WHO’S LEADING THE MOVEMENT IN AUSTRALIA? A resource list of groups connecting people (especially children) to nature

Australia is hopping with folks committed to the children and nature movement.

The country’s history and cultures have always been infused with the symbols and experiences of nature, but despite this, concern is growing about the disconnect between children — which means people — and the natural world. So is the amount of good Australian research on the issue as well as the number of organizations taking action.

I will soon be making my third trip to the continent.

During my first visit in 2007, I worked with several organizations across the country and was asked to help launch Nature Play WA, a campaign led by the state of Western Australia. Nature Play WA is now collaborating with IslandWood, a nature education program in the United States.

And in 2012, New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service invited me to come to Sydney. While I was there, the NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre taped a series of short interviews done by elementary and high school students at the Royal Botanic Gardens, published online in 2013.

For my upcoming visit, The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) is bringing me to several cities, Feb. 22 to Feb. 26. Other organizations I’ll be cheering on include OPAL (Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle), the child obesity prevention program of South Australia.

Here’s a list of some (not all) of the great groups in Australia. This list was assembled and generously shared by Antje Dun, ACF librarian. I’ve edited the list and added a few organizations.

The Australian Conservation Foundation
ACF stands for ecological sustainability, bringing people together to champion the true value of our environment and its critical role in sustaining all other systems and in achieving human well-being.

3000 Acres
3000 Acres aims to unlock underutilized land across the city to grow food and build strong communities.

Australian City Farms & Community Gardens Network
A national gathering nestled in Hobart with some of Australia’s greatest food garden innovators coming together to teach connect, share, inspire and mobilize.

Conservation Volunteers Australia
Connect with nature and explore the great outdoors.

Earthwatch – Volunteer Vacations
Earthwatch combines volunteer opportunities for individuals from all walks of life … This was a great opportunity to really get to know Australia’s flora and fauna.

One Wave
One Wave is a non-profit surf community that is raising mental health awareness through a simple recipe…saltwater therapy, surfing and fluro.

Out Doors Inc.
Out Doors Inc. (Out Doors) is a non-profit statewide community-managed mental health organization that uses the outdoor environment as the means of delivering a range of adventure, recreation and respite programs to people living with a mental health challenges.

National Tree Day – Planet Ark
Planet Ark and Toyota is calling on all Australians to Get Outside and Grow, and help make nature a part of our everyday lives where we live, learn, work and play.

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Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation
A not-for-profit organization assisting Australian schools to implement and deliver the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

Kids Teaching Kids
Kids Teaching Kids is an education program, delivered through schools that encourages kids to work together to identify and offer solutions.

One Tree Per Child
The aim of ‘One Tree Per Child’ is to have every child under ten plant at least one tree as part of an official school activity.

Greening Australia – Greening Australia and your school
Have you considered a revegetation project in your school? 

Junior Landcare
Junior Landcare is about encouraging young people to play an active role in ensuring the safe future of their environment.

Nature Play Playgrounds, Nature Play WA
Western Australia’s statewide effort nurtures nature play spaces.

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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Find great places to visit, memorable experiences and beautiful nature stays in national parks across NSW.

Wilderquest, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
During the school holidays NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service run a great WilderQuest Discovery program of events for kids.

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Fun in the Bush Parks and Wildlife Commission NT
Need ideas for having Fun in the Bush? Want to learn more? The following ideas and information give young people the chance for discovery.

Junior Rangers – Parks and Wildlife Commission NT
The Junior Ranger Program provides an opportunity for Northern Territory children to discover their natural and cultural environment.

Walking with Spirits
The Walking with Spirits festivals held each year at the end of July or early August at Malkgulumbu, a waterfall and sacred site on the land of the Jawoyn people.

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The Natureweavers Place
A forest school program that has been operating on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland since 2010.

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NRM Education in Adelaide
Works on a range of initiatives including the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative SA (AuSSI-SA), nature play and reconnecting people with the natural world — through its Engaging with Nature program and a range of Youth Voice initiatives.

Trails SA
This website is a gateway to more than 400 trail experiences across the wonderful state of South Australia.

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Parks Victoria – Healthy Parks Healthy People
Our parks are everywhere – from the most remote locations to right in the heart of the city.

Kids in Nature Network
A network that empowers, connects and grows a movement of individuals and organizations that gets kids back outside.

Bendigo Family Nature Club: The unofficial guide to Bendigo
Start your own nature club such as this one in Bendigo.

Junior Rangers
Parks Victoria’s Junior Rangersare born to explore. If you have an interest in nature, animals and the outdoors then Junior Rangers is for you.

Active in Parks Program, Geelong
Active in Parks supports targeted groups to undertake activities in parks and open spaces to achieve social, physical and mental health outcomes.

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Nature Play WA
List of useful websites from Nature Play WA of organisations, where to go…

The West Australian Family Bushwalking Club
The West Australian Family Bushwalking Club Inc. provides opportunities for family activities that encourage appreciation and enjoyment of the bush.

Goolarabooloo – LurujarriHeritage Trail
You will spend 9 days with the Goolarbooloo people of Broome W.A. walking the Lurujarri dreaming trail.

The Walkatjurra Walkabout
The Walkatjurra Walkabout is an annual one month pilgrimage across Wangkatja country in Western Australia.

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