This story starts two decades ago, in a wild slice of Tasmanian rainforest.

Back then, Bob Brown made an important decision – one that was to have some major consequences for the Australian conservation scene.

	The beautiful forest of Bush Heritage's first reserve – Liffey River Reserve in Tasmania. Photo: Wayne Lawler

Bob, then a member of the Tasmanian Parliament, had heard about two untouched blocks of Tasmanian forest that were doomed to be woodchipped. Luckily, he was able to use an unexpected windfall – the Goldman Environmental Prize – as a deposit to secure the two blocks.

Bob admits that he was ‘very anxious' about raising the rest of the money. But like-minded people helped out with donations, with paediatrician and environmentalist Judy Henderson playing a crucial role.

Bit by bit, the forest blocks were bought. These two blocks of Tasmanian forest became Liffey River and Dry's Bluff Reserves, and in 1991 Bush Heritage was born.

From small beginnings to a national presence

Since then, the Australian public has rallied behind Bush Heritage.

	The locations of Bush Heritage's reserves Australia-wide.

From just a few hundred hectares in 1991, we now own nearly 1 000 000 hectares in 33 conservation reserves across Australia. And it's all thanks to our supporters.

CEO Doug Humann says 'Our supporters saw an opportunity to really do something about conserving our country. And their vision has paid off.'

'If we're considered successful, they're the reason why. We can't thank them enough for what they've done.'

Reaching out: partnerships in conservation

As the organisation grew, it became obvious that just buying land wasn't enough to safeguard our precious but threatened natural heritage.

CEO Doug Humann explains: ‘Much land that's vital to regional conservation is in private hands.'

So in 2006 Bush Heritage started building partnerships with landowners – pastoralists, farmers and indigenous landowners – to help them manage their land for conservation.

For example, we partner with the Wardekken people of the West Arnhem Plateau in the Northern Territory, to support the conservation management of their lands.

Our partnerships work now accounts for another 2.5 million hectares of land under conservation management.

This fat-tailed dunnart is in safe hands at Bush Heritage's Bon Bon Station Reserve. Photo: Annette Ruzicka

Where to now?

From the dripping rainforests of Far North Queensland to the gentle grassy woodlands of NSW and Victoria; from the wide red plains of central Australia to the wildflower-strewn plains of southwestern WA, a suite of animals and landscapes are better off because of Bush Heritage's supporters.

But there is more to come. ‘Even on its 20th anniversary, Bush Heritage hasn't yet realised its potential', says Doug Humann.

‘We are well-placed to make an even bigger impact. We have a bold but achievable plan to protect 1% of Australia by 2025.'

To supporters past and present, thank you for making all this possible.

Throughout 2011, we'll be celebrating two decades of conservation successes – stay tuned for the latest news.

‘When I started as CEO, I could never have imagined this’

Doug Humann, Bush Heritage CEO

Then to now

Thanks to everyone who's had a hand in the success of Bush Heritage:
Supporters, directors, staff, volunteers, governmental and non-governmental organisations, science partners, indigenous partners, and landscape partners.

Thanks to past and present Presidents of the Board: Bob Brown, Karen Alexander, Phillip Toyne and Louise Sylvan.