About GPNC

Imagine a world where children grow up with a deep connection to nature, where every tree, every stream, and every living creature becomes a source of wonder and inspiration. This is the vision that Green Panther Nature Club (GPNC) is dedicated to bringing to life.

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, our children are increasingly disconnected from the natural world. They spend more time indoors, glued to screens, and less time exploring the outdoors. This disconnection has led to a range of issues, including decreased physical activity, increased stress, and a lack of appreciation for the environment. It’s imperative to address this growing problem and reconnect them with Nature.

With our motto, ‘Outdoorsy, raw, and explorative,’ we beckon children to embrace the wild, to feel the earth beneath their feet, and to listen to the ancient whispers of trees.

Vision

Green Panther Nature Club (GPNC) aims at empowering and igniting young minds towards the concepts of nature, coexistence and sustainability through scientifically and creatively curated experiential learning and awareness building, so as to foster a generation of naturalists and eco-conscious leaders.

Our Objectives

To create engaging and experiential programs that allow children to explore nature outdoors in a raw and explorative way.

To collaborate with schools and communities to integrate environmental education into the curriculum and foster eco-consciousness.

To spread awareness of concepts of biodiversity, coexistence, and sustainability.

Our Interventions

Nature Immersion Activities

To create engaging and experiential programs that allow children to explore nature outdoors in a raw and explorative way.

Biodiversity & Sustainability Workshops

Green Panther Nature Club’s three main areas of intervention – Flora, Fauna, and Sustainability – offer a well-rounded experiential learning that immerses participants in the natural world, fostering an appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and promoting responsible environmental practices.

School Partnerships

Identify local schools and educational institutions that share a commitment to nature education. Reach out to school principals and administrators to propose collaboration on integrating nature education into their curriculum. Develop customized programs for each school, aligning with their needs and goals.

Volunteer and Mentorship Programs

Develop a volunteer program for individuals passionate about nature and education. Establish mentorship opportunities for experienced naturalists to guide and inspire young club members.

Community Engagement

Organize community events, nature walks, and workshops to raise awareness about reconnecting children with nature. Also, we actively collaborate with local environmental organizations and community groups to expand outreach and participation, while also encouraging parents and community members to get involved as volunteers or supporters.

Pillars of Our Workshops

Flora

The Flora intervention of the Green Panther Nature Club focuses on the study and appreciation of plant life, especially within the context of Gujarat’s unique and diverse ecosystems. Participants delve into the world of plant species, including shrubs and trees native to the region. They explore not only the scientific aspects of these plants but also their cultural significance and importance in sustaining the environment.

Fauna

The Fauna intervention is dedicated to the exploration of the animal kingdom in Gujarat and beyond. Participants in these workshops learn about the rich diversity of wildlife, from butterflies and birds to reptiles, amphibians, and bees, and wasps. These workshops provide insights into the ecology, behavior, and conservation of various species. Participants engage in birdwatching, insect collection, and habitat exploration to develop a profound understanding of the fascinating creatures that share our environment. By fostering an appreciation for fauna, these workshops inspire a sense of responsibility towards the natural world.

Sustainability

The “Sustainability” intervention addresses critical environmental and ecological issues, emphasizing the importance of responsible resource management and conservation. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of our planet’s environmental challenges and learn practical ways to address them. By fostering a deep sense of environmental stewardship, these workshops empower participants to take action towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, both on a local and global scale.

GPNC Workshops

The Shrub Safari – Exploring Gujarat’s Hidden Gems

In the ‘Shrubs of Gujarat’ workshop, participants embark on a fascinating journey through the botanical diversity of the locale. The participants discover the hidden treasures of shrubs, explore their unique features, and understand their role in the local ecosystem. They delve into the distinction between native, naturalised, and exotic shrub species. They gain insights into the importance of flora conservation, learn about the medicinal properties of native shrubs, and engage in practical activities related to shrub planting.

