We protect what we love

FRIDAY 09.06.2023.

Happy Friday friends!

It's pride month, so this logo is going to hang around for a bit.

Celebrated in June each year, pride month is a time dedicated to honouring and affirming the LGBTQ+ community and simultaneously advocating for equality and acceptance. There has been a growing recognition of the importance of representation and inclusivity in various domains, including outdoor sports. Pride Month serves as an opportunity to highlight the significance of LGBTQ+ representation in outdoor sports and the need to create inclusive spaces for all individuals to participate and excel.

As someone who identifies as a lesbian, and who struggles to see LGBTQ+ representation in the outdoor industry, I recognise that representation is absolutely crucial as it allows LGBTQ+ individuals to see themselves reflected and acknowledged in the sporting world. It sends a powerful message that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should have equal access to outdoor activities and the freedom to express their authentic selves. Inclusive representation helps break down barriers and challenges stereotypes, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiring future generations to participate in outdoor sports confidently.

Moreover, representation in outdoor sports contributes to the overall visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. We stand with our fellow athletes, adventurers, and enthusiasts in the outdoor sports community to proudly embrace their LGBTQ+ identities, and seek to send a message of solidarity and allyship. You have a place in our community where your contributions and identities are valued.

This week's newsletter

In this week's newsletter, we're reflecting on FWP camp and brining you some of the highlights of a weekend well spent. We're also celebrating World Environment Day, with the theme #BeatPlasticPollution, and Global Running Day. Read on to learn a bit more about what these two global days mean and how you can celebrate them.

Have a wonderful weekend folks, and happy trails ✌🏽

🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

CAMP FWP

Woweee, what a weekend that was! Over three days, 25 amazing humans came together at Mt Hotham to learn, laugh, move and be moved. After everyone had left on Sunday afternoon, Hilary had a moment of reflection on the balcony at the Lodge, soaking up the crisp, alpine air as a full moon rose on the horizon. Going into the camp, Hilary was stressed about details such as how many people were coming, will we have enough food (spoiler alert: there was PLENTY!), will there be too much snow, will the weather hold out, will people enjoy themselves? These are questions we often ask ourselves going into a new experience, as we stress the small stuff, which can take us out of the moment of feeling excited for what's to come.

But while looking across to the iconic and beautiful snow-covered slopes of Mt Feathertop, Hilary felt that everything was in its right place. The people that could come to the camp, and the people that couldn't, to the trails we explored and those we didn't make it to - the weekend played out just as it should have, in a perfectly imperfect way, that celebrated living in the moment, embraced awkwardness, with a healthy dose of stubborn optimism for early morning starts!

Some of the highlights include:

Sunrise on Little Mt Higginbotham

On Friday morning, we commenced camp with the reading of an article from the Jaithmathang people, who are one of the traditional owners of Victoria's alpine area and have been caring for Bimble (country) for thousands of years. As the land we gathered on is not formally recognised by any one traditional owner group, this acknowledgement was our way of paying our respects to traditional owners, past and present, and say thank you to Country. This experience set a tone of respect, understanding and openness for the weekend ahead.

Traversing the Razorback

On Saturday morning we set off in the cloud and rain to traverse the Razorback to the summit of Mt Feathertop. With some people running, some hiking, and some doing a bit of both, we set off along this infamous trail, ready to be immersed and inspired by nature. Our eagerness to brave the wind and rain was rewarded with a morning of amazing weather, as the clouds blew over to reveal stunning 360-degree views across the alpine.

Camp-goer Bridget had a blast exploring the Razorback -

"The highlight for me though was definitely running this awe-inspiring trail called the Razorback. I’ve never had so much fun on a run before! Despite the rain at the start and often clouds blocking the view, we got to the summit at the perfect moment to experience snow (!) with a view for a few minutes before the wind got through our short-sleeved clothes. The trail itself followed the ridge line, with plenty of hills for a fun challenge but also an open view on both sides. And of course, having the opportunity to chat with Adriel, Lou and Shane the whole way. And getting to see everybody else in the group as we made our way back was so much fun as well."

Banner Making

Making a big 'For Wild Places' banner was the perfect way to spend crafternoons painting, nibbling, sipping cups of tea and chatting. We took it up to JB Plain on Sunday to show off our handiwork and tell the emu's all about For Wild Places!

Snow Gum Tour with Cam Walker

On Sunday morning we joined Cam Walker at JB Plain to learn about the iconic snow gum, and learn about the threats to these fragile and beautiful alpine ecosystems. Cam shared with us the impacts regular regular fire events are having on these landscapes, and the impacts of climate change on the conditions of the longicorn beetle, which is causing dieback in many trees. We were lucky enough to see the resident emu's of JB Plain, and enjoy a beautiful, sunny morning learning more about an iconic Australian species from a passionate and experienced campaigner.

