There was a real sense of excitement at Ballandean State School as students stepped into a special year-long project focused on the endangered Bells Turtle and the creeks it calls home. From the school excursion to the turtle hatchery at the University of New England in Armidale to hands-on learning beside Accommodation Creek near Ballandean, the project is giving children the chance to connect with nature in a fun way that is both memorable and meaningful.

For Redleaf Group General Manager Dr Darren Fielder, the project is a chance to share something deeply personal as well as professional.

“This project is very special to me because it gives young people the chance to see firsthand how important our creeks and waterways are,” Dr Fielder said.

“When children begin to understand that a creek is not just water in a gully, but a living home for turtles, fish, platypus and so many other plants and animals, that’s when real care starts to grow.”

The students certainly embraced the experience with enthusiasm. They loved learning “turtle facts,” asked thoughtful questions, and took a keen interest in the habitat around them. Standing on the creek bank, they imagined the environment as home not just for turtles, but for fish, platypus and the many creatures that depend on healthy waterways.

“The kids were brilliant,” Dr Fielder said.

“They were curious, engaged and full of great questions. That kind of curiosity is exactly what we want to encourage, because it builds understanding, and understanding leads to care.”

For many of the younger students, the visit became even more memorable when they proudly received their “Turtle Hero” certificates from The Turtle Man!

“Seeing the little ones light up when they got their Turtle Hero certificates was fantastic,” Dr Fielder said.

“It was a simple but powerful way to recognise their learning and to help them feel part of something bigger.”

The project is about much more than one threatened species. It is about helping the next generation grow up with a stronger understanding of creeks, rivers and the living systems they support. It is about creating future leaders, parents and community members who care deeply about the environment and understand why it matters.

“This is exactly the kind of project that matters for the future,” Dr Fielder said.

“We are not just talking about conservation in the abstract. We are helping children connect with the places they know, and with the creatures that live there. That connection can last a lifetime.”

The initiative is supported by the NED Foundation (Nurturing Evolutionary Development) and reflects the kind of practical, place-based environmental learning that makes a lasting difference. Redleaf Group is pleased to be part of a project that not only helps protect a threatened species, but also gives young people the chance to connect with nature, build confidence and contribute to something meaningful in their own community.

“What makes this project extra special is the bigger picture,” Dr Fielder said.

“It reflects the way we like to think at Redleaf Group — making better decisions today for the benefit of the generations of tomorrow.”

This is the first in a series of updates that will be shared throughout the year as the project progresses. Redleaf Group looks forward to highlighting the work of GBSAN (Granite Belt Sustainable Action Network), Ballandean State School and the many people helping make this initiative such a success.