Tree Trek – Discovering Gujarat’s Majestic Giants

Participants delve into ecosystems, grasping the importance of species richness. They uncover how trees create havens for diverse flora and fauna, fostering vibrant communities. Exploring trees’ pivotal role in ecological balance, they understand their contribution to habitat health. Additionally, participants refine their tree identification skills, enhancing their connection with nature.

Garden Artistry – Aesthetic Gardening Unveiled

This workshop guides participants in crafting visually appealing and ecologically responsible gardens. Exploring sensory gardens, it merges sight, touch, scent, and sound for immersive experiences. Essential techniques cover plant selection, landscape design, and maintenance, empowering participants to create living masterpieces with ecological mindfulness.

From Soil to Plate – The World of Food Gardening

Explore organic farming with sustainable, chemical-free techniques for cultivating fresh produce. Learn to nurture gardens while promoting soil health, harvest for optimal flavor and nutrition, and handle produce post-harvest. Understand the importance of seasonal planting and discover companion planting for enhanced growth and pest deterrence.

Wings of Wonder – Butterfly Ecology Unveiled

Explore the mesmerizing metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies. Delve into butterfly habitats, learning to create butterfly-friendly spaces. Uncover the crucial role of butterflies as pollinators, understanding their relationships with plants. Investigate factors affecting butterfly populations, such as climate change and habitat loss. Study butterfly behavior and anatomy, exploring feeding habits and courtship rituals.

Birding Basics – A Feathered Introduction

Engage in an introduction to bird watching, exploring techniques with expert guidance. Learn observation methods, binocular use, and spot selection for birding adventures. Unveil secrets of bird identification, recognizing key features and field marks with confidence.

Birding Odyssey – Advanced Avian Adventures

Delve into the intricate world of bird behavior, exploring actions, interactions, and adaptations. Learn about challenges faced by bird populations and contribute to habitat protection. Explore birds’ incredible journeys, understanding migration factors shaping their lives. Study the complete bird lifecycle, gaining insights into reproductive strategies and parental care. Hone bird identification skills to an intermediate level, mastering recognition of subtle field marks, calls, and behaviors.

Nature’s Engineers – Bees, Wasps, and Ecosystem Balance

Dive into the fascinating world of bees and wasps in ‘Nature’s Engineers’ workshop. Discover their unique features, role in plant reproduction, and the symbiotic dance with flowers. Gain insights into their social lives and ways to support their conservation. Explore the secret language of pollinators and design gardens that nurture these essential creatures. Uncover the buzz-worthy challenges they face, and how we can be their allies. Join us for an eco-adventure!

Water Wisdom – Navigating Our Aquatic Resource

Explore water scarcity’s causes, impacts, and solutions in our workshop. Learn to conduct a water audit, empowering sustainable habits. Understand water quality’s role in ecosystems and health. Discover efficient irrigation techniques like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting for sustainable water use. Join us in fostering a water-wise world.

Ecosystem Explorations – Nurturing Habitats for Life

Delve into the importance of preserving natural habitats and discover the threats ecosystems face today. Understand the intricate relationships between organisms and the consequences of disruptions. Explore the coexistence of various organisms and their impact on survival and behavior. Gain hands-on experience in observing and documenting the natural world. Learn the significance of habitat restoration for ecosystem health. Uncover the role of eco-tourism in sustainable travel and conservation. Join us in this exploration of our natural world!

Powering Tomorrow – Sustainable Energy Sources Demystified

Explore sustainable energy sources, from sun to wind, shaping a cleaner future. Delve into green technology innovations and their positive impact on the environment. Learn practical steps for reducing carbon emissions and leading a sustainable lifestyle. Understand the role of governments in driving clean energy initiatives. Discover how sustainable practices contribute to global conservation efforts. Join us in the journey towards a greener, more harmonious planet.

Beneath our Feet – Soil Resources and Conservation

Uncover the dynamic world beneath our feet, where microbial communities shape soil health. Explore soil conservation principles for sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation. Learn about agro-ecological practices enhancing soil health and crop yields, minimizing synthetic inputs.

