As I look ahead into 2026, I feel a sense of renewed energy for the future of Environmental Education in Australia. I’ve been thinking a lot about where we are headed. We are moving past the era of just talking about the environment and we are entering an era of deep, hands-on connection.
Here are my personal hopes for what we can achieve together in 2026:
Making Citizen Science a daily habit
In 2026, I want to see Citizen Science become as common as checking the weather. I’m hoping to see more people using tools like FrogID and iNaturalist not just once a year, but every time we step outside.
My Vision: I imagine thousands of classrooms contributing real-time data to national research. There is something incredibly empowering about knowing that a photo you took of a beetle in your playground is helping scientists understand Australia’s changing biodiversity.
Exploring my local habitats; from soil to the sea
I want us to get our hands dirty and our feet wet. Australia is a megadiverse continent and so much of that magic is right under our noses.
My Vision: Whether I’m leading a coastal walk or exploring the leaf litter in a local park, I want 2026 to be the year we all reconnect with our immediate surroundings. I’m committed to highlighting the importance of the connection between land and sea. What I do in my own backyard can impact the health of our waterways and marine environments.
Celebrating Our “Hidden” Biodiversity
I love Koalas and Kangaroos as much as anyone, but I have a massive soft spot for the “underdogs” of the Australian bush.
My Vision: I’m aiming to shift the spotlight onto our fascinating invertebrates, fungi and unique marine life. In 2026, I hope to educate more people about the pollinators and decomposers that keep our ecosystems thriving. When we understand the tiny things, we learn to respect the whole system.
Turning my spaces into wildlife sanctuaries
I’ve always believed that you don’t need a massive bushland block to save a species. My hope for 2026 is that we stop seeing our gardens and schoolyards as “lawns” and start seeing them as vital wildlife corridors.
My Vision: I want to see a Frog Hotel or an Insect Resort in every backyard. By creating these small pockets of habitat, I know we can provide a lifeline for the native bees, lizards, and birds that call our local areas home.
Moving from “Learning” to “Doing”
The most important shift I’m pushing for is moving from passive learning to active stewardship.
My Vision: I want every one of my lessons and blog posts to spark a “What can I do?” moment. Whether it’s joining a local Coastcare or Bushcare group or simply choosing to plant one native shrub, I want every Australian to feel like a capable protector of our unique natural heritage.
Are you ready to join me in making 2026 a year of action? I’ve put together heaps of hands-on science activities and citizen science guides to help get you started. Just look under the Activities tab. There are also lots of free learning resources under the Education Resources tab.
