When most teenagers are sleeping in or glued to a screen, Ethan is planting trees, clearing weeds, and helping protect native flora in and around Kiama.

At 13, Ethan is one of Landcare’s youngest and most dedicated volunteers. His commitment is clear in every seedling he plants and every working bee he attends.

Ethan’s passion for horticulture began with bonsai trees, inspired by his nan.

That early spark has now grown into a dream to study horticulture at TAFE and one day work in agriculture, especially regenerative farming.

“I was walking one day with Mum when we saw a council worker planting here at Bombo Headland,” he explains.

“That’s what got us started. We initially connected with Trevor Gollan from Friends of Killalea as well as Simon Williams through the Landcare Illawarra Facebook page.”

Since then, Ethan has become a regular face at Landcare Illawarra walks, workshops and working bees across Killalea and Minnamurra and is set to begin volunteering at Bombo Headland as well.

He’s not in it for community service hours or school credit. He’s there because it matters.

“You are helping the animals and their habitat,” he says. “You’re stopping plant and animal species from going extinct. It’s super rewarding for me.”

At school Ethan is focusing on science and maths, knowing it will help him get closer to his dream career. And while he hasn’t yet visited a regenerative farm, he’s determined to get there and is open to introductions.

His mum is by his side at every working bee. She’s not from a conservation background, but Ethan’s passion has rubbed off on her too.

Landcare Illawarra Coordinator Meredith Hall says “Ethan is a delight. He is focused and works hard at the working bees, is curious and asks thoughtful questions about plants. He is constantly learning, and we hope his volunteer work helps him define the career he wants”.

In National Volunteers Week, Ethan’s story is a reminder that anyone can make a difference.

His message to other young people is simple: “Just give it a go. You might find it’s the most rewarding thing you do.”

Landcare Illawarra will be at the Kiama Volunteers Expo at Kiama Farmers Market on 21 May.