Since its beginnings as part of a global research-intensive biopharmaceutical company that strives to improve health and well-being around the world, MSD Australia has been committed not only to scientific innovation but also to giving back to the communities it serves. MSD invests in people by supporting environmental and social initiatives that align with its mission to enable a sustainable and healthy future for all.

In partnership with local community groups, MSD has now helped plant 213 native trees, contributing to greener spaces and improving biodiversity.

Daintree Rainforest, QLD | 78 trees | 2025

Daintree Life in conjunction with local community volunteers planted the trees at Newell, QLD (Nulu Country). They were planted over several days, during which local school students took part. While planting, the students also learned about:

• the geography of the local area,
• what wildlife are specific to the area,
• how the tree planting will provide ongoing food resource and habitat for the wildlife,
• the importance of various tree species specific to invertebrates that rely solely on an individual species for food resource, and
• the positive effects of tree planting in relation to carbon sequestration and climate change.

The site was unsuitable for farmland and due to an overburden of weeds and has not been of benefit for wildlife as a food resource. But by replacing the weeds with forest, it will now provide both habitat and food. Included in the planting was a large variety of indigenous tree species specific to the area including figs, Eucalypts, Melaleucas, Acacias and other species such as Red Cedar, Brown Silky Oak, Brown Pine, Golden Penda to name a few.

This planting site, in the Lower Daintree rainforest area of Tropical Far North Queensland, includes a waterway flowing directly to the Great Barrier Reef. The site where the revegetation work is being conducted is part of a large farm area which was previously cleared for cattle farming. The landowners have chosen to return this area of the property back to authentic rainforest, compete with State Government protection, which has been included to the title deeds of the property ensuring protection for perpetuity.

We are eternally grateful to Fifteen Trees and their sponsors who continue to support our work. Without this ongoing support we cannot continue to do what we do in revegetation, expanding habitat and improving the environment of our unique area and supporting our local wildlife.

Connie Pinson | Partner and Founder | Daintree Life

Numerous bird species have been observed and taking advantage of the revegetation. These species include, but are not limited to: Yellow-bellied Sunbirds, Greater Egrets, Willie wagtails, Rainbow Bee-eaters, multiple species of Kingfishers and Masked Lapwings. Graceful tree frogs and Rocket frogs are regularly sighted within the planting areas. There is lots of evidence of Bandicoot diggings between trees and on the edges. A Water Python has been sighted in the revegetation area. Numerous species of butterflies and dragonflies have been observed within the area. In the future as trees attain additional height and begin flowering and fruiting, the entire area will provide a valuable food resource for Spectacled Flying-foxes which are a federally listed endangered species.

Turners Beach, TAS | 90 trees | 2022

MSD trees have been planted along the northern coastline in Tasmania at a place called Turners Beach. The planting group in the area, are aiming to enhance natural values and protect the natural vegetation corridors and habitat for native fauna including the iconic Tasmanian Devil.

The trees provided will help with problems such as:

• loss of habitat,
• gaps in the vegetation that leave the area more susceptible to weed incursion,
• reduction in numbers of native and local species of Eucalyptus (E. viminalis) and
• diminished species diversity generally.

The plants received were used to revegetate sites within the coastal reserve at Turners Beach, where the group had previously cleared cape ivy. The ivy was very dense and had unfortunately replaced the native vegetation in some areas. Its removal resulted in large cleared spaces which the plants have now filled and will hopefully be complimented with some natural regeneration. Planting occurred during a number of working bees with local volunteers.

Huge thank you for our trees.

Wendy Horniblow | Member | Turners Beach Coastcare Inc.

Campaspe Valley, VIC | 45 trees | 2021

This year, we gathered up your trees and planted them with the Campaspe Valley Landcare Group at 2 sites – Redesdale and Watchbox in Barfold, VIC.

Redesdale District.

 

Thanks to all supporters of Fifteen Trees, our Landcare group has been able to plan for our revegetation works for 2021. This year we have concentrated mostly on regional roadsides and bushland blocks.

David Cheal | Communications Secretary | Campaspe Landcare

At both sites, River red gums, Lightwoods and Golden Wattles were planted as well as numerous native shrubs and smaller trees.

Thank you to everyone listed above for your contribution to our community tree planting groups. By providing them with trees, they are able to confidently plan their revegetation projects knowing that they have trees to plant.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can take many forms but for us … tree planting hits a number of targets!

• Community groups benefit as they receive free trees for their projects.
• The environment benefits as trees mean habitat for the native insects, birds, reptiles and mammals.
• And companies benefit too. ‘Through CSR programs, companies can help society while promoting their own brands. Corporate social responsibility can boost morale and can help both employees and employers feel more connected with the world around them’. (www.investopedia.com).

Thank you MSD for your support of our tree planting projects for another year.

If you would like to know more about sponsoring community tree planting projects and how we can assist you in becoming a more sustainable business, please contact Colleen at <[email protected]>.

Writer: Colleen B. Filippa

With a background in Environmental Science, Colleen is the Founding Director of Fifteen Trees. In 2009, after 20 years in primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions, Colleen left the classroom to start the company. Fifteen Trees is a social enterprise assisting individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprint by supporting community groups such as Landcare, schools and environmental networks.