18 | LANDCARE IN FOCUS MAY 2026
any years back, I started to volunteer
in conservation in New Zealand
with Conservation Volunteers and
continue to volunteer to this day around
where I live. So here are the reasons why I
volunteer and what it offers and perhaps,
why you should consider it too.
Why I Volunteer
(and 5 Reasons You
Should Too)
Image Slug trail glistening on moss
Words by Aditi Das Patnaik
Almost every aspect of what we consume today is part
of a global supply chain making it easy to disassociate
from our immediate surroundings. I started to volunteer
in conservation to connect with nature. Over time, it
helped me understand the ecosystems we are part of,
to recognise the trees and flowers and the seasons they
herald when in bloom. It helped me recognise birds,
mammals, reptiles and other fun creatures around the
bush as well as gain access to beautiful reserves I wouldn't
have visited otherwise. I remember in one of the sessions, I
helped clean a stagnant creek, overgrown with weeds. The
next time I went there, a family of ducks made it home.
I'd like to believe I played a part. Gladstone. Its mission: to
protect the ecological integrity and biodiversity of Central
Queensland while promoting ecological sustainability.
In learning about the environment, one also has the
opportunity to encounter it at close quarters. Often while
volunteering, some odd creature will pop it's head to say
"Hello!" or more often than not run for it's dear life. But
once in a while, when you're busy planting or pulling weeds
a Magpie or Kookaburra will come patiently sit next to you,
waiting for you to turn the soil and dig up a juicy snack
for them. One morning, I found a slug had left behind a
trail, glistening in the sun curving around little mushrooms
growing in a bed of moss and there it was, a little piece of
pure magic.
Volunteering helped me discover things about myself and
enhance pathways I was headed in. I've always struggled with
meditation and volunteering in conservation turned out in
more ways that one to be a very meditative practice. To be
present, mindful and develop better listening skills (The last
one I needed the most!). In addition, volunteering constantly
offers new ways for me to get creative with my photography
and offers constant inspiration to make art.
1. Finding Connection
2. Finding Joy
Volunteering is a great way to meet like minded people, build
community as well as network with people with similar values.
Having moved to Sydney, Australia a little over a year back,
volunteering helped me find people I could relate to and build
a sense of community. Over time this community has grown
into other activities from book clubs, hiking, photography and
even trivia.
3. Building Community
4. Getting Creative
I've always volunteered for causes I care about - be it marine
conservation in Rajah Ampat in Indonesia to bush regeneration
in urban reserves around Sydney. I find myself drawn to this
space and exploring projects to combine my skills towards driving
conservation outcomes. One project among others, was working
on the Manly Dam Biodiversity Project which added a wealth of
knowledge to over 420 species of fauna that you can encounter
while still living in a city. I am hoping down the line I can combine
conservation, volunteering and creativity in more meaningful ways.
5. Find the Courage for an Alternate Career