Back to the City: our first week in Perth

Upon completing our presentations in Dongara, we hit the road again and headed south. Driving to Perth in the fully packed Turtle Wagon was long and exhausting, but we took a few breaks along the way to stretch and enjoy the landscape. As scientists, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to check out the rocky coast of Green Head and the weird geological formations in Nambung National Park.

The first weekend in the city was spent exploring Scarborough Beach, and after a few days of relaxing, we were ready to bring sea turtle conservation to the urban classrooms of Perth.

Week one in Perth brought us to Mater Dei College, Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, Duncraig Senior High School, Carine Senior High School, Churchlands Senior High School, St. Mary’s Anglican Girls School, Boyare Primary School, and Wanneroo Secondary College. This week we had the chance to present to a lot of high school biology and environmental science classes. It was great to talk about our work up at Gnaraloo and, more broadly, spread the message of conservation to the next generation of scientists. Even the primary school students surprised us with their level of enthusiasm and previous knowledge of sea turtles.

This passion is exactly why we all got into the marine sciences, so it has been inspiring to witness that connection between students and the ocean. Thank you to the staff and students of our first round of Perth schools for hosting us and for getting excited about conservation!

– Kimberly Nielsen (GTCP 2015/16 Scientific Intern)