Friends of the Kalamunda Railway Heritage Trail member, Ms Lynette Clayton, entertained the students with stories about the history of the area, dating back to 1891 when the steam trains transported timber from the sawmills. She spoke about the various activities of the Friends Group in preserving the trail and its history. She also engaged the students by identifying some of the recent plantings of native species.

The KSESC Community Services Program has continuing with educational activities being conducted by the City of Kalamunda’s Environmental Services and Fire Mitigation teams. City of Kalamunda staff taught the students about the importance of keeping natural areas free of rubbish to protect native species, followed by fire protection activities, learning about the value of fire breaks, reducing fuel loads and controlled burns.

Past talks have included flora and fauna identification, weed control, cultural walks and bird watching activities.

Mayor Margaret Thomas said, “The City is proud to be working with these classroom heroes and giving them the opportunity to have integrated lessons outside of formal classroom settings.”

“We are very grateful for the work completed by schools’ Community Services Programs and groups like the Friends of the Railway Heritage Trail who give back to the community and the environment.”

For more information please contact the City of Kalamunda on 9257 9999, email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.

Image: A Friends Group volunteer informing the students about activities at the Kalamunda Tennis Court car park located along Railway Road in Kalamunda

Students cleaning up on the Railway Heritage Trial

Image: City of Kalamunda Fire Mitigation staff demonstrating the fire control equipment

Image: City of Kalamunda Fire Mitigation staff demonstrating a controlled burn