Junior Landcare celebrates 25-year milestone with portfolio of ideas

Junior Landcare is celebrating a special milestone this year – 25 years of providing a pathway for children to become lifelong landcarers, starting with early learning childhood centres through to primary and secondary schools.

 

“For children to want to protect nature, they must first love and appreciate it,” said Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish. 

 

“Since 2020 alone, over 380,000 children have been able to get their hands dirty learning where their food comes from, understanding biodiversity and waste management, and embracing First Nations perspectives through the Junior Landcare grants program. That’s a win for the environment, and a win for our children given the benefits we know that come with spending time outdoors.”

 

Landcare Australia’s Junior Landcare program was established in May 1998, and has always recognised the vital role young Australians play in caring for the local environment, seeking to provide children with opportunities to take meaningful action for the world around them.

 

To acknowledge the special anniversary, the Landcare team is showcasing 25 ideas gathered from the Junior Landcare Learning Centre, made possible with support from Woolworths, and previous grant recipients to inspire even more Junior Landcarers to get involved in landcare at home, school or in their local community.

 

From upcycling old tyres into garden beds to installing wicking beds or growing bush tucker gardens to creating lizard lounges, the 25 Junior Landcare ideas provide real-world examples of the various ways children can and are making an impact in their local environments.

 

Early childhood services, along with schools and community groups, are being asked to submit activity ideas of their own for a chance to win a $100 Woolworths Gift Card and be featured in the Junior Landcare newsletter.

 

For more information, please visit the Junior Landcare website.