by Eliza Anderson
In 2024 our friendly community aims to plant 30,000+ trees for koalas from June to September. After ten weeks we’ve planted 23,156 trees.
We are ahead of schedule to reach our 30,000-a year tree target!
It’s been an enormous season so far. We didn’t anticipate the huge numbers that we’d achieve – we’ve broken multiple records for the number of trees planted in a day: 4109 over 2 days on 15 & 16 June for the International Fund for Animal Welfare at Moorabool Manna Gums for Koalas; and 2087 trees in one day on 18 July with ANL Shipping at Barrabool Wetlands for Koalas. In saying that, there’s been one characteristic of this season that didn’t surprise us:
The friendly people who make up our wonderful community.
We’ve always had a strong community at Koala Clancy Foundation. Over the years we’ve hosted nearly 7,000 community participants, including 26 corporate teams.
We’re a rapidly growing community, and we’re very proud of the friendships that have grown with us.
Recently, one of our long-term staff members, Hayley, pointed out:
“The community vibes have felt so great this year. People are coming along to our planting days so many times, it’s really nice to continue seeing them throughout the season. Everyone is getting to know each other so well.”
Hayley, Tree Planting Assistant
I couldn’t agree more. The 2023 and 2024 tree planting seasons have brought some of the most committed community members we’ve ever had.
They join us week after week to plant through rain, hail, or shine; arriving in the morning to get started, and many sticking around at the end of a long planting day – sitting atop a pile of tree guards to share a hot cuppa, a biscuit, and a hug.
“The KCF members and volunteers are extremely dedicated, and the group camaraderie is welcoming and inclusive. Working alongside others of like mind and motivation is very satisfying.
There is also a sense of peace to be found in the landscape, birdsong and fresh air. It instills hope that we can really do this, and make a difference. Being a part of KCF provides me with a tangible sense of purpose in these unsettling times.
Fiona, Koala Clancy Foundation member
I suppose that’s the common goal that unites us – a future with koalas in it.
People often thank us for the work that we’re doing at Koala Clancy Foundation. We appreciate the thanks, but in some ways, it’s the koalas that we have to thank.
Our koalas have taught us a lot over the decades that we have researched them – we’ve learned about male koala dominance, how they eat, and the truth about their hands. Read these articles and you’ll learn how complex and intriguing these furry creatures are. Our koalas have also shown us how good people can align, frequently, regularly, and in all conditions, to make the change they wish to see.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our 2024 tree planting season so far. Whether you’ve joined us at tree planting or extended your support from afar – everything adds up and fills our team with hope and joy.
UPDATE: As of 14 August 2024 we have now planted 152,853 koala trees.
The Koala Clancy community is doing much more than planting trees for koalas – we’re making a future for koalas and people.
Be part of our community – join a tree planting day, donate or sign up as a member.
