Planting Project: Australia
The wildfires currently consuming Australia are nothing short of an international crisis and a climate catastrophe. As the fires sweep through Australia, they continue to destroy millions of animal habitats and claim the lives of countless animals.
It is truly heartbreaking to watch as animals are left powerless to watch their homes destroyed and their families killed.
For these reasons 8 Billion Trees has launched a special planting initiative with the Kangaroo Island Landscape Management board in South Australia to begin supporting reforestation efforts in Australia where the wildfires are decimating habitats and causing significant climate change and heat waves.
While we can't change what has already happened, we can be a powerful force for good to stop as much further destruction as we possibly can.
Kangaroo Island Wildfires: Reforestation Update 2021
We have expanded our planting sites on Kangaroo Island, Australia. Currently, 8 Billion Trees is funding the growth of a variety of native species in our nurseries, in anticipation of the planting season that begins (normally) in May.
Working directly with the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, our planting sites will soon abound with budding, burgeoning, reforested land!
The rainy season has prevented any new reforesting projects for now, but our goal is to have all trees planted over a two-month span… so that by the end of July the saplings will be rooted and flourishing.
Koala Population
Part of 8 Billion Trees mission involves protecting and rehabilitating habitats for native wildlife. Last year, fires devastated this region, and the crucial Kangaroo Island koala species was hit hard.
This koala species is particularly important to the survival of the wider population because it is the only large group free from many diseases, specifically chlamydia. During the fires, many were shipped to the mainland in order to save their lives… but it is sadly a one-way ticket.
In order to reestablish the native population, these koalas need an environment that will allow them to survive and thrive. So, 8 Billion Trees is working hard to make that happen.
Grassroots Efforts
Although most of the work we undertake is coordinated through local governments, getting the word out to the community is just as vital. Much private land was devastated by the massive burning, and to make matters worse, these are the areas that contain the most biodiversity on the island.
So, we’re working on the ground to spread the word about our reforestation efforts to local land owners. This way, they can be a part of restoring the areas that were lost.
Just some of the native species 8 Billion Trees is planting include:
- Melaleuca / Gibbosa
- Myoporum / Insulare
- Eucalyptus / Camadulensis
- Acacia / Acinacea
- Melaleuca / Lanceolata
- Goodenia / Amplexans
- Eutaxia / Diffusa
- Allocasuarina / Verticillata
- Hakea / Rugosa
- Banksia / Marginata
- Pultenaea / Daphnoides
- Allocasuarina / Strata
- Dianella / Brevicaulis
- Lasiopetalum / Baueri
- Kunzea / Pomifera
- Allocasuarina / Verticillata
- Dodonaea / Hexandra
- Calytrix / Tetragona
- Thomasia / Petalocalyx
- Callitris / Rhomboidea
- Allocasuarina / Striata
- Pultenaea / Daphnoides
- Leptospermum / Continentale
- Callistemon / Rugulosus
Together, we can help rebuild ecosystems that were lost!