What drives a Landcare member?
Posted on 17 July, 2014 by Connecting Country
Landcare Link-ups began in 2013 as way to bring Landcare members from around the Mount Alexander Region together to share experiences and ideas.
Landcare Link-up July 2014, Chewton Community Centre
On Thursday 3rd July 2014, representatives from 13 local Landcare and Friends Of groups met in Chewton for Connecting Country’s 3rd Landcare Link-up event. Amongst some more practical topics on conversation, the recent Link-up included a bit of soul searching.
Participants had a go at finishing the sentence “I am a Landcare member because…”. Answers were pinned to one of 50 photographs of Landcare groups in action, which were displayed on the night.
So why are people Landcare members? Here are some answers from the Link-up.
I am a Landcare member because…
“I like the regular commitment of working on things I think are important and that I like doing.”
“You learn, you laugh and work in the open air with great people and know you are leaving a heritage for future generations.”
“I believe in soils so I see Landcare as a vehicle to improve soils.”
“I want to leave my property & those around it in better condition than when I arrived. It’s also a great way to get involved in the local community!”
“Looking after the land is in my blood.”
“The land was here before me and will be here after me and is ours to look after.”
“Our group gives us a community to work with & strength to make a difference.”
“I want to live in a richer, more diverse landscape.”
“I consider my natural environment of vital importance – for now and the future.
“Community education through Landcare is one of the practical, social and rewarding ways to contribute to community. To engage others in awareness, knowledge and understanding of the importance & value of the natural landscape.”
“I enjoyed, as a newcomer, the introduction to a community that shared my passion for the unique Australian natural environment.”
“I care enormously about our local environment.”
“I want to leave my farm in better shape for the generations to come.”
“The land so desperately needs our care – to preserve & repair degraded areas & increase habitat for all creatures.”
“I want to take care of the environment & ‘improve’ my property in the best possible way. Always get fed well.”
“I was tricked into it.”
“Working with the local community in many different ways gives me a feeling of belonging, of making a difference and giving back because of the wonderful life I have had – so far! And helping nature makes me feel good.”
“People were nice to me.”
“I was asked if I was interested and now I love that my family has grown up planting & caring for our valley with other families.”
“I enjoy being around like-minded people who are enthusiastic and passionate about caring for the environment – Landcarers rock!”
“I want to live in a more well-cared-for environment, full of life, with native flora and flora flourishing. I also love working with my neighbours on shared projects. “
“Love the family farm and want to know the best practices to manage and protect our land for future generations.”
“I enjoy working with caring people who wish to make a difference to the environment. Having fun with family members at working bees growing trees and grasses.”
“I love working with people in my local community.”
“It connects me to my community. I learn to expand my knowledge. I can share my knowledge & experience. I can have a true influence on the landscape.”
“Many hands make light (& fun) work for a problem that can seem overwhelming on your own.”
“From a planning perspective I have a strong belief in the triple bottom line approach where any proposal/idea is checked against social, economic and environmental impacts. This invariably means that the ‘environment’ is not regarded highly by both governments and the general public – my philosophy is to help the underdog/disadvantaged/forgotten.”
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