Hampden St helping wipe out wasps
Realising the impact of wasps on our environment has prompted Hampden Street School pupils to donate $360 to Fairfax’s Wasp Wipeout campaign.
A visit and talk from Fairfax Nelson regional editor Victoria Guild earlier in the year sparked the school’s interest in supporting the campaign and four classrooms learnt more about wasps during term one.
‘‘We looked at New Zealand natives and pests, how specifi- cally wasps were damaging New Zealand natives, and looked at things we could do that they could help put a stop to this,’’ Room 17 teacher Savanna Adams said.
The school also held a toy day fundraiser where, for a gold donation, pupils were able to bring their favourite toy to class.
Among the activities were wasp nest models made from pipe cleaners and cardboard, while Adams’ class laid baited wasp traps to try and catch a few of the insects.
Although few wasps were lured in, Adams said the kids enjoyed the experience.
‘‘They just thought it was fun being able to take a soda bottle and put a little sugar and some cat food in there, like a kind of experiment for them.’’
Adams said with many families at Hampden St spending time in the region’s national parks the study had taken on extra relevance, especially with pupils heading on holiday this week.
‘‘I don’t think a lot of them realised how many we have in the region and how much of a pest they were – they thought they were a pest only because they sting, but they actually have quite a large impact,’’ she said.
Awareness had been heightened during trips to swimming holes, with Adams called upon to eliminate the occasional wasp on her students’ behalf.
Room 19 pupil Sofia Eagle said she was surprised to learn how much of an impact wasps had on the environment, while Toby Dukes - who has suffered the misfortune of being stung by wasps and hornets - had learnt that there were more than 1000 queens in a wasp nest.
Guild said she was thrilled to see the pupils take such a strong interest in the Wasp Wipeout campaign.
‘‘These children worked really hard to learn more about what a devastating pest the vespula wasps are, and to raise money for the campaign on top of that is just fantastic.
‘‘Their contribution will certainly help us continue on our path to wiping out wasps in the region.’’