A collaboration between HQ Plantations, Landcare and Anglicare Southern Queensland staff, the Cats Claw Creeper project is aiming to identify what is strangling native lime trees in Gympie.
The project, which commenced in March 2019, is led by Russell Bennet, Suzanne Bjorkelund, and other staff from our Children and Families service in Gympie.
Young people involved in the project are gaining hands-on experience to help reclaim native forests, giving them skills, a sense of purpose and community connection.
“Just as valuable to the project is the personal development – teamwork, leadership, managing relationships, as well as learning to identify other native flora and fauna and a respect for Country,” said Suzanne.
Feedback from those involved has included, “I’m making new friends,” and “I’m not as bored as I am at home.”
Suzanne has also noted that parents have noticed a difference in their children.
“He’s sleeping better and in a great mood when he gets home,” said one parent.
Another parent commented that her son, “seems more confident in himself.”
This project has had great benefits for young people and has been very rewarding for them.
To read more about how Russell is engaging young people in Gympie’s Children and Families service in the Cats Claw Creeper project and other projects aimed at bush tucker and native bushland preservation, please click through to this article.
