102 recipients have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants!
In 2026, Landcare Australia and the Victorian Government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action are delivering the ninth round of the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants.
In 2026, $394,305 in funding has been awarded to 102 outstanding projects that will educate and inspire young people to care for Victoria’s biodiversity.
The successful applications reflect an impressive mix of hands-on projects for children and young people of all ages. Here are just a few of the initiatives being supported this year:
- Upper Plenty Primary School students are bringing Bruce’s Creek back to life by replanting Indigenous species and restoring habitat for local wildlife. Through nest box checks, bird and frog surveys, waterbug monitoring and weed removal, the creek will become a thriving outdoor classroom.
- Epsom Primary School is transforming an underused corner into a living Biodiversity Habitat Trail woven through a new play space. With 600 native plants, the project will create habitat for local wildlife, strengthen ecosystem health and give students a hands-on way to learn through play and connect with nature.
- 1st Croydon Hills Scout Group is set to launch Scales, Scat & Survival, a five-phase biodiversity series designed around section-based learning, youth leadership and overnight adventure. Through hands-on education evenings and tailored overnighters, Joeys, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers will each build practical skills to better understand and protect local wildlife.
Together, these projects show the breadth of ideas being supported this year, from creek restoration and biodiversity trails to youth-led wildlife learning and outdoor adventure.
Across Victoria, the 2026 grants will give young people unique, hands-on opportunities to learn about biodiversity and care for the natural environment in their local communities.
The grants also support the goals of Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, the Victorian Government’s plan to stop the decline of native plants and animals and improve the state’s natural environment.
We know these applications and projects take time, dedication and a huge amount of effort, so we thank the educators, teachers and landcare volunteers and staff who help bring them to life. From preparing grant applications to supporting projects on the ground in the months ahead, your work makes these valuable learning experiences possible for young people across Victoria.
To read about past Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants projects, and their positive educational and environmental outcomes, explore our case studies section here.
To find the complete list of 2026 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants recipients click here.