Time in nature can provide many benefits to young people, and can positively influence their mental health. However adolescents typically spend far less time in nature than either younger children or adults. Our new project aims to create a safe space where small groups of adolescents can spend time in nature to connect with the…
By the end of the school holidays, many parents are struggling for ideas to entertain their kids, and desperate for simple solutions which can get the kids out of the house – and off their screens! At the same time, many Landcare groups are grappling to attract new members, especially from the younger generation. Could…
A Word from the RALF (July 2023) I am thrilled to share some exciting news from a recent educational initiative involving students from Hay, NSW. These enthusiastic young individuals have been actively learning about the critical efforts being made to save the Plains-wanderer, a bird species on the brink of extinction. The journey began with…
A Word from the RALF (June 2023) Environmental education in schools is becoming increasingly important throughout the Murrumbidgee region. Cultural gardens, yarning circles, native flora & fauna, biodiversity, and water conservation education are all becoming popular in schools. By instilling values and skills in students from a young age, Landcare are creating a generation of…
Despite the increasing evolution of women’s roles in agriculture, they remain significantly underrepresented and undervalued in positions of rural leadership and decision making. An unconscious bias exists in the industry, perpetuated by the overwhelming majority of images depicting male farmers in a simple Google search for ‘Australian farmer.’ Women’s contributions to agriculture have a deep…
People who remove old hollow bearing trees for town development and farmland endeavours may have very little concept of who might live there. Wildlife tenants may not be there at the time, but these trees are still home for native animals, some of them being migratory. There are approximately 300 native species of birds, mammals,…
Understanding soils can be a challenging topic, and when combined with farming practices, changing weather patterns, and an expanding array of soil products, it can become even more complex. As a result, land managers often face numerous obstacles when it comes to comprehending their soils and making informed decisions about how best to manage them.…
A large number of students at Yanco Public School are from farming families. Although they have a school garden, the native bush and ecosystems are not well understood as there is so little remnant vegetation left. There is, however, a local wetland within walking distance of the school. Murrumbidee Landcare organised a Bioblitz Day at…
A Word from the RALF (May 2023) Soil is one of the most important resources on our planet, yet it is often taken for granted. Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water and air, and plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth. Healthy soil is essential for growing crops, sustaining…
Close 1 May 2025 The Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists (MFN) are calling for applications for their 2025 Environmental Fund Grants. Grants of up to $5,000 will be considered to assist with conservation in general, environmental education, increasing biodiversity or enhancing the understanding of the natural environment within the Murrumbidgee Valley. MFN are a local organisation with…