Hands up who’d rather be on a paddleboard right now, exploring pristine waters in one of the most naturally beautiful stretches of urban coast in the world? Yeah, us too. Ecotreasures’ Damien McClellan does this for a living. Well, this and snorkelling, kayaking, camping, trail walking…you know, just a typical day in the office.

But Damien doesn’t take any of this for granted. Firstly, he’s worked hard to set up his Sydney-based small business and make it the boutique jewel that it is. Secondly, it would be impossible to spend that much time in the glorious outdoors without developing a deep sense of gratitude and connection. We truly do live on a spectacular continent, and Damien knows it’s an honour and privilege to share his love of it with other people.

Part of his ethos incudes ensuring that he looks after the land that looks after him. This is how it comes about that Ecotreasures is one of our regular tree planting partners. This year they have planted 50 trees, half sponsored by a thoughtful and inspired customer, and half sponsored by Damien himself.

The Ecotreasures trees will grow up a long way from the blue waters that inspired their purchase, but the connection is just as strong as if they had been planted on the shoreline. We are all part of an ecosystem. Every piece has its place in the puzzle, and the health of our seas is intimately connected with the health of our forests, with the stability of our land, and with the commitment of its human custodians.

Damien is passionate about ‘spreading the message of conservation across the world while having a good time with new friends’. We absolutely couldn’t be more on board.

Toolern VIC / 2021

Ecotreasures’ trees (50)  were planted with The Australian Dingo Foundation, a wildlife refuge at Toolern Vale, VIC. This group is revegetating the native flora at their wildlife reserve with a wide array of plant species that were originally on the site. The native vegetation will help minimise erosion as well as contribute to plant conservation.

The Foundation aims to preserve and conserve the gene pool of the original dingo and educate the public on the species ecological function in Australian ecosystems.

Writer – Sarah Hart.

Sarah is an artist whose passions include the stories and experiences of women and narrative driven creative work. Her aim is to delight, to reveal glimpses of everyday beauty, and to celebrate flights of the ordinary. Sarah works across a range of media, with an abiding interest in pen and ink, mixed media and the human form. You can find Sarah here.

Australian Dingo Foundation (320 trees) 195 – Individuals / 50 – Ecotreasures.