This week, Bangalow Koalas reached a remarkable milestone. They have planted their 400,000th tree since 2019. That equates to roughly 360 hectares across six shires in the Northern Rivers of NSW.
The 400,000th tree, planted recently on a property in Knockrow in Northern NSW, is the culmination of 148 plantings on 114 properties since 2019.
Planting hope
Bangalow Koalas says their hands-on community-based response to the climate crisis is already working.
From humble beginnings, they say their tree plantings have connected individuals, families, farmers, communities and Indigenous and Landcare groups ‘in a collaborative effort to give us all hope. To prove, especially to our children, that making a difference is not just possible, it’s happening now.’
President Linda Sparrow, has a larger goal in her sights. ‘With the biggest threat to koalas being habitat loss, Bangalow Koalas is on a mission to plant 500,000 trees by the end of 2025,’ she said.
‘Having planted just over 400,000 trees so far, with still more trees to be planted before the end of the 2024 planting season, we’re almost there, which is truly amazing, but in order to achieve our goal we need funding to plant 90,000 trees in 2025.
‘There are so many amazing businesses, charitable foundations and government and non-government organisations that have helped us plant trees by supporting us with funding, but our job isn’t anywhere near finished yet.’
Help needed
Bangalow Koalas is now calling for help to plant even more trees.
‘We’re putting a shoutout to help us fund our 2025 goal,’ said Ms Sparrow. ‘Donate today and be the difference.’
To learn more about Bangalow Koalas, including how to help fund its all-important plantings over the next year and beyond, visit bangalowkoalas.com.au.
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