Key Facts:
- For $10, supporters can plant a tree through the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) to memorialise a pet or loved one
- AKF's 100-acre Quinlans sanctuary is being restored from former cattle grazing land to native bush habitat for koalas
- Trees planted by staff are now mature enough for koala feeding, though koalas haven't yet returned permanently to the site
- The initiative supports comprehensive conservation work including planting, maintenance and biodiversity research
- The project aims to rebuild entire ecosystems, not just plant trees, coinciding with World Tree Planting Day and International Day of Forests on 21 March
The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) has spent nearly 40 years protecting Koalas in the wild, driven by a clear mission to protect and restore the habitat they depend on. At Quinlans, AKF's 100-acre bushland sanctuary near Kenilworth in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, that mission is being brought to life—one tree at a time, because for Koalas, NO TREE = NO ME.
Once a thriving patch of native bush alive with Koalas and millions of other native Australian species, the land was cleared for cattle grazing, leaving it barren and the habitat on the brink of collapse. Today, through years of dedication, it is buzzing, chirping, and rustling back to life as native trees take hold and begin to rebuild a functioning ecosystem.
Through AKF's Plant-A-Tree initiative, staff, volunteers, and supporters have worked together to restore what was lost, planting trees that are now maturing into vital Koala habitat.
"Trees planted by staff are now big enough for a Koala to feed on," said Deborah Tabart OAM, Chair of the Australian Koala Foundation. "Sadly, they have not returned to Quinlans yet. We have found evidence but no sightings."
The work at Quinlans is long-term and focused not just on planting trees, but on rebuilding entire ecosystems that Koalas and other native species can rely on into the future.
Among those helping along the way are some very special four-legged, long-term AKF supporters. Miss Bennett and Elvis, much-loved Golden Retrievers, have been part of tree planting days at Quinlans, symbolising the connection between animals, people, and the environment. Their presence reflects the heart behind the work—protecting all creatures, great and small.
From just $10, supporters can play a direct role in this restoration through AKF's programs by planting a tree in honour of a loved one, for yourself, as a meaningful gift, or in memory of a cherished pet. The pet memorial program offers a meaningful way to celebrate the lives of your beloved fluffy friend, with each tribute contributing to the regeneration of Koala habitat.
Every contribution supports critical on-ground conservation work, including planting, watering, weeding, mulching, and biodiversity research. Each tree planted helps reconnect habitat and move one step closer to seeing Koalas return.
Because trees aren't just trees—they're the backbone of life on land. They feed and shelter Koalas, clean our air, protect our soil and waterways, and support the incredible life around us. While protecting existing forests remains critical, planting new ones is how we rebuild what's been lost and future-proof it.
This work takes on added significance as 21 March approaches, marking both World Tree Planting Day and the International Day of Forests. It is a powerful reminder that real change happens through sustained action—and that every tree planted is a step towards a stronger future for Koalas. Let's grow a forest—and a future—together.
About us:
About Us
The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is the principal non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the conservation and effective management of the wild koala and its habitat.
