s ongoing workshop and educational initiative, made possible through grant support from BirdLife Australia. The program is designed to create meaningful awareness around habitat protection, environmental conservation, and sustainability — with a particular focus on engaging youth from the Nepalese-Australian community and beyond.

NEPAFE believes that the next generation holds the key to a sustainable future, and events like this are a vital step in nurturing that potential. By turning a day out in nature into a rich educational experience, we hope to inspire children to see themselves as guardians of the environment — today and for years to come.