Faces behind GPP Nature Club

Narendra Bankola
Naturalist

Divyam Raval
Naturalist

FAQs

1. What is the GPNC, and what is its mission?

Green Panther Nature Club (GPNC) is a community-driven organization dedicated to reconnecting children with nature and fostering environmental consciousness. It is a nature education and awareness initiative led by Green Panther Properties (GPP). GPP is a specialized real estate firm based at Ahmedabad and pioneers of top-notch luxury weekend home projects, in peri-urban areas far away from pollution. It respects all nature life, thereby creating a beautiful, green escape for like-minded, eco-conscious nature lovers.

The mission of GPNC is to create 600+ Nature Warriors by 2024 by providing meaningful nature experiences, inspiring a lifelong love for the natural world and creating eco-conscious leaders of tomorrow.

2. Who are the people behind GPNC?

GPNC is driven by a passionate team of individuals who share a deep love for nature and a commitment to education and conservation. We have a team of qualified and trained naturalists who have a collective experience of more than a decade of conducting nature workshops. With a background in environmental engineering and three years of in-depth nature learning, Divyam Raval brings a unique blend of factual learning and engaging experiences to the Green Panther Nature Club. He adds scientific precision to the club’s initiatives, and has been the architect of the ideas that form the construct of the workshops. Narendra Bankola, known as the Nature Maestro, brings over a decade of hands-on experience in tending to a renowned botanical garden. His deep connection to nature, complemented by his B.Ed. degree, makes him a natural educator, dedicated to spreading knowledge about the environment. Having engaged with more than 30,000 students, Narendra is an experienced educationist who specializes in creating experiential syllabi that offer practical insights into nature. These naturalists are guided by mentors of the field who have helped in creating the syllabus of the workshops.

3. How can I join the nature club?

Joining GPNC is easy! You can sign up for our nature programs, attend community events, or become a member to stay actively engaged in our initiatives. Call or WhatsApp on 7211100186.

4. Who can join the Nature Club?

GPNC welcomes individuals of all ages who share our passion for nature and our mission of reconnecting people with the natural world. Our programs cater to various age groups, from children to adults.

5. What type of activities does GPNC organize?

Our club organizes a wide range of activities, including nature walks, wildlife observation, workshops on environmental topics, outdoor adventures, and community engagement events.

6. What is the pedagogy of the Nature Club?

We believe in experiential learning, allowing participants to engage directly with nature. Our approach combines hands-on experiences, storytelling, and scientific insights to foster a deep understanding of the environment and conservation.

7. What age groups are the educational programs designed for, and how are they tailored to different age levels?

Our educational programs cater to children of various age groups. They are designed to be age-appropriate, with activities and content tailored to ensure engagement and learning for each age level.

8. Are there certified educators or experts leading the educational programs and workshops?

Yes, our programs are led by certified educators, naturalists, and experts in their respective fields. They bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to our initiatives. Both Narendra and Divyam, two of our naturalists, bring unique experiences and expertise to our programs.

Narendra, who has embarked on remarkable journeys of self-discovery and expertise in the realm of nature education. He began as a gardening supervisor and through years of self-driven learning and experiences, transformed into a seasoned naturalist and educator. His journey, filled with both highs and lows, exemplifies the power of determination and will. Meanwhile, Divyam contributes over six years of hands-on experience in sustainability and environmental studies, ranging from agriculture to habitat studies. Their combined knowledge and enthusiasm enrich our educational initiatives, inspiring participants with real-world insights and expertise.

9. How can I stay updated on the club's activities and events?

Stay informed about our events and activities through the WhatsApp community. To join our community, drop a message on the number +91 72111 00186. You can also follow us on Facebook & Instagram on @GPNC_India, or regularly checking our website for updates.

10. Is there a membership fee, and what are the benefits of being a member?

Yes, we offer membership options. Being a member provides access to exclusive events, discounts on programs, and opportunities to actively participate in our conservation efforts.

11. Does the Nature Club collaborate with other organizations or schools for educational initiatives?

Yes, we actively collaborate with schools and other organizations to integrate nature education into curricula and expand our reach within the community.