Can you believe it — we’re 50 years old!

In 1972 the modern environmental movement was young. In Victoria, the most cleared state in Australia, the time was ripe for a group of people to come together to protect our precious patches of remaining habitat. What was then known as the Victorian Conservation Trust was born.

Fast forward 50 years (and a name change!), we’ve gone from strength to strength, protecting over 110,000 hectares across more than 1,500 conservation covenants and more than 40 reserves.

This special 50th anniversary issue of the Conservation Bulletin is a celebration of those achievements, and an opportunity to pause and consider the past, present and future of Trust for Nature.

Inside you’ll find stories of our beginnings and our journey. We take a look at the work we’re doing to protect threatened species, address climate change and work more closely with Aboriginal Victorians.

It’s also a tribute to the people who have made Trust for Nature — Vic Marles who is stepping down from the role of CEO after 13 years of leading and transforming the Trust — as well as colleagues, volunteers, donors, partners, supporters and, of course, the landholders who have volunteered to protect habitat forever.

Thank you — here’s to the next 50 years.

Pictured background: A covenanted property on Phillip Island. Image: Annette Ruzicka. Pictured left: The Tucker family are among the thousands of Victorians who have committed to protecting habitat on their land.