Billabong Farm Tree Planting

Growing Impact: 4 Pines and Landcare Australia Plant 44,444 Trees at Billabong Farm

In September 2024, 4 Pines marked a major milestone with the planting of 44,444 trees, shrubs, and groundcovers at Billabong Farm in NSW. This project, a partnership with Landcare Australia and friend of 4 Pines’ farmer Glenn Morris, reflects our shared commitment to restoring biodiversity.

Our partnership with Landcare Australia  

Our collaboration with Landcare Australia kicked off back in 2020 at Ryefield Hop Farm in Bemboka, NSW, where we planted 3,000 native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers to enhance biodiversity and prevent silt runoff.   In 2022, we made things official with Landcare Australia, signing up to plant a whopping 44,444 trees annually over three years. We hit the ground running, starting in 2022 at Cape Jervis, (also known by its Aboriginal name Parewarangk) in South Australia. Right by the ferry to Kangaroo Island, we planted close to 100 acres with species to support local wildlife and, fingers crossed, tempt the Kangaroo Island Glossy Black Cockatoo back to the mainland.

In 2023, we set our sights on Billabong Farm, but Mother Nature had other plans, with conditions too dry for planting. The good news? The project’s now done, and we’ve got another 44,444 ready to go in 2025—if the weather plays nice.

Rolling Up Our Sleeves to Plant Trees

In 2024, finally, the weather gods were on our side! Our team, joined by Asahi colleagues and the Landcare Australia team all came together to dig in—literally—hand-planting 600 native trees. Farmer Glenn gave us a tour of the farm, explaining the unique ecosystems and future seeding plans. Up on the hill, he fittingly introduced us to four Bunya Pines, each planted in honor of his beloved working dogs. As we looked out over the valley, we spotted the Sapphire Wind Farm—fittingly, it’s the wind farm that powers 4 Pines through our renewable energy agreement. Seeing it all come together reminded us of the real impact community, business, and NGOs can have when they team up.

Though rain threatened all day, it held off until the last tree was in the ground—then came down just in time to give our new plantings a solid start. We capped off the day by the fire, digging into a hearty beef stew made by Glenn, from beef raised on-site.  

Nurturing Life for a Sustainable Future  

This project is about more than planting trees—it’s about nurturing life. Over time, we hope these efforts will create much-needed habitat for some of Australia’s most vulnerable wildlife, like the endangered Koala, the threatened Spotted-Tail Quoll, and the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater. Each tree, shrub, and ground cover planted is a step toward a healthier ecosystem, supporting countless insects and critters that depend on it to survive. It’s a small but powerful way of giving back to the land and ensuring a thriving, biodiverse future for all its inhabitants.

A Partnership Rooted in Regeneration

Our journey with Glenn began in 2016, when he captivated audiences at a Sustainable Organisations (SO) Manly event. He spoke passionately about adaptive farming to combat climate change and the rising challenges of drought, fires, and floods. Glenn has  demonstrated how regenerative agriculture can improve soil health, protect native species, and increase water retention, all while honoring the land's natural rhythms.

Glenn’s got guts—and a pretty legendary story to back it up. Back in 2016, he took his trusty steed, Hombre, right across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, all to protest some seriously questionable land-clearing laws. The laws may have gone through, but that didn’t slow him down. Now, Billabong Farm stands as a living, thriving example of sustainable agriculture, proving Glenn’s commitment isn’t just talk—it's a full gallop ahead!

Where the water flows | Regenerative Projects: A Model for Sustainable Agriculture

Since taking over Billabong Farm on Kamilaroi country near Inverell, NSW, Glenn has revitalized what was once a barren landscape. Over 20 years, he’s implemented holistic grazing, soil microbiology enhancements, and water-retention techniques like permaculture swales. His efforts are documented in Regenerating Earth, a film we screened at 4 Pines Truck Bar in 2016.

With support from 4 Pines, Asahi Beverages, and Landcare Australia, Glenn’s Landscape Rehydration Project has had a rippling effect[el1] . Designed with guidance from the Mulloon Institute, the “leaky weir” system mimics natural waterways (like a creek) to slow and spread water, recharge the aquifer, and encourage native plants and biodiversity to thrive. Mulloon’s mission to rehydrate landscapes through regenerative practices is all about boosting climate resilience, food security, and healthy ecosystems—and we’re proud to be part of it.

 Inspiring Change Beyond Billabong Farm

Over the past 20 years, with the success of these initiatives, Glenn has become a leader in the regenerative agriculture movement, hosting educational events on sustainable water management and the benefits of natural capital. Recently, he shared his expertise at the “Bringing Back the Billabongs” event, showcasing how strategic water management can improve both ecological health and agricultural productivity.

A Shared Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Our work with Landcare Australia and Farmer Glenn shows just how powerful partnerships can be. Together, we’re building healthier soils, boosting biodiversity, and promoting resilient farming & restoring habitats for our native wildlife—proving what is possible when we commit to long-term sustainability. 4 Pines and Landcare Australia are all about backing communities and groups who care for the land, helping to create a sustainable future one project at a time.