In memory of Richard & Elizabeth Hall who spent the sixty one years of their marriage improving the agricultural environment in which they farmed. Neither stood above the other in their life's work. The years were spent in southeastern NSW where they owned & operated three properties.
Beginning in 1952, not long after a fire almost wiped out the property they set about planting eucalypt plantations as shelter belts. In the mid 1980's when they had bought a property in the Upper Murray they started a Landcare group, not long after Landcare began as an entity. In Dick's memoir, he stated "we started a Landcare group, I became Chairman. Bet & I collected many seeds along the roads and anywhere we could to grow trees". Many plantations flourished at Ournie for shelter belts and erosion control, while all the time beautifying the landscape with a variety of trees. There were always trays of seeds being germinated in the green house that Betty lovingly attended as well as creating and maintaining beautiful gardens. Many species of birds found a peaceful haven to live and breed. Betty's diaries included entries of trees listed in their Latin names.
In 1999 they semi retired closer to Albury Wodonga, where once again they embarked on another project of plantations, improving the property and involvement with the local Landcare group.
Their life's work truly fitted the ethos of Landcare, starting 30 plus years before Landcare Australia, to enhance and enrich the natural environment, providing shelter for livestock and wild flora and fauna, preserving the landscape with erosion control on hills and in valleys.