🌿 Community Planting Day at Tootgarook Wetlands - 31 May 2025 🌿 Join the Mornington Peninsula in Restoring Our Natural Treasure

Helping Nature Thrive: Tootgarook Wetlands Community Planting Day 2025

Nature, community spirit, and the beauty of giving back – all in one place.

On Saturday 31 May 2025, locals and visitors are invited to take part in the Tootgarook Wetlands Community Planting Day, a hands-on volunteer event that’s all about restoring and protecting one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most significant ecosystems.

Organised by local conservation groups in partnership with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, this planting day is more than just digging holes. It’s a chance to come together, meet like-minded people, and leave a lasting, positive impact on the environment we all share.

Let’s explore why this event is so important, what you can expect, and how you can be part of something truly special.

🌱 What Are the Tootgarook Wetlands?

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s take a moment to appreciate what the Tootgarook Wetlands actually are.

Spanning over 650 hectares between Boneo and Tootgarook, these freshwater wetlands are home to a rich variety of native plants and animals, including several rare and endangered species. The wetlands play a key role in supporting biodiversity, filtering water, and mitigating local flooding.

Despite their ecological significance, parts of the wetlands have suffered from development, drainage, and invasive species. That’s why community-led restoration efforts are crucial to keeping this natural asset thriving for generations to come.

🌿 Why Get Involved in Community Planting?

Joining the Tootgarook Wetlands Planting Day is more than just an activity – it's a meaningful experience.

Here’s why you should consider coming along:

✅ Contribute to Local Conservation

Help restore native vegetation and improve habitat for birds, frogs, and other wildlife.

✅ Learn About Native Flora

Discover the types of indigenous plants that belong in the area and why they matter.

✅ Meet Your Community

Enjoy a morning with like-minded locals, families, and nature lovers. Bring the kids, meet new friends.

✅ Enjoy the Outdoors

Get a bit of exercise and fresh air while doing something productive.

✅ Support Sustainable Living

Every small action helps move the Mornington Peninsula toward a greener, more sustainable future.

📅 Event Details

🗓 Date: Saturday 31 May 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Location: Tootgarook Wetlands (access point via Boneo Road – signage will direct on the day)
🎒 What to Bring:

• Gardening gloves

• Water bottle

• Sturdy shoes or boots

• Sunscreen and hat

• Wet weather gear (just in case)

All tools, plants, and guidance will be provided by event organisers.

☕ Light refreshments will be available.

🌾 What Will You Be Planting?

Volunteers will be planting a range of indigenous native species, specifically selected to support local wildlife and adapt to the wetland environment.

Species typically include:

• Coast Sword-sedge (Lepidosperma gladiatum)

• Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia)

• Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardierei)

• Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia)

• Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata)

These plants are crucial for stabilising soil, providing shelter and food for animals, and restoring ecological balance.

🐸 Meet the Local Residents: Wetland Wildlife

The Tootgarook Wetlands are alive with biodiversity, and your efforts on planting day help protect their home.

Species supported by the wetlands include:

• Growling Grass Frog (threatened)

• Australasian Bittern (endangered bird)

• Swamp Skink

• Glossy Ibis

• Egrets, herons, and ducks

Every new native plant added improves the habitat for these incredible creatures. It's a small action with a big ripple effect.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for Families & First-Time Volunteers

Never planted before? No worries! This is a welcoming event for all experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just want to try something new with the kids, you’ll be guided by local conservation experts who make it easy and fun.

Families are encouraged to attend, and there’ll be age-appropriate activities for younger children to learn about nature in a hands-on way.

It’s also a great opportunity for high school students looking to earn community service hours.

💬 What Past Volunteers Say

"I brought my two teenagers along last year – they loved it. They were surprised how fun it was and how good it felt to be out there helping." – Sharon, Rosebud

"It’s a brilliant way to meet people and give something back. I’ve been coming for three years now and wouldn’t miss it." – Glen, Tootgarook

"As a renter, I don’t have a garden of my own. This event lets me connect with nature and contribute to something bigger than myself." – Ellie, Capel Sound

🤝 Who’s Behind the Event?

This event is a partnership between:

• Tootgarook Wetlands Community Trust

• Mornington Peninsula Shire

• Boneo Landcare Group

• Friends of Tootgarook Wetlands

• Local schools and scout groups

Together, they work to raise awareness of the wetlands' importance, advocate for protection, and run events like this to restore the environment, one plant at a time.

🏡 Why It Matters for the Local Community – and Real Estate

As a real estate agency with deep roots in the Mornington Peninsula, we know how vital it is to protect the natural spaces that make our region so unique.

Green spaces like the Tootgarook Wetlands:

• Add value to surrounding homes

• Support healthier lifestyles

• Strengthen the sense of community connection

• Attract nature-loving buyers and renters

At McNeill Real Estate, we believe in contributing to the wellbeing of our environment and our community. We’re proud to support events like these and encourage our clients, friends, and neighbours to get involved.

🌍 A Step Toward a Sustainable Mornington Peninsula

The 2025 Tootgarook Wetlands Community Planting Day is a reminder that sustainability starts at the local level. It’s about showing up, lending a hand, and being part of a shared goal to protect what matters most.

Whether you’re a long-time Peninsula local or new to the area, this is a chance to leave a positive mark on the place you call home.

📌 How to Register

Registration is encouraged for planning purposes.
Visit the Mornington Peninsula Shire website or search “Tootgarook Wetlands Planting Day 2025” to register your interest.

Walk-ins are welcome on the day, but pre-registering helps organisers prepare materials and catering.

📸 Don’t Forget to Share Your Day

Bring your camera or phone and share your planting day experience on social media with the hashtag:

#TootgarookPlanting2025
Tag @mcneillrealestate and we’ll share your posts too!

Let’s show the broader Mornington Peninsula what community spirit really looks like.

🧭 Event Recap

• What: Community Planting Day – Tootgarook Wetlands

• When: Saturday 31 May 2025, 9am – 12:30pm

• Where: Access via Boneo Road, Tootgarook

• Why: Help restore native wetlands, support local wildlife, and connect with community

• Who: Everyone welcome – individuals, families, schools, community groups

Final Thoughts

Getting involved in local events like this one isn’t just good for the environment – it’s good for the soul. You’ll walk away with muddy boots, a few new friends, and a whole lot of satisfaction knowing you helped protect one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most precious natural assets.

From all of us at McNeill Real Estate, we hope to see you there. Let's make this year's planting day the biggest and most impactful yet.