New generation joins Landcare movement

Sunshine, soil, seeds and lots of smiles…what could be more fun!? Broulee Public School students are among the latest to join in with Landcare activities held throughout Eurobodalla.

The school’s ‘green team’ has been learning about growing their own food, making hotels for native bees, and the importance of looking after native plants every fortnight with Eurobodalla Landcare coordinator Emma Patyus.

Ms Patyus said the Landcare movement first came into existence in Australia in the late 1980s, when a groundswell of concerned citizens, including scientists, farmers and conservationists, joined together to help maintain farm productivity while protecting and enhancing natural ecosystems at the same time.

More than 30 years later the movement is still going strong with over 300 volunteers in Eurobodalla and 60,000 nationwide.

“When people think of Landcare they often think of planting trees, but it’s much more than that,” Ms Patyus said.

“There’s no one size fits all. Local environmental issues can be anything from collecting litter, protecting a particular threatened species, fixing fences to keep stock out of waterways, assisting on rabbit baiting programs, maintaining a forest walk,  treating beach weeds and building viewing platforms to keep people off sensitive vegetation.”

Ms Patyus said a Landcare group usually formed when community members with common objectives noticed a local environmental issue that needed to be resolved.

“Groups set their own agenda, work on their projects as often as they like, and choose their own sites,” she said.

“Eurobodalla Landcare does a lot of work with schools and other community groups to spread our message and share our experiences in the local landscape so that students can go home and practice Landcare on a smaller scale – after all, every little bit counts!

“We are only able to achieve what we do through the inspiring contributions of the passionate individuals who make up our local Landcare movement.

“Their sense of stewardship, enduring commitment and deep appreciation for our natural environment is why Landcare exists today. And with 24 local groups there’s sure to be a group near you.”

To find out what’s going on with your local Landcare group visit the Landcare page on our website or phone Landcare coordinator Emma Patyus on 4474 7300.