Education - Introduction

John Harris (BASc, GDipEd) is the Director and Principal Zoologist / Environmental Educator of Wildlife Experiences.

John works in both the environmental and education fields, often combining the two as a:

Biology/Science teacher (17 years)
school Environment and Sustainability Manager
National Park Ranger in Queensland
environmental worker with the Department of Conservation and Environment (now DELWP, Vic)
freelance ecological consultant
school environmental and sustainability adviser
guest speaker at national and state education conferences, wildlife workshops and community groups

As a freelance consultant, John has been involved in flora and fauna surveys, habitat assessments, biodiversity mapping, environmental audits and author of referrals to State and Commonwealth Governments.

Testimonials (Education)

These are some of the testimonials from Schools, Community Groups and other organisations involved in environmental education.

"Thanks for the extra information. Always happy to help with promoting a good service" - Howard, Kingswood College, Box Hill

"We thought that our spotlighting night last April with you was so good, we wanted to repeat it" - Tracey, Jumping Creek Landcare Group

"I have worked with John on Sustainable Education Programs, he was always very passionate and enthusiastic about his work, showed great leadership and support for other colleagues and often performed above and beyond what was expected of him" - Samantha, Senior Environmental Planner, Manningham City Council

"John played a key role in setting up sustainability initiatives at Donvale Christian College. He is passionate about sustainability and encouraging student leadership and involvement" - Pat, Sustainability Education Consultant, Pat Armstrong Consulting

"John ran a Scats and Tracks field day for our Landcare Network (Westernport Catchment Landcare Network). He is extremely well informed and has great knowledge on the topic. He delivered a presentation and walk for us. Attendees were mostly farmers and lifestyle property owners and John delivered information at level that was informative, understandable to the audience and personable. We have had fantastic feedback about the field day" - Rachel, Group Support Officer, WCLN

"John put Donvale Christian College on the map when it comes to Environmental and Sustainability Education. He developed a rich hands-on education program from scratch that was action-oriented and allowed children to experience how to live their lives in a more connected way. From growing food and raising animals to exploring the nearby reserves and waterways and developing energy and water efficient homes, John had kids engaged and learning through doing. I always enjoyed working with him as I knew I was investing my time in a thoroughly imbeded program and that whatever I brought to the students during my sessions was only a small part of a much deeper investment in their environmental education. Working with teachers like John was the best value I could have asked for" - Trish, Senior Aquatic Scientist, Melbourne Water

Publications: Education

Harris, J. (2011). Harnessing Renewable Energy - Nurture 45 (1), CEN, Penrith.

Harris. J. (2007). Educating for environmental sustainability needs to be more than lip service, Christian Teachers Journal 15(2), NICE , Blacktown.

Harris. J. (2007). Saving Every Drop, Working towards a sustainable environment at Donvale, Nurture 41(1), CPCS, Blacktown.

Harris. J. (2006). Donvale, Green: Past, Present and Future, Eingana 29(2), VAEE, Carlton.

Harris. J. (2005). The Greening of Donvale: Past, Present and Future, Nurture 39(1), CPCS, Blacktown.

Harris. J. (2003). The Greening of Donvale, Nurture 37(3), CPCS, Blacktown.

Harris. J. and Jones. P. (2002) Property Management Plan, Donvale Christian College, Donvale.