And of couse... the amazing array of presentations from our speakers!

Beside an open fire, we listened to an array of incredible 'time-beings' share thier story, from Lou's career in campaigning and more recently running, to the compelling stories behind Calumn's photos, Coz's inspiring and genrous personal narrative, Lucy's TA experience and finally Richard's time with Tendai Buddhist monks. We laughed, cried, shared and learnt with one another, and came away feeling hopeful and empowered for what is to come.

These are just some highlights from an inredible weekend. We are excited to share more photos, video, lessons and insights from Camp in the coming weeks and months. And finally, thank you to everyone who joined us, travelling from near and far to be a part of this weekend, with new friends, allies and activists. This may have been FWP's first camp, but it will undoubtedly not be the last!

⛰️ 🏃‍♀️ ⛰️

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: 05 JUNE

#BeatPlasticPollution

World Environment Day takes place on the 5th of June each year. It serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and highlights the pressing need to protect our planet. This day aims to raise awareness and encourage individuals, communities, and governments to take action towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Trail running trash bags; these up-cycled tent flys (hand sewn by Hilary) are your new trail best buddy, so you can pick up all of the delightful muddy rubbish treats you find along the trail

Beat Plastic Pollution

This year, World Environment Day 2023 is centred around the theme of "Beat Plastic Pollution" and is part of a broader campaign aimed at finding solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis. Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with devastating impacts on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The theme underscores the urgency to take collective action and find innovative ways to reduce, manage, and eliminate plastic waste. Through the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution, World Environment Day encourages individuals, organisations, and governments to commit to reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and exploring sustainable alternatives to plastics.

Trail runners, outdoor enthusiasts and World Environment Day

As trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts more broadly, we have a deep connection to nature and the environment. We are passionate about exploring and enjoying natural landscapes, often traversing remote and pristine areas. We understand firsthand the fragility of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment. World Environment Day serves as a reminder to all outdoor enthusiasts to respect and protect the natural habitats that we like to play and train in during our outdoor adventures.

1,100 soft plastics are captured in Sydney harbour every 24 hours by Seabin. 5% of these are food wrappers. Check out the amazing work of Seabin Project here.

I think this deep connection, and witnessing first-hand the impact of plastic on pristine environments brings with it a responsibility in spreading awareness about environmental issues, such as plastic. It's why I'm stoked to be part of an organisation that works hard to protect wild places, so they can survive and thrive.

GLOBAL RUNNING DAY

As trail runners, how can we not celebrate this day?

Yours truly celebrating running and the power (and joy) that our legs can bring us

Global Running Day, which took place on 7 June, is a worldwide celebration of running that takes place on the first Wednesday of June each year. It aims to encourage people of all ages and fitness levels to lace up their running shoes and hit the pavement or trails. The event aims to inspire individuals from around the globe to embrace the joy and benefits of running - whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting out, Global Running Day offers a platform to connect with a global community and share the love for this empowering sport.

Runners are encouraged to set personal goals and embark on a run, whether it be a short jog around the neighbourhood or a long distance challenge. The Global Running Day website serves as a hub for runners to pledge their miles, access training resources, and discover virtual and in-person running events. It's a day to join a global movement, share stories, and inspire others to embrace an active lifestyle through the joy of running.

We know that this day has passed*, but we'd love you to tag us in your running adventures, so we can share the joy and power of the running community.

*We should have posted this last week, but were too caught up with FWP Camp introductions and excitement - apologies.

NEXT WEEK

Who know's what next week's newsletter will bring? It's currently 9pm on Friday evening and it's your girl Hilary here finishing off the newsletter after a jam-packed week, and my brain is fried!

Now the high of camp has (almost!) subsided, it is time to get back to organising the upcoming Pilliga Ultra, and launch our brand spanking new event, the East Gippsland Ultra, as promised a few weeks back! Until then, have a wonderful long weekend, invigorate yourself in the winter chill and be sure to join us for Trail Chat #14 with Jake Fedorowski on Thursday!

And as always, thank you for taking the time for wild places.

Elanor (she/her) & the For Wild Places team

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UPCOMING EVENTS

15/06 Trail Chat #14: Jake Fedorowski | RSVP

17/06 TRACTION: Darebin Creek | RSVP

24/06 TRACTION: Plenty River | RSVP

25/06 TRACTION: Illawarra Escarpment | RSVP

We acknowledge the the First Nations people who have been custodians of land, waters and culture for tens of thousands of years. We pay respects to First Nations Elders past, present and emerging.

This email was written on Gadigal land of the Eora nation. To these people, we pay our respects.

Always was, always will be.