We protect what we love

FRIDAY . 13 . 05. 22 .

Good morning wonderful humans of For Wild Places.

First and foremost, a huge thank you to everyone who has signed up to be a founding member - we were stoked to see the numbers rise during the week, and we're so excited to have you on board.

In this week's newsletter we're introducing you to 30 weeks to 100 miles - the journey of Elle Finch (that's me - it's weird writing my name in third person) that will merge training for 100 miles with environmental activism, the celebration of wild places and education of indigenous land and environmental protection.

We're also continuing our vote for the climate push, by linking you with some Bob Brown Foundation events that are happening next week.

30 WEEKS TO 100 MILES

The adventures of Elle Finch.

I have signed up to do the Ultra Trail Kosciuszko 100 miler (eep) on 16 December, and I'm viewing the training as an opportunity to connect with and celebrate nature. The goal of this training journey is to show how training (mainly trail running, with some cycling) and environmental activism are inextricably linked, raise awareness about Indigenous country, celebrate wild places, and try my best to make the outdoors and environmental protection accessible.

Here's what you can expect over the next 30 weeks:

• I'll explore a different area each weekend (I've got a bunch of cool places lined up, but I’ll also be asking for your suggestions)
• Raise awareness about the local traditional country and indigenous history
• Celebrate cool things in the location e.g. native plants, local initiatives etc.
• Educate myself on local environmental issues and ‘what you can do to help the environment’
• Ensure that the majority of my adventures are accessible via public transport (so anyone can do them), with few being via car
• Be as ‘net zero’, plastic free and low-cost as possible.

I’ll be taking over the FWP Instagram account over the weekend (either Saturday or Sunday - whichever I make ‘long run/ride day’) and will have a small educational piece at the bottom of each newsletter (which will touch on the above points).

Wattamolla Falls, Royal National Park, Dharawal Country. One of the places you can expect me to re-visit in the coming weeks.

Why do I protect wild places?

When people go into nature, they see twisted branches, big trees, small trees, weird bugs and crazy coloured leaves, and they just accept things as they are. Yet this acceptance doesn’t always transpose to the people we meet. I try to carry this lesson into society, and hope that others do the same. Wild places and nature have always been a very reliable safe space for me - free from judgement and demands. That’s why I want to protect it, as best I can.

Tune in to FWP's Instagram stories this Sunday for the beginning of my 30 weeks to 100 miles training.

🌱 🌱 🌱

VOTE ENVIRONMENT CAMPAIGN

By the Bob Brown Foundation

Australia’s environment and wildlife have suffered unprecedented species decline, habitat destruction, bleaching, pollution, mining and logging. The Vote Environment campaign is a plea to Australian voters to put the needs of the environment and climate in your vote at the next Federal Election. The Bob Brown Foundation are hosting a couple of events so you can join a collective to put pressure on Members of Parliament on this critical issue.

Virtual Rally

Tuesday 17 May 6-8pm

No matter where you live, work or vote, you can join the BBF in the lead up to polling day as we come together for one momentous, inspirational Vote Environment rally featuring an awe-inspiring lineup of environmentalists and conservation campaigners. You can register for this event here.

National Day of Action for Native Forests

Thursday 19 May

All around the country, environmentally-focused individuals (like yourself) are taking to the streets to make a stand for native forests on one big day. 

You can participate too - by holding a banner drop, calling on your candidates to let them know about our Native Forest Declaration or by calling into your sitting MP's office to deliver our petition results. You can find out more information here.

TRAIL CHAT #1: TARKINE TALK

Sam Burke from Tarkine is our guest presenter in our first 'Trail Chats' series. Sam will be talking about the story behind the worlds most eco friendly shoe (which also happens to be 50% more durable than the average trail shoe).

This is scheduled to take place next Wednesday 18th May from 2-3pm (pretty much an 'afternoon tea and learn' session). Members, refresh that inbox because your zoom link is waiting for you. And non-members, if this has piqued your interest, then become a founding member 😉

👟 👟 👟

That's it from us this week. Have a great weekend (winter is on it's way), find inner peace on the trails, stay safe and we'll catch you next week.

And, as always, thank you for taking the time to support wild places!

Elanor & the For Wild Places team.

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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 compiled on Gadigal lands of the Eora nation. To these people, we pay our respects.

Always was, always will be.