Border students will learn more about river systems through a partnership between the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and Petaurus Education Group.
Schools in Albury-Wodonga and beyond will take part in a pilot program called 'Basin Heroes'.
They will engage with local landholders, Traditional Owners, educators and scientists through field trips and interviews and ultimately create a book based on their own investigations of the local environment and the basin.
An evaluation will be completed at the end of the year before a decision is made to roll it out further.
The Petaurus Education Group was established by Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre at Burrumbuttock and has links with many Southern NSW schools.
Petaurus Education Group program co-ordinator Caitlin Lawrence said her team would work with schools to improve their knowledge of freshwater ecosystems and learn the basin's importance for agriculture and communities.
"The Murray-Darling Basin is home to 2.2 million Australians including more than 40 First Nations and generates $24 billion in food and fibre and $8 billion in tourism," she said.
"More than 120 waterbirds and 50 species of native fish live in the Basin.
"We will explore the Basin from a local and national perspective.
"Students will gain first-hand knowledge from landholders, educators, MDBA officers and Traditional Owners."
MDBA Albury-Wodonga regional manager Digby Jacobs said it was important young people had these understandings.
"The Murray-Darling Basin is an ecological and economic powerhouse and the Albury-Wodonga region is an important cog in the wheel, with its rich biodiversity, agricultural industry and idyllic tourism features," he said.
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"It's equally important that our younger generation reflect on how much we all depend on a healthy river system for drinking water, food production, tourism and culture.
"This project is one example of the MDBA's commitment to working with regional communities to achieve the best long-term outcomes for a healthy Basin."
Schools interested in this program are welcome to contact Caitlin on 0434 208 849.
