STROUD Junior Landcare gathered for a morning of tree planting and terrarium building last week at Stroud’s Lions Park, marking the end of a successful season of hands-on nature experiences for local children.
The session began with the young Landcarers planting native trees in the gully, contributing to ongoing efforts to restore Stroud’s riparian zones and strengthen local biodiversity.
Afterwards, the group participated in a terrarium workshop, learning how these miniature gardens function as complete ecosystems in their own right.
“The children learned how to layer charcoal for water filtration, sand for drainage, and soil for their plants before creating more than one terrarium each – many are surely destined to become eco-friendly Christmas gifts for family and friends,” local co-ordinator and Landcare parent Rachel Barry told NOTA.
“The workshop was made possible thanks to Jonno and Joël from Midcoast2Tops Landcare whose guidance, enthusiasm and knowledge have been invaluable.
“Without their support Stroud Junior Landcare wouldn’t be able to offer such rich, engaging sessions for local families.
“This year, Stroud Junior Landcare has had much to celebrate, starting with monthly gatherings that brought children together for nature play, tree planting, bushwalks, riparian restoration, and connecting to Country.”
Highlights included water and macro-invertebrate testing activities in Mill Creek, STEM-focused explorations of local ecosystems, and seasonal nature play mornings that encouraged creativity, curiosity, and a deep love for the natural world.
The year concluded with hands-on terrarium building – a fitting end to a program centred on nurturing life, learning, and environmental stewardship, and a strong sense of community built throughout the year.
“This year was all about helping kids fall in love with the natural world,” she said.
“When children love a place, they naturally want to protect it – and that’s what Junior Landcare is all about.”
One of the youngest members, four-year-old Connor, summed up the spirit of the group beautifully, saying “Landcare makes my heart happy”.
As the group takes a summer break, Stroud Junior Landcare co-ordination will pass into the capable hands of Landcare member and passionate volunteer Michelle Weick, while Rachel takes a well-earned break to welcome two new babies into her family.
Michelle, a local speech pathologist and proprietor of Karuah River Speech Pathology, brings a wealth of experience supporting children and families, and in 2026, she plans to weave fun, nature-based activities into the program to help develop children’s communication skills while they explore, play, and connect deeply with the environment.
Stroud Junior Landcare will resume activities in March, continuing its mission to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, and families are encouraged to follow updates via the Stroud Jr Landcare Facebook page.
With a successful year behind them and strong community support, the future is bright for Stroud’s youngest Landcarers.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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