Written by Emily Green
Each Tuesday afternoon at 4pm, a group of like-minded Environmental Science Students gather together at the Charles Sturt University Albury – Wodonga campus to do what they love – connect with nature. World Environment Day holds a special significance to us, because it’s more than a global observance but a reminder of why we do what we do.
Our weekly activities are always changing, but they all serve the same purpose: to connect with nature and build community. Some weeks we head down to the David Mitchell Wetlands for birdwatching or hike through the nearby bushlands, keeping our eyes peeled for the Swift Parrot, Sloane’s Froglet, or even a Squirrel Glider.
Other weeks, you might find us spotlighting native wildlife in Albury and surrounds after dusk, or planning a camping trip, or gardening in our veggie garden and having a BBQ. Whether we’re getting our boots muddy, learning about local ecology, or simply chatting about sustainability initiatives, we come together with passion, and care for the natural world.
What makes our club unique is the genuine friendships we build through these experiences. Being apart of the Enviro Club has made university life more fun and meaningful, being able to connect with different year levels within our degree. Club isn’t just about all of the environmental actions we face; it’s about belonging to a community that also shares your passion for the environment. For many of us studying environmental science, it’s a way we can apply what we have learnt with our community.
For me, World Environment Day is a chance to pause and reflect—not just on the state of the planet, but on the power of community. It reminds me that small actions, especially when done together, can have a lasting impact. This year, to celebrate World Environment Day, the Enviro Club will gather to go for a walk through our wonderful wetlands and reflect on what World Environment Day means to each of us.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
