How can I get involved?
1. Start a group
- Junior Landcare groups can consist of primary or high school students, youth sporting groups, scout groups, faith groups or other youth community groups.
- Your group will require a coordinator such as a teacher, community member, parent or senior student to direct the activities of the group.
- Research your local issues. This will help you to determine what activities your group will undertake. At this point it may also be useful to undertake an School Environmental Management Plan (SEMP). Example SEMP here.
2. Link with your local landcare or similar group
- Head to the National Landcare Directory to find contact details for groups, networks or community support officers in your local area. You may find out about Landcare, Bushcare, Dunecare, Rivercare or other groups in your area who are working on improving the environment. There may also be local council committees or trusts looking after local Crown reserves.
- Discuss with a local group how you can work together. Your school could become involved in the environmental and conservation activities of a landcare group or help with their planning. Alternatively, the school could volunteer to help out with on-ground activities as needed by particular groups.
- Your school and the local landcare group could develop a joint landcare project.
3. Develop a Landcare Project
- Design a Landcare Project that not only helps to restore a degraded environment but also teaches others about landcare. It is usually best to think small and work on something which can achieve change within a school term or year. Your project could involve removing weeds and rubbish, bush regeneration, planting trees, monitoring water quality or designing and planning rehabilitation activities.
- The success of your project will rely on thorough planning and research, and strong communication links with key people in the local community.
- Carry out a monitoring program to determine if your project, or the local landcare group's work is achieving change and environmental improvements.
4. Apply for a grant
- There are grants available to help you undertake your environmental activities. For a full range of Junior Landcare grants click here, for Landcare Australia grants click here.
- You may also like to try the Our Community website for grants offered by other organisations.
