A group of young adults aged 18 to 30 took to the road in early July for a one-day regional bus tour hosted by Corowa District Landcare, designed to showcase the intersection between agriculture and the natural environment.

The tour visited three farms across Oaklands, Coreen, and Lowesdale, offering participants a firsthand look at how local farmers are managing natural assets, such as healthy soils, native vegetation, wetlands, and biodiversity, while maintaining productive and profitable farming operations.

Through open and engaging discussions, the group was encouraged to explore sustainable land management and conservation practices. Farmers generously shared their personal experiences, offering insights into how they integrate environmental care with everyday farming, and why the protection of natural assets is important to them.

Interactive sessions throughout the day allowed participants to deepen their understanding of the local environment. Activities included: identifying native grasses and ground cover, birdwatching, and experimenting with citizen science technology that can be used to help monitor and manage natural features on farms. A highlight for many was the successful spotting of threatened Grey-crowned Babblers, identified using paddock trees and a stand of Callitris.

The tour concluded with a relaxed dinner at the Newmarket Hotel in Corowa, where participants, farmers, and the Landcare community connected over a shared meal. The event fostered new relationships and sparked ongoing interest in sustainable land stewardship among the next generation of land managers.

By designing the tour specifically for 18 to 30 year olds, the event created a comfortable and relatable space where participants could connect with like-minded peers, ask questions openly, and share ideas freely. The age-specific approach encouraged active participation and helped foster a sense of belonging.

This event was supported by the NSW Government through Murray Local Land Services’ Awareness Raising Activities to Promote the Value of on-farm Natural Assets Program.