MIG have compiled a list of activities and resources for all ages which will help you and your family learn more about the natural environment and agriculture from your home or farm.

Beautiful Bugs

Insects are some of the most interesting creatures that nature has to offer but unfortunately people know very little about them, and their colourful world.

My Pest Reporter is the best app for identifying bugs. You attach images of the insect you have found onto a report on the app and DPIRD entomologists in Perth will identify what species you have found and a little bit about them.

Every time I see a new bug which I haven’t seen before I send it in, to satisfy my curiosity but also because it is important as it maybe a new introduced species which DPIRD haven’t seen before. 

Bugs come in a wide range of sizes and shapes and generally when I’m not looking, I always find an interesting species that I haven’t seen before.

MIG will have plastic containers available for bug catching. Remember once you have taken your photos to let the bugs go, as no one likes being kept in a jar.

The My Pest Reporter website, shows you reports from all around the world as well as all your submitted reports. Its a great place to see what amazing insects we have across the country.

Learning to talk to Frogs

Frogs can sometimes be hard to spot to help you identify what species it is. Luckily you can help identfy them by their distinct calls.

As a child, my mum borrowed a tape on the frog calls of the south west from the local library. We had to listen to it on the school runs. At first, we thought it was the most annoying thing, but at the end of the 2 weeks we could all mimic the frog calls and I can still tell the difference between a banjo and motor bike frog!

The West Australia Museum has a great online resource for identifying frog called the Alcoa Frog Watch. They are sorted into their regions in WA and show an image of the frog, and what its call sounds like.

Coming into winter our local frogs will become more active, giving you a great opportunity to try and identify the species on your place based on their call.

There is a great app produced by the Australian Museum called the Frog ID app which allows you to recall a frog call and suggests possible species based on the recording. If you get stumped you can upload your recording for an expert to let you know what species you have present.

Visit a dam or river at night and record the frog calls. While you are out there you can take the torch out to see if you can spot any frogs and get a photo. Remember to look and not touch them.  

What’s in your water ways?

There is a lot more living in your water ways than just frogs, fish and yabbies.

There are lots of different invertebrates living in our waterways which are just waiting to be discovered. Nets can be created from an old pair of tights and a coat hanger, or simply collecting a jar of water should provide you with plenty to look at. Majority of the invertebrates that live in our waterways are quite small so a magnify glass and a torch shined onto the jar of water will help with identification.

You could collect samples from different source such as a dam, trough and river to compare what is living in each and how the abundance of species change based on the water source.

Below is links to some resources which will help with your identification of what is living in your waterways.

Build Nesting boxes

Nesting boxes can be quite simple to knock up with the kids, especially if you pre-cut the wood and predrill the holes. There are different entry size holes and designs based on what species you wish to attract.

Due to extensive clearing in this area any nesting boxes will be appreciated, by the local wildlife, but just check the species you are making the box for lives in this region. Micro bats are great neighbours to have as they feed on mosquitoes and moths. By placing the nesting box close to the home, you might be able to spot if something has moved into the box.

Geocaching: Modern day treasure hunting

Geocaching is a great way for kids to learn about directions and latitude and longitude. For those who have not heard of it before it is like modern day treasure hunting, and I would highly recommend googling it as it is done all around the world. Unfortunately, there are not too many geocaching points in Mingenew but you could set up your own geocaching course on your place.

You can hide whatever you want in the caches, you could even make it a high-tech Easter Hunt! The caches are generally a small plastic container hidden under a rock or stashed in a log.

To find the Geocaches you will need either a handheld GPS or a smart phone with a good compass app.

Roadside Clean Up

If everyone is getting a bit house bound, and you are struggling to get the kids away from their electronic devices. Drag them out to help clean up your roadside.

You could do small sections of the road at a time, you will be surprised at how much you get and the random things people throw away.

You could even team up with another family, they could clean one side of the road and you can do the other, have a great catch up with friends, do something good for the environment and get some exercise.

It’s important to wear high vis clothing along with hats and gloves, and to be safe if you are working near roads.

Motion Cameras to Monitor Wildlife

MIG has motion cameras available for members which can be set up on watering point to see what wildlife are living on your farm.  They are easy to set up and show kids what’s happening at night. The below photo was captured on a camera MIG set up.

iNaturalist. Contribute to Science - Nature at your fingertips

iNaturalist is an easy to use phone app that allows you to learn about nature and contribute to the science community by making observations about all creatures and plants in the natural environment. The app can be used anywhere in the world!

To get started download the app here. You will then be able to make a login and explore your region (there are already numerous reports in Mingenew and Coalseam), and use the app to take photos to report on your findings.

Agronomy activity - Germination Testing and growing your own crop

A germination test is a great way for farmers to see how well their seed will perform in the field. They are easy to undertake and you only need a few household items and some seed to undertake your own germination test! MIG have packaged up some seed for local kids to use, and after conducting a germination test you will be able to use the rest of the seed to plant your own crop, and use the canister as an insect collecting device. To collect your seed please email MIG to organise a time to collect. MIG want to see your efforts. Make sure you send us a picture or video of your seed germination activities.

For more information on any of the activities listed above please touch base with us.

We would also love to see what you’ve been up to so don’t forget to keep us updated!

Farm and Agriculture Worksheets and Activities - printable

Check out these great resources that will teach and encourage kids to learn more about farming and agriculture in a fun way! The resources have been sourced from MLA and RASNSW.