Pesky Pests is a free, science-based education program for Foundation to Year 6 students, focused on environmental sustainability and linked to the Australian Curriculum. Read on to find out what's been happening during Term 1 of 2025.

Update on the 2025 program

Our Pesky Pests science education program for primary schools is off to a strong start in its second year. 2025 began with engaging school holiday sessions at local libraries, followed by our popular incursions making their way into classrooms as the school year got underway.

What's in a Pesky Pests incursion?

In a 90-minute lesson on feral animals, students explore the impact of invasive species and how to investigate the signs to identify local pests. Or in the seeds lesson, they learn what makes a plant invasive, examine the fascinating variety of seed shapes, and take part in hands-on experiments to understand how seeds spread through the environment.

State NRM Stewardship grant application

Building on the success of the Pesky Pests outreach program, we recently submitted an application for a State NRM Stewardship grant. 

Our proposed project seeks to expand the initiative into secondary schools, with a strong focus on educating students about biosecurity threats and sustainability challenges unique to the Peel Harvey region. With expanded outreach, we can foster scientific curiosity, increase awareness of local environmental issues and inspire students of all ages to take an active role in protecting our natural resources.

Bilby giveaway

This Easter, we encouraged local schools to celebrate bilbies, not bunnies! Designed to raise awareness about native wildlife, the initiative highlights the greater bilby, a unique Australian marsupial that’s sadly under threat. Easter bilby story books, fact sheets, chocolates and fun activities, such as creating a bilby easter hat, went out to local schools who participated in our Pesky Pests outreach program.

Murray Toy Library donation

We were very pleased to be able to donate a Pesky Pests resource box to the Murray Toy Library in time for the Easter school holidays. This resource box is jam-packed with educational activities to inspire young learners to learn about and protect their local environment.