Fifty students have been chosen by their teachers to slosh through mangroves, build bluebird boxes and visit Pembroke dumps this week.

They are taking part in this years' Environment Youth Conference at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.

Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield will open the three day conference tomorrow.

It is organised by the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) every two years in liaison with the Bermuda Audubon Society, the Bermuda National Trust, the Ministry of the Environment and the Island's schools.

The title of the conference this year is: "Taking action to help Bermuda's natural environment".

"We're trying to educate young people about Bermuda's precious environment and what challenges we face," BZS Education Officer and conference organiser Holly Holder said. "We hope to inspire children to take action as individuals in small ways to preserve their environment."

On the first day students will learn about Bermuda's native plants and animals and why some are threatened. They will visit Tynes Bay waste treatment facility and Hamilton's sewage plant.

The second day includes field trips to the Hungry Bay mangroves, Walsingham jungle and Abbot's Cliff Park. Students will then be taught how to make bluebird boxes.

On the final day they get to catch a boat to Nonsuch Island to plant cedar trees and install Longtail igloos.

Local speakers include scientist Philippe Rouja and teacher David Chapman.

"Students will learn about ways they can get involved in helping to save the environment," Miss Holder said.

She said when the conference is over the activities will bring students back together throughout the year to take part in various conservation projects.

"This is a real collaborative effort between environment organisations in Bermuda," she said.