We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Youth Membership program, aimed at engaging, involving, and inspiring the next generation of nature lovers and conservationists. Children under 18 can now become Wildcare Youth Members through a parent or guardian’s account, offering them a unique opportunity to participate in our community and help care for Tasmania’s wild places.

 
Tessa prepares to plant a native plant at a Sisters Beach Wildcare event

Youth members are encouraged to join select Wildcare events and activities, accompanied by a parent or guardian, ensuring compliance with our child safety guidelines outlined in our Working With Wildcare guide and Code of Conduct. These experiences will allow young people to immerse themselves in nature and make a positive impact on the environment.

In the early stages of developing this program, we sought input directly from youths, asking them what they wanted from their Wildcare experience. Their feedback will shape the program's direction, ensuring it aligns with their interests and needs. We are committed to delivering on their suggestions as we build on this exciting initiative.

Young Wildcare volunteer, Olive, pulls invasive sea spurge at a Friends of the larapuna coast event.

While this program is still in its infancy, we will soon begin exploring innovative and supportive ways to involve youth members in volunteer activities with appropriate, interested Wildcare groups, who will then undergo child safety training. These efforts will ensure young people are welcomed into the Wildcare community, where they can learn about Tasmania’s unique natural values and experience the importance of conservation firsthand.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved in conservation, and we look forward to watching the next generation of environmental stewards grow within our community.

We are also excited to share that Wildcare is collaborating with Wildcare Groups to develop Wildcare-related educational resources for the Children’s University Tasmania, providing even more ways for young people to engage with Tasmania’s natural environment. Stay tuned for updates!

Parents and guardians, sign up your children as Wildcare Youth Members today, and let’s inspire them to love and look after Tasmania’s wild places! To add youth memberships to your membership, log into the Wildcare Tasmania website, select ‘Manage Subscriptions’ from the account options, and follow the steps from there.