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Started as the 'Save the Forests Campaign' in 1944, the league emerged like a phoenix out of the ashes of south-east Australia's devastating bushfires of 1939. The campaign to help revegetate the State grew and, by 1951, was incorporated as the Natural Resources Conservation League of Victoria (NRCL).
For over sixty years now, the league has maintained its dedication to conservation and wise use of native forests, and promoting awareness of the synecology of soil and water, plants and wildlife on public and private land.
Along the way an impressive reputation was earned for numerous conservation initiatives, including annual production and distribution of over a million native trees for farms, local councils and schools, and for various publications and conventions, field days, training programs, Junior Tree Lovers' League and Arbor Day activities.
In 1972, the League's accomplishments were publicly recognised by the State Minister for Conservation with the inaugural 'Victoria Conservation Prize' for "the most significant contribution to the conservation of the natural resources of the State of Victoria over the previous five years". The award related particularly to the League's role in the State-wide campaign to protect what became the Little Desert National Park.
NRCL was responsible for starting some other conservation movements and providing vital advocacy and support to several more. Education and training programs have remained an essential part of the league's activities with various programs provided to government authorities, local councils, farm members, schools, clubs and other interest groups.
Significant re-organisation, in 2003, included divestment of four plant nurseries and withdrawal from the League's long-term home in Springvale. Then early 2004 saw a relocation to the Toolangi Forest Discovery Centre, and more recently to the historic township of Warburton bordered by the Yarra Ranges National Park and the Upper Yarra River... the perfect location to provide a diverse array of Environmental Educaton programs to school and community groups. The League also operates in partnerships with other state and local authorities, schools, and groups upholding shared conservation objectives.
NRCL remains an independent, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to experiential sustainability education that embraces broad social, economic and environmental values, and importantly fulfill the requirements of the VELS.
A published history of the League from 1944 to 1990 is currently out of print, but may be available in libraries.
Robin, Libby (1991) Building a Forest Conscience: An historical portrait of the Natural Resources Conservation League of Victoria (NRCL) 1944-1990, Natural Resources Conservation League of Victoria.
