Conservation crusaders

Before Sam was three, we’d go for a walk and he’d want to know the names of all the birds we saw, so I did a birdwatching course. Then we got a field guide to Australian birds, so we could identify them correctly.

At three, Sam (now 13) decided he wanted to be a palaeontologist. He has an almost photographic memory for plants, animals and insects. He’s very bright and thinks deeply about the environment. We’ve joined the Conservation Volunteers and done wombat surveys in SA’S Brookfield National Park. We both feel like we’ve contributed in a small way to conservation in our local area.

I wouldn’t have done any of it without Sam’s interest and I’ve found it really rewarding – he keeps me young. When you come across new things, it exercises your mind. It’s been a joy to be Sam’s grandmother. I think I’ve learned as much from him as I hope he’s learned from me. I want to see him thrive and achieve what he hopes for. If I can help him with any of it, I’ll feel privileged. Kathy Walker, Aldinga, SA