By Tr Annie Gomez for BIS Mumbai

The Eco Club of Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul, organized a nature trail to Taloja Hills on September 11, 2025. The programme was conducted in collaboration with I NatureWatch NGO to nurture environmental awareness and experiential learning. A total of 26 shortlisted students from Classes VI to X participated, accompanied by Tr Anita Surwade and Tr Annie Gomez.

 The activity was crafted under the Care for Creation initiative to build responsibility toward a cleaner and greener environment. It aimed to educate students about local ecosystems and inspire a lifelong love for nature and conservation.

 Students gathered at the school campus at 8 a.m. for a safety briefing and eco-friendly instructions. They were advised to wear full-sleeved shirts, track pants, and sports shoes, and to avoid single-use plastics. By 8.45 a.m., the group reached Taloja Hills and were welcomed by breathtaking meadows carpeted with Panicled Dewflowers. Students were divided into smaller groups and guided through observation points, recording findings in their nature diaries. Teachers and the guide explained the ecological significance of flora and fauna, while ensuring safe trekking along the trail.

 The trail offered a vibrant display of biodiversity. A Greater coucal was spotted welcoming the group with its deep calls. Birds like Green Bee-eaters, Fan-Tailed flycatchers, and hovering kites in search of prey left the students awestruck. Students noticed crabs moving along with water in small streams feeding in waterfalls and water bodies at the foothills. Spittle bug nests prevented deeper entry into the forest, helping participants remain on track. Guide Ms Roshni Thiwary explained the medicinal value of local plants and highlighted how nature’s delicate balance is maintained by showing the larvae of the plain tiger butterfly feeding on milkweed.

 Student reflections added vibrancy to the experience. Jai Kulkarni of class VII remarked that the trail was “very informative and fun.” Laiba Tole of Class X shared her excitement in spotting Silver Cock Comb and butterflies such as the Common Grass yellow, Chocolate pansy, Psyche, Lemon yellow, and Emigrant. Students also enjoyed the refreshing rain and mini waterfalls. Krisha Shetty reflected that the trail gave her “a chance to reconnect with nature.” Students were also charmed by the melodious calls of munias and prinias.

 Post-trail activities included poster-making and reflections, after which Principal Mrs Kalyani Chaudhuri encouraged the students to start a Bird Lovers Club to take care of birds in the school premises, especially caged ones.

 The nature trail provided an enriching outdoor classroom, combining scientific learning with appreciation of natural beauty. Students gained knowledge of ecosystems, species interdependence, and conservation, while developing empathy towards protecting biodiversity.