Environmental Volunteering Program

Central Coast Council’s Environmental Volunteering Program invites the community to take a hands on-role in conservation, protection and remediation of our rich environmental heritage.

We have a range of volunteering opportunities in bushland, coastal areas, lake foreshores, parklands, cemeteries and high conservation areas such as wildlife corridors and the Coastal Open Space System.

Each group’s volunteer activities and unique purpose are identified by Landcare, Bushcare, Coastcare, Dunecare, Tidy Towns, Friends Of groups, seed collecting and nursery volunteers.

Our program also facilitates the following programs and events:

• Community planting events on National Tree Day
• Schools Tree Day program
• School volunteering activities
• Corporate and team building events
• Floating landcare activities

The common thread is an appreciation and understanding of the value of green spaces to the community, the value of habitat connection to larger remnants and the intrinsic value of healthy, functional ecosystems. Our volunteers play an essential role in making this happen.

Environmental Volunteer Program Strategy

Central Coast Council Environmental Volunteer Program Strategy
 

What do volunteers do?

Activities are based on using the best technique to restore the unique characteristics of the site. We tailor a program of activities to protect habitat for flora, fauna, fungi, threatened species and endangered communities while enhancing the natural values important to the local community.

Activities are:

• bush regeneration
• weed control
• planting
• seed collection
• propagation
• erosion control
• park maintenance
• landscaping
• litter reduction
• fauna monitoring
• education
• training

This program is a lot more than just pulling out weeds! The social and health aspects of volunteering should not be overlooked.

When volunteers commit to their site, they see it as a chance to get outdoors, to be active and to socialise. Long-standing friendships are often formed and people enjoy the opportunity to discuss issues with some like-minded new friends.

How to join

Have a look at the location, list of groups and meeting times below and contact one of our friendly team members.

Alternatively, you can email us at: environmentalvolunteering@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Training and access to special events are available for all registered and active volunteers. If you are interested in corporate or school activities please email us for more information. 

National Tree Day

Since its inception by Planet Ark in 1996, National Tree Day has become Australia’s largest tree planting event, with over 26 million trees planted by over 5 million volunteers.

Central Coast Council’s Environmental Volunteer Program have been facilitating community planting events on National Tree Day for many years, at different sites across the Central Coast. Native plants provided for the sites are currently being grown by our environmental volunteers at our Erina Depot Nursery and will contribute to preserving our local natural environment. The two sites represent very different environments, with both being ecologically important in terms of biodiversity and sustainability. 

Porters Creek Wetland – since 2019

The site is part of the Porters Creek Wetland which is the largest remaining freshwater wetland on the Central Coast. The wetland supports a diverse range of flora and fauna including some threatened species and also plays a vital role in managing flooding, filtering storm water and improving water quality before entering Wyong River and Tuggerah lakes. The community planting event at Porters Creek is part of a project aiming to restore roosting and foraging habitat for many native and threatened animal species, including the critically endangered Swift parrot.

Killcare Beach – since 2023

At Killcare Beach, like many areas along the coast, there has been a significant reduction in dune vegetation. Native dune vegetation is the first line of defence against coastal erosion and provides important habitat for wildlife. Ongoing planting events such as National Tree Day at Killcare Beach will help improve the ability of the dune systems to withstand storms, and extreme weather, and help protect adjacent homes and other infrastructure.