LANDCARE Week runs from 3-9 August and this year the goal is to encourage people to get involved and see first-hand the many benefits Landcare offers.
This may be by attending a Landcare activity or working bee, meeting volunteers, or seeing first-hand the impact community action is having across the Coast.
By visiting a working site, Landcare hopes people will see the benefits of spending time in nature, learning new skills, building friendships and strengthening community connections.
Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare (CHRL) is opening up its sites across the Coffs Coast and will also host an information stall at the Harbourside Markets on Sunday 2 August, where staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions about Landcare and volunteer opportunities across the region.
There will be a call for volunteers on-site for activities such as tree planting and weed control, as well as administration, communications and other behind-the-scenes roles.
Research continues to show that spending time in nature, volunteering and building social connections all contribute to better physical and mental health.
Landcare brings all three together.
According to Landcare Australia, 87 per cent of volunteers say their involvement has strengthened their connection with nature while 79 per cent report stronger social connections through Landcare activities.
President of Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare (CHRL), Alison King, shares that Landcare offers far more than tree planting.
“People often think Landcare is simply about planting trees or removing weeds,” she said.
“While those activities are certainly important, Landcare is also about building friendships, learning new skills, enjoying the outdoors and leaving a legacy for future generations.
“This year’s theme, Experience Landcare, is a wonderful invitation for people to come along and discover what Landcare is really about.
“Once people experience the sense of connection, purpose and community that comes from being involved, they often keep coming back.”
The benefits extend well beyond volunteers.
“Healthy bushland, waterways and wildlife help make the Coffs Coast one of Australia’s most desirable places to live and visit,” Ms King said.
“They support tourism, improve community wellbeing and create greener neighbourhoods that everyone can enjoy.”
For more information about Landcare activities in the Nambucca Valley, visit https://nvlandcare.org.au/about/
By Andrea FERRARI
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