Get active and make some friends: Volunteer in #NSWParks

Our climate is changing. Greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, agriculture and land clearing have caused the earth’s air and ocean temperature to increase, global sea levels to rise and weather patterns to become more extreme.

This means protecting the environment is more important than ever. After all, Earth is the only home we’ve got, so we need to look after it to ensure future generations have access to the spectacular landscapes and wildlife that we enjoy today.

Even something as simple as planting a tree can reduce carbon in the atmosphere, resulting in less greenhouse gas emissions.

If you’re passionate about the environment and love being outdoors, there are plenty of hands-on volunteer projects in NSW national parks that are making a real difference to the environment, from wildlife conservation and research, to tourism and education.

Fancy yourself a greenie? Volunteer with the Arakoon bushcare group, who meet once a week for a weeding bonanza.

“Volunteering is such a rewarding experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is passionate about Australia’s biodiversity or hoping for a career in conservation.” – Cassie Thompson, Saving our Species mountain pygmy possum project, Kosciuszko National Park

There are heaps of studies that say volunteering can make you feel happier and more socially connected. But it goes well beyond mental health. Giving back has shown to improve your physical health too – reducing blood pressure and increasing your lifespan.

The OECD Better Life Index says volunteers also tend to be more satisfied with their lives, because they’re interacting with other people, setting and achieving goals, and learning new things through hands-on experience. Plus, being active outdoors in the fresh air is so much better than the gym, yes?

Want to get active? Enjoy a walk in Blue Mountains National Park while restoring native habitats with the Prince Henry Cliff walk bushcare group.

“No one is sad when working outside!” – Claire Bremner, Saving our Species booroolong frog survey, Dubbo

If you want to expand your social networks IRL, volunteering will connect you with like-minded peeps who share a love of nature. There’s nothing like pulling weeds, counting frogs or taking visitors on guided tours to turn strangers into friends for life. Not only will you have an amazing time, but you’ll hands down have the best stories to share. And hey, you never know who you might meet while working up a sweat (nudge nudge, wink wink).

Ready to get social? Join the friendly crew at Cape Byron Lighthouse Friends and lead guided tours of the museum and lighthouse.

“Spending time with people in the field brings you closer together, having a shared experience of hard work and problem solving, relying on each other to get the job done. Those are the friendships that can last a lifetime.” – Georgia Watson, Threatened Species Environmental Consultant, Sturt National Park

NSW national parks are filled with spectacular views and a diverse range of plants and animals. Not only will your friends be jealous of your Insta feed, but you’ll be out there experiencing the thrill of nature in a way you can’t do by binging on David Attenborough docos. There’s also an opportunity to mix volunteering with a weekend away, so you can enjoy a break while doing a good deed.

Hanging for a weekend away? Join a volunteering weekend in places like Marramarra National Park near Sydney.

“We searched for signs of emus with the help of detection dogs, and accessed areas that would not be available otherwise. It was very exciting.” – Jack Nesbitt, Saving our Species endangered coastal emu population project, Mid North Coast

Bet you’ve never thought of volunteering as something that will help your career, right? In fact, adding it to your CV is a great way to demonstrate skills like teamwork, problem solving and communications. Research shows that a whopping 95% of employers believe volunteer experience will give you an advantage in job interviews, with 85% saying it’s just as credible as work experience. Giving your time, skills, ideas and enthusiasm to a project that benefits the wider community will bring you nothing but good vibes.

Want to learn new skills? Break out the tool belt to help restore historic huts in Kosciuszko National Park, a great option for history buffs, or brush up on your gardening skills while restoring habitats in Royal National Park with the  Royal bushies.

Looking for a way to give back with your team? Corporate volunteering is an awesome opportunity to build relationships and learn new skills while doing your bit for the planet. Working with expert NSW National Parks rangers and guides, your team will help preserve the biodiversity of iconic landscapes through fun, hands-on activities like habitat restoration and beach clean-ups. You’ll also learn about the unique features of the landscape you’re helping to protect along the way. Alert the office chat now!

Ready to make an impact? Plan your next team day out at Middle Head, Land Cove National Park or La Perouse.

“It’s a great way to build stronger connections amongst our teams while doing good cleaning up the environment, giving back and ultimately having a material impact.” – Robert, corporate volunteering participant

Image credits: hero image Helena Lopes via Pexels; image one Porapak Apichodilok via Pexels.