Intrepid Landcare is putting down roots in Eurobodalla Shire - and they want you to come along

Intrepid Landcare is sprouting in the Eurobodalla. Every few weeks a small group of young people get together to preserve and protect the shire’s beautiful natural environment.

Intrepid Landcare also has social and educational aspects. The volunteers, aged from their late teens to 30s, learn from each other and from the coordinators.

India Howlett is a natural resource officer and local Landcare coordinator at Eurobodalla Shire Council. She said Intrepid Landcare was a national organisation that was founded in 2015 by two women with a background in Landcare.

“They saw a need to bring a younger demographic to Landcare and wanted to drive a national campaign for youth connection,” Ms Howlett said.

“It isn’t just about weeding and planting, but also learning about and exploring the natural environment. There is a strong focus on forming connections and relationships with other young people in the community.”

Intrepid Landcare came to Eurobodalla shire in mid-2023 but amid staff shortages and no coordinator, there was a one-year hiatus. Ms Howlett restarted it in October 2024.

“We have 25 Landcare groups across the shire from South Durras to Narooma, and hopefully by engaging a different demographic, these young people can fill those shoes in the future.”

Most of those 25 groups are coastal and work on council ground so are well supported by the council. A few work on private property, reserves near private property and tracks down to beaches. Some focus on rubbish collection.

“Intrepid Landcare is still getting established,” Ms Howlett said.

Currently, they get together, usually on a Saturday morning, every one to two months.

Unlike the regular Landcare groups, Intrepid Landcare runs as a roaming group. Ms Howlett looks for sites where they can have the most environmental impact and where they can work together and chat rather than being spread out.

They have worked on a patch near Murramarang National Park at Maloneys Beach, and also at an old tip site at Bengello, near Broulee.

“It was a bit weedy, so we thought we would stop it spreading into Bengello which is a significant piece of bush,” Ms Howlett said.

So far all members have some background in environmental work, such as working in a nursery, volunteering for WIRES or studying horticulture, but no experience is needed.

“No particular skills are required, just an interest in preserving and protecting our local environment,” Ms Howlett said. “All of us are learning something new each time because we are all coming with different knowledge.”

All equipment, even gloves, is provided. Volunteers only need to bring a hat, water, sunscreen and closed shoes.

No commitment is required either. However, people are asked to RSVP to the Instagram post because lunch is provided.

“We spend maybe one and a half to two hours working, then take some time to enjoy a picnic, and then go for a walk nearby to take photos of things we find and talk about what plants, bugs and fungi we see.”

Ms Howlett said the benefits of being part of Intrepid Landcare included being active outdoors, making new friends, improving the quality of the natural environment, and exploring your local area.

“You feel so good afterwards, knowing you are making a positive difference and meeting new people,” she said. “It is a feel-good, wholesome activity away from screens.”

Daniel Bateman is one of the early Intrepid Landcare members. He studied horticulture at TAFE and now works at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden.

“I was really keen to get involved. I wanted to meet some like-minded people, and to weed and clean up our environment. I thought it was a great way to combine those things.”

He said being part of Intrepid Landcare was very rewarding.

“To stand back and look at the area after we have finished is very satisfying,” Mr Bateman said. “Knowing we have prevented toxic weeds getting into the bush and waterways gives you a bit of a buzz.”

He said the other members were wonderful and they had great conversations and laughs together. “The coordinators are so knowledgeable and great to work with.

“I would encourage anyone who is passionate about the environment, loves being outdoors, or wants to learn more about ecosystems to come along. It is a way to connect with other young people and make a difference.”

Intrepid Landcare Eurobodalla’s next working bee is on Saturday, 8 February. If you can make it, please RSVP by Wednesday, 5 February, by messaging their Instagram account or emailing [email protected] with any dietary requirements.