Mount Ungaran Conservation Campaign Action: Introducing Dragonflies from an Early Age

The Green Community of Universitas Negeri Semarang organized an environmental education activity titled the Mount Ungaran Conservation Campaign, focusing on introducing dragonflies to children from an early age. This activity aimed to raise awareness about the importance of preserving river and forest ecosystems in the Mount Ungaran area, as dragonflies, particularly Chlorogomphus magnificus, are indicators of clean water ecosystems. The campaign targeted children aged 6 to 12 years old, as they are the future generation responsible for protecting the environment.

Figure 1. Children Participating in the Classroom Session

The activity was carried out in 2025 at two different locations around the foothills of Mount Ungaran, Central Java. The first location was SDN 1 Ngesrepbalong, an elementary school in Limbangan District. The second location was Omah Sawah, a riverside area with a wooden pavilion used for learning activities. These locations were intentionally selected to allow children to learn directly from nature about dragonflies and butterflies.

Figure 2. Interactive Puzzle Game Activity in the Classroom

This activity is important because many children are still unfamiliar with dragonflies and butterflies, even though these insects play an important role in the ecosystem. Their presence is closely linked to the quality of natural, unpolluted river environments. By introducing dragonflies from an early age, Green Community hopes to encourage children to grow into individuals who care about and actively protect rivers and forests. This activity also supports the conservation of Mount Ungaran, an area known for its role as a water catchment region and habitat for diverse flora and fauna.

Figure 3. Nature Exploration Activity Around the School Area

The activity was conducted through several simple stages. First, the facilitators provided a short introduction session by showing pictures of several dragonfly and butterfly species commonly found around Mount Ungaran, including Chlorogomphus magnificus. The children listened to explanations about their characteristics, habitats, and the role of dragonflies as indicators of healthy ecosystems. Afterward, the participants were divided into groups of six children, and each group received a worksheet containing pictures of several target dragonfly and butterfly species for observation.

Figure 4. Field Observation and Species Identification Activity

The next stage was the field exploration activity. The children went outside and spread across the schoolyard or along the rice field paths. They walked calmly while carefully observing their surroundings. Whenever they spotted a dragonfly or butterfly, they stopped, matched it with the pictures on their worksheet, and marked the corresponding column provided. There was no shouting or disruptive behavior; everyone remained focused on their own observations. The atmosphere was calm, organized, and full of concentration.

After the exploration session ended, the participants returned to the classroom to present their findings. Each child or group showed their completed worksheet and explained which species they had successfully identified during the activity.

Figure 5. Presentation of Exploration Results by Participants

Green Community hopes that this Mount Ungaran conservation campaign, which introduces dragonflies from an early age, can continue to reach more schools and communities. Protecting nature does not always have to begin with large actions. Sometimes, it starts with simply recognizing the dragonflies flying around us and choosing not to damage the rivers where they live. Even small actions like these can become meaningful steps toward conservation.