Weβre super excited to introduce Wildventure, a brand-new program launched in June 2024 by Greater Sydney Landcare. Itβs all about bringing young people (ages 18-35) together to make a difference in the environment, build a sense of community, and connect with natureβall while having fun!
Our very first event was a hike and clean-up at Lake Parramatta, where we kicked things off by combining outdoor adventure with hands-on conservation.Β
At Wildventure, weβre all about giving young adults the chance to protect our environment and be part of something bigger. We love Landcare and want to share that passion with a new generationβhelping them get involved in conservation alongside existing Landcare groups. Our main focus is building a strong community of eco-conscious young people who want to take action for the environment, make friends, and feel good about their impact.
We know that finding a sense of community can be tough these days, and many young people feel overwhelmed by eco-anxietyβthe worry about the state of our planet. Thatβs where Wildventure comes in. Weβre here to help reduce that anxiety by giving you a chance to take action, get hands-on with nature, and be part of the solution. Plus, youβll be meeting awesome people who share your interests!Β
Since June, weβve run seven events, each designed to bring young adults closer to nature and each other. One of our biggest highlights was the Great Southern BioBlitz and Bushcare event at Ebenezer. We partnered with Hawkesbury City Council and Hawkesbury Nepean Landcare and brought around 40 volunteers together to help conserve the critically endangered Western Sydney Dry Rainforest. It was an amazing day! We cleared out loads of invasive lantana from around native eucalypts and primary bird habitat, and documented local species to boost the areaβs biodiversity data through citizen science.
The best part? This was an intergenerational event where young volunteers got to hang out with more experienced bushcarers, learning from them and working side by side to keep the siteβs conservation efforts going strong. We had people coming from all over SydneyβInner West, Liverpool, the Shire, all looking for a bit of adventure. Everyone came together to help conserve this beautiful, biodiverse spot and to be part of something really special.Β
Wildventure isnβt just about helping out for a day – although we get that people are busy. Itβs about inspiring young people to take up Landcare when theyβre ready, and to get involved on their own terms. Whether itβs joining a local group or getting involved down the track, weβre planting the seed for future environmental leaders – without pushing large commitments onto young people that may deter them. At Wildventure, the aim is to create impact at every event, that way young people can come and go when they can, knowing they’ve achieved something positive.β―Β
With that, we’d love more sites to work on and lend a helping hand! If youβre part of a bushcare or landcare group and could use an extra hand, reach out to us! Wildventure is here to help connect eager young people with local conservation efforts.Β You can contact us at Sophie.blair@greatersydneylandcare.orgβ―
Come Along to a Wildventure Event
Want to get involved? We have two awesome events coming up in November!β―Β
First, on November 9th, weβll be teaming up with National Parks & Wildlife Service at Mitchell Park in Cattai National Park for a bushland restoration event. This area is known as a platypus hotspot along Cattai Creek, and weβll be helping to clear invasive weeds to protect the wildlife corridors. Thereβs even an option to camp overnight if youβre up for it!Β
Then, on November 17th, weβll be heading to Coogee Beach for a beach clean-up, partnering with Clean Up Australia. Weβll be removing rubbish from the coastal area, finishing up with a swim and a free lunch at Gordons Bayβa perfect way to make a difference while enjoying the sun and sea!Β
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