Adopt-a-Spot showcase at Nala Bardip Mia/Margaret River Heart this December

An exhibition showcasing a year’s work on behalf of the local environment has set up at the Margaret River Heart. Backed by peak environmental group Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, the new exhibit combines working artists and primary school-aged children for a showcase with a difference — and a very important message, organisers say. The showing stems from Nature Conservation’s Adopt-a-Spot program which sees school groups focus on one local area, studying and strategising ways to protect it. For the first time this year, artists came on board to help the students engage deeper with the program while exploring endemic plants and animals in the region. The latest science as well as Wadandi stories and connection were explored. Adopt-a-Spot program co-ordinator Tracey Muir, who is also the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River deputy president, said students relished the chance to learn and work with artists as part of their on-the-ground conservation work. The guidance of traditional owners at chosen bushland and coastal spots featured strongly in participant feedback, she said. “It allowed students to not only learn the science and culture of their local patches, but also how to express and communicate these values through art and celebrate their significance with the whole community,” Cr Muir said. “Kids learned from Wadandi custodians about the cultural significance of bushland or coastal reserves that they adopt and care for. “It means some special areas of cultural and environmental significance can be restored and cared for consistently, with the help of volunteers and school students.” Artist Cara Ratajczak from Weaving Boodja described the revamped Adopt-a-Spot program as an “incredible opportunity for local kids to truly investigate a special spot in the South West”. “Not only are the students learning about their spot’s ecological value, but they’re also connecting with the location on a cultural level and exploring their area creatively,” she says. “It’s incredible to interweave these stories (of Wadandi custodians) with a spot’s ecological importance to then create an artwork with the kids.” The exhibition opens today and runs until December 13.