Growing a Greener Future: Trees For Life’s Conservation Efforts Across the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island

Words: Susie Williams. Story courtesy Coast Lines magazine.

The Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island are home to some of South Australia’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, rich in biodiversity and cherished by locals and visitors alike. Trees For Life, a well-respected environmental organisation, is actively working to restore and protect these unique ecosystems through a range of initiatives. Read about upcoming opportunities to get involved throughHike for Habitat, the Fleurieu Planting Group, Tree Scheme and the Annual Plant Sale.

Hike for Habitat: An Adventure with a Purpose

For those who love the outdoors, Trees For Life is offering an exciting opportunity to hike for a cause. This October, the organisation will launch its first-ever Hike for Habitat on Kangaroo Island, inviting participants to experience the island’s stunning natural beauty while raising crucial funds for conservation efforts.

Led by Trees For Life CEO and avid bushwalker Natasha Davis, the five-day trek will take hikers on an unforgettable journey along over 60 kilometres of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. This world-renowned trail winds through some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes, offering panoramic views of the Southern Ocean, encounters with native wildlife, and visits to iconic sites such as Snake Lagoon, Remarkable Rocks, and Hanson Bay. From rugged cliffs and windswept beaches to tranquil bushland, participants will be immersed in the diverse environments that make Kangaroo Island so special.

Beyond the adventure, the Hike for Habitat is about giving back to nature. Funds raised will support Trees For Life’s mission to restore South Australia’s native habitats, ensuring the survival of countless plant and animal species. Walkers will have the chance to connect with like-minded conservation supporters while playing an active role in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

For those passionate about hiking and conservation, this is a unique opportunity to combine adventure with impact. To learn more about participating or supporting the event, visit https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/treesforlife-kangarooisland-2025/

Fleurieu Planting Group: Hands-On Conservation

Closer to home, landholders across the Fleurieu Peninsula have an opportunity to receive valuable assistance through the Trees For Life Fleurieu Planting Group. Each year, volunteers dedicate their time and effort to helping local landowners plant native trees and shrubs, contributing to the restoration of degraded landscapes and strengthening the region’s biodiversity.

This initiative supports those who have ordered seedlings through the Tree Scheme, ensuring that young plants get the best possible start in their new environment. The volunteer planting team covers a wide area, from the South Eastern Freeway to Cape Jervis and Callington to Yankalilla, making it a fantastic option for landholders looking for extra help with their revegetation projects.

The planting season runs from May to September, so those interested are encouraged to reach out early to secure a spot. Coordinated by Bunti, the volunteer team is a dedicated group of locals eager to support landholders in enhancing their properties with native vegetation. For more information, interested landowners can contact Bunti via email at [email protected].

By participating in this program, landholders not only receive assistance with their plantings but also contribute to a healthier and more resilient natural environment across the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Tree Scheme orders open in May

The Tree Scheme provides access to low-cost native species, allowing landholders and community groups to restore biodiversity with the help of volunteer growers.

Email [email protected] to receive further information.

Annual Native Plant Sale: Bringing Nature to Your Backyard

For those looking to add a touch of native beauty to their gardens or properties, the Annual Trees For Life Native Plant Sale is the perfect event. Held at the end of May, this much-anticipated sale offers an impressive selection of native garden plants, paddock trees, and shrubs, catering to both home gardeners and larger-scale revegetation projects.

Hosted at Westwood Nursery, on the corner of May Terrace and Sir Donald Bradman Drive, the sale runs from 9 am to 1 pm and features expert advice on hand to help customers select the right plants for their needs. Whether you’re looking to create a habitat for native wildlife, improve soil health, or simply enjoy the beauty of indigenous flora, this event is an excellent opportunity to purchase quality native plants.

Bookings for the sale are essential, so interested buyers should keep an eye on Trees For Life’s social media pages for booking details and updates.

Making a Difference, Together

Each of these initiatives—Hike for Habitat, the Fleurieu Planting Group, and the Annual Plant Sale—highlights the importance of community involvement in conservation. Whether you prefer to explore nature on foot, get your hands dirty planting trees, or enhance your garden with native plants, there are plenty of ways to contribute to the protection and restoration of South Australia’s environment.

By supporting Trees For Life, individuals can help ensure that our region’s forests, coastlines, and bushlands continue to thrive for generations to come. If you’re ready to take action, consider signing up for the Hike for Habitat, joining the Fleurieu Planting Group, or attending the Annual Plant Sale—because together, we can make a real difference in preserving the landscapes we love.