Finding a rare native Koaro in Bullock Creek was just one of the highlights of Wanaka Primary School (WPS) students’ Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) session at the Wanaka lakefront recently.

Touchstone’s Chris Arbuckle works with WPS teacher Markus Hermanns to run a water focused project several times a year.

When the Wanaka App visited a group of students at the mouth of Bullock Creek on August 27, students were busy looking for lake and creek creatures, with the support of Chris, WPS teachers, and Damian Foster from Enviroschools.

‘We found a worm’: Henry Murray, 7, and Lucca Kennedy, 9.

Another group was at the nearby marina, learning about grebes from local expert John Darby.

“The kids love it. As soon as they see the lake they are excited, interested, and engaged,” Markus said.

Gabe Haddon, 9, searches for aquatic life in Bullock Creek.

Chris said the groups often work on urban water issues, such as stormwater and understanding rubbish, along with valuing the creatures in the lake - the focus the day the Wanaka App visited.

“Overall it's a way to raise water awareness,” Chris said, adding that the students get to explore and learn in a hands-on manner.

John Darby tells the students about the grebes.

Touchstone also works with Mount Aspiring College and other interest groups. About 250 students have been involved in Touchstone water projects during the past few years, Chris said.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App