February 17th, 2026Learning to care for the native environment

More Victorian kids will get the chance to learn to care for their native environment while getting out into the great outdoors.

The Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants have opened with $450,000 to engage young people with outdoor projects that focus on restoring native habitats.

Last year, the state government provided grants to 111 projects that had young Victorians out planting native gardens, building habitats to attract native insects and birds and excursions to wildlife sanctuaries.

More than 57,000 young Victorians have taken part in Junior Landcare environmental projects.

More than 124,000 native plants have been planted, 1500 school excursions taken and 270 biodiversity surveys conducted, providing opportunities to young Victorians to learn and care for our native environment.

Victorian primary and secondary schools, scouts and girl guides, youth groups and Junior Landcare groups can apply for grants of up to $5,000 until March 27.

Last year’s recipients include Eltham East Primary School who restored and protected habitat for the endangered Eltham Cooper Butterfly, learning how to protect a vulnerable native species.

Lake Colac School received funding for students to design, create and plant a tiny forest on school grounds, creating a physical learning opportunity for current students and summer shade for future generations to enjoy.

Tecoma Primary School students participated in an immersive biodiversity excursion which taught students about native amphibians, insects and the plants needed to support populations.

For more information on the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants, visit environment.vic.gov.au