River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) are among Australia's most iconic trees — the great spreading gums that line the Murray-Darling river system and its tributaries. These magnificent trees support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife: hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates depend on river red gum forests for food and shelter.
River red gum forests face multiple threats: altered water regimes from dams and diversions, timber harvesting, grazing, invasive weeds and the long-term impacts of climate change. The combination of these pressures has left many river red gum forests in poor health, with high rates of dieback.
The Foundation supported campaigns to protect river red gum forests from logging and advocate for improved environmental water allocations. The campaign contributed to significant conservation gains, including the creation of new national parks and nature reserves along the Murray River in Victoria and New South Wales.