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December was a month of exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with nature at Aurovanam. Through field-based activities, nature walks, and school visits, students and community members deepened their understanding of local biodiversity, ecological relationships, and conservation practices. Aurovanam continued to function not only as a green space, but as a living learning ecosystem where observation, reflection, and experiential learning come together.
As part of Aurovanam’s ongoing “Know Your Bioregion” initiative, a bird walk was organized on December 7, 2024, at Nallavadu Lagoon, one of the important wetland habitats in the region. The walk focused on shorebird observation, habitat awareness, and field identification techniques.
A total of 27 registered participants — students, nature enthusiasts, and community members — took part in the event. With the guidance of resource persons, participants identified 56 bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. The walk helped participants:
understand wetland and lagoon ecosystems
observe bird behaviour, feeding patterns, and flight characteristics
learn the basics of using binoculars and field guides
recognize the importance of conserving nesting and feeding habitats
The program emphasized that bird watching is not only a hobby, but also a powerful tool for biodiversity monitoring and environmental education. Participants expressed keen interest in continuing similar nature-based activities in the future.
Aurovanam welcomed students and teachers from different schools during December, providing them with opportunities to learn directly from nature through interactive tours and demonstrations.
On December 30, 2024, 20 Higher Secondary NSS students and three teachers from Navalar Nedunchezhian Government Higher Secondary School, Lawspet, visited as part of their environmental education exposure program. Students explored:
the seed bank, learning about seed conservation and indigenous varieties
the kitchen garden, where organic cultivation practices were demonstrated
various thematic gardens, highlighting medicinal and culturally significant plants
The visit encouraged students to reflect on sustainable living, local ecology, and the role of youth in protecting natural resources.
Earlier in the month, on December 12, 2024, 50 children and five teachers from Kalapet Kuppam Government Primary School visited Aurovanam. This visit was especially designed for younger learners. Students participated in a guided nature trail where they were introduced to:
the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF) ecosystem
medicinal plants and their traditional uses
the vibrant butterfly garden
solar dryer technology used for natural food preservation
the functioning of the biogas system for waste-to-energy conversion
Children were encouraged to ask questions, touch and observe plant varieties, and share their own experiences of nature from their homes and villages. Teachers noted that the visit helped students connect classroom learning with real-life environmental practices.
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Auro Vanam Aurovanam Initiatives: Nurturing Connections Between People and Nature This month, Aurovanam continued its mission of fostering environmental aware..
This month, Aurovanam continued its mission of fostering environmental aware..