Founder of Illawarra Intrepid Landcare, Megan, has joined The (re)Generation Project. Together, Illawarra Intrepid Landcare is documenting their initiatives along the way to contribute to The (re)Generation Project’s research on what engages, motivates and inspires young people into nature.
FROM MEGAN
Illawarra Intrepid Landcare was founded by Megan Rowlatt out of the need to engage and reconnect a younger generation to the Landcare movement and to the great outdoors.
The aims and objectives of this Landcare initiative are very much in line with those of The (Re)Generation Project and we are happy to share our experiences with a wider network of young nature enthusiasts. We create educating, nature based and low impact experiences for young volunteers in the Illawarra community in NSW, Australia.
Illawarra Intrepid Landcare is a team of young adventurous volunteers, aged late teens to thirties which meets once a month and travels around assisting different Landcare, Bushcare and other conservation groups with their existing projects. Volunteers not only learn about environmental management issues, but also benefit from networking opportunities, build on social skills and develop a more sound understanding of environmental challenges the Illawarra region is facing, and gain a sense of understanding of the scale of larger environmental issues we are facing as a nation.
Outdoor adventure activities are built into the volunteer programs so that young people have a chance to interact with the natural areas they are working to protect from a recreational perspective, and develop a deeper connection to these environments.
The Illawarra Intrepid Landcare model is a multi-faceted program that not only benefits the young volunteers we engage, but the environment and the groups we work along-side too.
