Youth Environmental Connection Program
Engaging young people in conservation
Efficiency - LEP 028 002
The issue
Many people in our modern society and especially our youth are losing a vital connection to nature which brings so many benefits. Looking for options to engage youth in Landcare, a meaningful discussion with Rebecca from Intrepid Landcare brought some great ideas to light. We discussed ways to positively impact high school students through the power of nature. Nature has a way of bringing clarity, of helping people find their place, of reminding us that every individual—just like every tree, every bird, every insect—has a role in the ecosystem.
The solution
We engaged Regen Alliance to deliver an innovative program for young individuals attending non-government independent schools which are designed for young people who are struggling to find success in a traditional school setting.
The program provides hands-on mentorship over a series of weeks to build a deep understanding of nature, sustainable practices, and pathways that align with their strengths and passions. They take part in hands-on conservation work, environmental education, and biodiversity enhancement, while connecting with Landcare groups, people and sites.
The first session explored foundational ecological concepts such as ecosystems, habitats, and the importance of keystone species in maintaining ecological balance. To demonstrate, the group plated a game using a Jenga tower, where each block represented different elements of an ecosystem, including biotic and abiotic factors.
Further sessions involved practical skills such as identifying and manually removing invasive weeds and developing their "bush regenerator's eye" by learning to spot plant identification features and understand the impact of invasive species on local ecosystems.
The impact
Students are becoming aware of paths or careers that may align with their values, support their mental well-being, and make a tangible difference in the world. Landcare group members benefit from the youths' presence and involvement and connection as they share morning tea, bringing the generations together.
One of the students, Hudson, shared that the bush regeneration activity opened his eyes to the smaller details and helped him view the natural world in a new way. Many students also commented on how peaceful and calming they found the site, saying, "This is so much better than being in a classroom."
Key facts
- This program was supported by the Newcastle Electorate Local Small Commitments allocation grant.