NSW Environmental Education Centres

Natural learning

Riverina Environmental Education Centre

Riverina EEC

The Riverina Environmental Education Centre (REEC) is situated on the Olympic Way at Wagga Wagga. It is a facility of the NSW Department of Education and Communities and provides services to public schools in NSW.

REEC has been established for 24 years and caters on average for 5000 Kindergarten to Year 12 students per annum. The Centre is committed to assisting students and teachers understanding and improving the quality of their environment.

Facilities at REEC include an Administration Office, Demountable Classroom, Microscope & Interactive Classroom and Traditional Aboriginal Campsite set in surrounding bushland.

The Centre is staffed by a full-time Principal, Teacher and an Administrative Manager, and a part-time General Assistant.

Students mainly use REEC in the Murrumbidgee catchment, as well as schools from Lachlan and Murray catchments within reasonable travel time to Wagga. Schools from Griffith, Hillston, West Wyalong, Young, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Khancoban, Albury, Corowa, Finley, Deniliquin and all surrounding areas utilise the Centre on a regular basis throughout the year.

REEC runs a mix of programs to cater to students (K-12) from the region. Student groups visit the Centre or Centre staff visit schools throughout the Riverina and Southwest slopes, to run outreach programs. The Centre utilises a variety of sites throughout the Riverina for studies. 

REEC works cooperatively with other Environmental Education providers including  Lake Cowal Conservation Centre,  Environmental and Zoo Education Centres, Office of Environment and Heritage, Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils, Wagga Wagga City Council and NSW Universities.

Riverina EEC is on Wiradjuri Country.

Visit Riverina EEC website.

Maps end here
Maps end here


Beneath our feet

Science

Stage 2

Students will participate in hands-on activities that address the importance of soil. This will include a look at the history of the REEC site as the original NSW Soil Conservation Station and the improvements made to the soil over the years. 

They will also :

  • look at historical soil experiments with different grasses
  • observe different coloured topsoils and attempt to match to soil colour palettes
  • conduct two different erosion experiments using bare soil and grass soil pits
  • observe different types of rocks from the REEC collection

This study aligns with 'Beneath Our Feet' from the Primary Connections series.

Program details

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Ecosystems at risk - alpine and sub-alpine Koscuiszko

Geography

Stage 6

The focus of this study is a geographical investigation of the functioning of ecosystems at risk, their management and protection. Students will participate in a 3 day case study and fieldwork of Alpine and Sub-Alpine ecosystems at Kosciuszko National Park to learn about.

  • biophysical interactions which lead to diverse ecosystems and their functioning
  • vulnerability and resilience of ecosystems
  • the importance of ecosystem management and protection
  • evaluation of traditional and contemporary management strategies

Liaison with the REEC school principal is essential, to discuss the logistical planning required for this 3 day excursion.

Schools will be responsible for the planning, booking and expenses for this 3 day excursion.

Program details

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Numeracy in nature

Our Numeracy in Nature site is now LIVE! 

Click this link to be directed to our full site, where you are able to download and print program sheets, activities, worksheets and modelled videos to support the teaching and learning of all Measurement and Space (K-2 new syllabus) and 3-6 Measurement and Geometry (current 3-6 syllabus) outcomes.

View all learning resources