Group marks 15 years of caring for nature

Not-for-profit group Care For Hedland is celebrating 15 years of turtle monitoring, sustainability and environmental protection this week.

Since its foundation in 2003 the group has diversified into turtle monitoring in Port Hedland, advocating recycling and clean-ups in the town as well as educational community projects.

The anniversary at Ibis Styles Port Hedland this Saturday also coincides with World Environment Day celebrated earlier in the week and the 15th season of monitoring female flatback turtles in October.

Turtle data collected from Cemetery Beach and Pretty Pool is added to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Program.

Chairwoman Kelly Howlett said has contributed to the creation of many community and school projects such as gardens as part of its sustainable living program.

“Care For Hedland would like to thank principal partner BHP and all sponsors, members and volunteers for supporting the organisation throughout its 15-year history and looks forward to the next 15 years of achievements,” she said.

“Care For Hedland manages the RSL Community Garden on Hedditch Street, South Hedland, where the cooler months of the growing season yield impressive quantities of fresh, organic and delicious produce.

“The garden is a fantastic tool for teaching and sees regular garden club sessions held weekly from May to October, where kids love learning about how to grow their own food, make worm farms and other activities involving plenty of dirt and mess.”

The organisation organises a monthly Recycle Day for recycling deposited at Toxfree’s recycling, as well as volunteer roadside clean-ups.