Project manager Claire Birch works with the Gecko Landcare Network which covers community groups within the eastern Goulburn Valley.
“The job gets you out of bed in the morning,” Mrs Birch said.
Despite aspiring to study the natural environment to become a park ranger when she left school, she opted to begin what she refers to now as her ‘mixed background’ in media and marketing.
“I was involved in the Melbourne arts scene, but then the city became just too busy; it was getting too much.
“When we moved up here it was time to start learning something new, and I really felt it was important to have an understanding of the world we live in, so it could make sense to me.
“It was just too simple to not understand about ecosystems and the climate and the environment.”
Mrs Birch is studying environmental science, majoring in conservation, at Charles Sturt University.
Gecko CLaN project officer Damien Gerrans said Landcare was addressing how modern lifestyles might hinder younger people from joining up.
“Young people are definitely interested in the information Landcare provides, but they want to know how they can fit it in with other things in their life,” Mr Gerrans said.
“We may have members who can’t get to meetings but want to participate in tree plantings, for example.
“But Landcare is now adapting to how meetings are held so they are more flexible for working families.”
Gecko CLaN executive officer Kerri Robson said Landcare’s activities had often been stereotyped as planting trees only.
“Even though there might be tree planting, it may also be about soils or looking at new technology,” Mrs Robson said.
“It can be whatever your community wants it to be. Our role is to make that happen.”
