21 Nov 2025

TURNING HOPE INTO HABITAT: 500,000 TREES PLANTED FOR KOALAS!

The 15th of November 2025 marks a momentous occasion: half a million trees in the ground to give Australia’s iconic koala a chance to thrive into the future. This milestone with our on-ground partner Bangalow Koalas is one to celebrate, as every tree planted means more food, shelter and safer corridors for the east-coast population of koalas that were uplisted to Endangered in 2022.

Since 2019, Bangalow Koalas - a community driven organisation based in the Northern Rivers of NSW has been busy planting trees for koalas with a goal to plant 500,000 trees by 2025 (tick that one off the list!), and 1 million by 2030.

So, what does it take to get 500,000 trees planted in the ground? A lot of passion, persistence and people coming together, volunteering their time on weekends to get their hands dirty.

500,000 trees is half a million homes for koalas and countless other native wildlife. It’s also a symbol of what a community group with passion and persistence can achieve. We’ve created a living, breathing habitat for koalas.

Linda Sparrow, President of Bangalow Koalas.

Bangalow Koalas President Linda Sparrow (in the koala costume) celebrates with supporters after planting the 500,000th tree © WWF-Australia / Patrick Hamilton

Home amongst the eucalypts

Many of the trees planted by Bangalow Koalas are already providing much needed food and shelter for koalas. Three years ago, trees were planted on a property in South Gundurimba and today, those plantings are thriving. Koalas nearby have been spotted feeding on the three-year-old trees which are well on their way to becoming a thriving forest habitat for native species.

Linda Sparrow and Tanya Pritchard amongst planted trees.
Three years ago, Bangalow Koalas, with support from WWF, planted trees on a property on Tatham Road to restore koala habitat. Today, those plantings are thriving – and koalas are now using this corridor as a safe space to feed, rest and move between forests.

Linda Sparrow and Tanya Pritchard amongst planted trees. © WWF-Australia / Property Shot Photography

Koala in a tree close to the Tatham Road plantings.
Three years ago, Bangalow Koalas, with support from WWF, planted trees on a property on Tatham Road to restore koala habitat. Today, those plantings are thriving – and koalas are now using this corridor as a safe space to feed, rest and move between forests.

WWF x Bangalow Koalas - Tatham Road Plantings 3 Years On © WWF-Australia / Property Shot Photography

“Koalas are feeding on these trees as soon as the branches can take their weight. It’s incredibly uplifting and shows the value of regenerating nature.” – Tanya Pritchard, Senior Manager of Koala Recovery, WWF-Australia.

The power of partnerships and community

The success of this landscape-scale restoration effort has only been possible because of community groups, landholders, conservation organisations and corporate partners coming together with a shared goal: to secure a future for koalas.

WWF-Australia has supported Bangalow Koalas since 2020, providing funding, project design and helping to raise awareness of the incredible work being done on-ground. This work is only possible thanks to our generous supporters and partners, including our visionary partner Koala. Together, we’re turning bare paddocks into forests and hope is taking root with our mission to remove koalas off the Endangered list by 2030 and doubling their population by 2050.

Volunteers plant native trees with Bangalow Koalas, November 15, 2025

“It’s so good to see everyone out here today. It’s not going to take one person or one company like us—it’s going to take the whole nation. I hope that what everyone is doing at Bangalow Koalas and WWF can inspire other people and other groups around the country to look after such an iconic species like the koala.” – Dany Milham, CEO, Koala.

What’s next? 1 million trees, of course!

With 500,000 trees already planted firmly in the ground, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and achieve the next milestone: 1 million trees by 2030. With continued community support, we can double the impact and secure a future for our beloved Australian icon.

What you can do to support the next 500,000 trees:

Support tree-planting initiatives: Whether by donating, adopting a koala or volunteering, community-led programs like Bangalow Koalas rely on passionate people who care.
Advocate for stronger protections: Sign the petition and call on the Australian Government to implement stronger nature laws to ensure the gains from reforestation aren’t undermined.
Stay informed and spread the word: Every person can make a difference. The more people who understand the challenges our native wildlife face, the more support there is for meaningful action. Help spread the word and raise awareness amongst your community!