WILDCARE Inc Office

Easter letter from Wildcare CEO

Community groups more relevant than ever

During this pandemic response, the gestures of kindness and concern that we are seeing are inspiring, as they show the best of what humans are capable of when we stop to think about others. My hope is that globally we begin to notice and better understand our connection with all living species, big and small, with whom we share this planet. This virus has shown us that as a species, we are capable of adapting to very rapid change globally. Technology is being used in ever more creative ways. We are seeing more people getting back to things such as growing food and in so doing creating more habitat for bees, small birds and other insects - whether that be in an apartment with a pot or pond on the balcony, or on a large property. I have always felt that there is a gap in media reporting about our world – there is regular coverage of health, economy, education and government policy but no daily commentary by experts on our screens about the big picture of our planetary health or local natural environment. When we do get back to starting to recover to ‘normal’ lives, I hope that we don’t miss learnings on an environmental front – by taking notice of the impact our short term changes in lifestyles have had on emissions and resource usage. Some of these changes can be sustained after businesses reopen and we meet up again. Community is so important – in joining with others for a common purpose. I believe that Wildcare community groups will be more relevant than ever in the future. Tasmania’s special places and species will need support and people will need to heal. Studies have shown that people thrive when they are part of a team doing something worthwhile and they thrive when they immerse themselves in nature. My hope is that some people who previously didn’t have time to get involved in caring for wild-places or wildlife may find ways to create space for this in the future. Wildcare enables young people to contribute directly to the world they would like to inherit. To the already committed volunteers who are itching to get back out there, there is an opportunity now to browse the rich array of groups available through the ‘Branches’ tab on the Wildcare website and to sign up to new networks. Within the Wildcare community there is so much knowledge and passion to share! I can’t wait to read the stories of your endeavours once again! We would love to receive your wildcaring stories on the active year just past, your plans for the future or for you to share with us something that you are noticing in the natural world around you. Send your reflections in words, picture or video through to memberservices@wildcaretas.org.au I intend to get out from behind my keyboard more often when this is over and meet more of you in person. That will be my privilege. Sharon Smith CEO Wildcare www.wildcaretas.org.au 11 April 2020 This Easter(n) barred bandicoot has been raised by Leslie Frost, a member of Wildcare's Gift Fund Committee and this photo captures the day it first opened its eyes.