The recent planting days are contributing towards the 'Future Proofing little penguins' project, funded by the Penguin Foundation and carried out by the Phillip Island Nature Parks conservation team and volunteers. The intent of this work is to create firebreaks and to plant fire retardant vegetation to improve little penguin habitat and to safeguard the colony from the risks of climate change. This involves creating cooler, less flammable environments to protect them from heatwaves and bushfires through strategies such as planting low-flammability native shrubs, clearing overabundant flammable scrub, and establishing green firebreaks. These habitat modifications on Milawul, Phillip Island, aim to build resilience by managing historical land degradation, preparing for future climate impacts, and providing safe breeding and nesting grounds.

Volunteers from Toyota Motor Group and Penguin Random House spent a day away from the office and warehouse out and about in the field, planting 1000s of tube stock and guarding the new plants against browsing animals such as swamp wallabies and cape barren geese.

We were delighted to welcome the team from Toyota to the Summerland Peninsula for their first planting day and the teams from Penguin Random House back for a third year. Penguin Books Australia provides ongoing funding and resources to the Penguin Foundation. This partnership supports conservation efforts, research and tree planting. This ensures protection of the habitat of little penguins (the company's namesake animal) and includes initiatives such as publishing educational books about the island's wildlife.

Peter McLean from Penguin Random House said, 'It was a rewarding and memorable day, with everyone proud to contribute to a project that supports the long-term survival of the world’s smallest penguin'.

A sincere thank you to the Toyota and Penguin Books volunteers for making a tangible and hands on impact on the land that little penguins call home.