Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. This threatens the ecosystems we all depend upon, making it critical to strengthen the resilience of our natural landscapes.
Severely damaged road, Lismore Floods, 2022. Pic: ABC North Coast
Without trees to slow water flow and hold soil in place, flood risks increase. And with 99% of Northern NSW's subtropical rainforest now gone, increased rainfall has more potential to cause extreme runoff. Flash flooding in recent years has occurred not only because of the heavy rainfall, but because of the lack of rainforest trees in our catchment.
So, what's the solution?
- If you want to prevent flash flooding, plant more trees!
- If you want to save threatened species, plant more trees!
- If you want help address the climate crisis, plant more trees!
Extreme weather events are pushing threatened wildlife closer to extinction. During Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, high winds and flash flooding damaged habitats and stripped away vegetation, leading to erosion and loss of habitat for native wildlife.
During these flash flooding events, wildlife experience a direct impact. In response, it's critical that we strengthen the resilience of our natural landscapes. Through our Rainforest Rangers program, we are working to restore rainforest in Australia to help mitigate the impact of natural disasters and restore wildlife habitat.
A koala joey wet from floods. Image: Jill Bayly
THE PROBLEM
Decades of land clearing has removed 99% of subtropical rainforests in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales. This destruction has left threatened wildlife with fewer habitat options, and subtropical rainforests on floodplains are now classified as an endangered ecological community.
Flash flooding has worsened due to intense rainfall and the loss of rainforest vegetation in catchment areas. Deforested land cannot absorb water efficiently leading to rapid runoff, more frequent flash flooding, and further damage to the environment.
Landslip in Northern New South Wales. Image: ABC News: Leah White
FOCUS: LISMORE & THE BIG SCRUB RAINFOREST
The Big Scrub Rainforest in Northern NSW has been reduced by 99% due to land clearing. Over time, this has had serious implications for the people that call places that sit within this water catchment home, particularly Lismore, which suffered devastating loss in the 2022 floods.
Rivers and creeks converging on Lismore, New South Wales
Once spanning 75,000 hectares, this critical ecosystem must be restored to prevent future flash flooding and biodiversity loss.
More than 200,000 trees and other native plants have already been planted with the help of volunteers, land managers, farmers, and community groups. Now, we need to scale up efforts.
THE SOLUTION
Restoring rainforest will help prevent further habitat loss and mitigate climate change.
Replanting rainforest trees and assisted natural regeneration can help to:
- Absorb and gradually release rainfall to reduce flooding
- Provide food and shelter for endangered wildlife
- Capture carbon to support climate resilience.
Your donation will directly fund habitat restoration, waterway revegetation, and tree planting projects.
Tree planting in Northern New South Wales
WHAT WE'RE DOING
Through the Rainforest Rangers program, we are actively restoring rainforest ecosystems by:
Replanting habitat for wildlife - re-establishing subtropical rainforest ecosystems.
Revegetating waterways - stabilising creek banks, slowing floodwaters, and improving water quality.
Planting trees in water catchments - reducing runoff and mitigating flood risks.
Removing invasive weeds - allowing native species to thrive.
Ensuring long-term survival - maintaining planted trees for three years.
With your support and the support of our team, we are ready to scale up our efforts.
Your contribution will directly fund:
- Tree propagation and nursery operations
- Site preparation and planting
- Three years of maintenance to ensure the survival of established planting.
Climate change is increasing the intensity of extreme weather events. While emissions reduction is essential, restoring rainforest ecosystems is a practical solution that can help slow floodwaters, stabilise the land, and support biodiversity.
A healthy rainforest strengthens ecosystems, protects wildlife, and reduces the risk of devastating floods.
Lismore Floods 2022. Image: iStock
Please, donate now to help us restore more of our rainforest landscape, protect wildlife, and combat climate change before the next extreme weather event.
Prefer to use Paypal? Please, donate here.
INDIGENOUS COLLABORATION
We work with the Madhima Gulgan Rangers, whose bush regeneration team assists with tree planting and maintenance.