BACKYARD frog ponds are more than just a beautiful water feature – they’re a vital refuge for our local frog populations and a great way for Mansfield residents to contribute to biodiversity in their own backyards.

With the increasing impact of habitat loss and climate change, providing a safe space for frogs can help support these important native species while also benefiting gardens and local ecosystems.

Frogs play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, reducing pests naturally, and serving as a key indicator of environmental health.

A thriving frog population suggests good water quality and a balanced ecosystem.

By creating a frog-friendly pond, residents can encourage native species such as the Eastern Banjo Frog (Pobblebonk) and the Common Eastern Froglet to call their gardens home.

Setting up a frog pond doesn’t require a large space or specialist knowledge—just a simple, shallow water body with plenty of native plants, rocks, and shelter.

Avoiding chemicals and introducing logs or water plants for shelter can make a backyard pond the perfect breeding ground for frogs.

To help locals learn how to create the perfect frog habitat, Up2Us Landcare Alliance is hosting a Frog Pond Workshop on Saturday March 22.

This event will provide expert advice on designing, building, and maintaining a frog-friendly pond, as well as tips on identifying local frog species.

Up2Us Project Officer, Jess Robinson, said “Following the success of our Frog ID event in 2023, we are excited to host this new workshop.

"A strong interest has been expressed by our local community in learning how to attract more frogs to backyards, and we’re thrilled to have Dave DeAngelis back to present this workshop on creating frog-friendly habitats.

"This is a great opportunity for people to get hands-on experience in making their gardens a haven for our native frogs.”

Join us and discover how a small pond can make a big impact on our local environment.

For more details or to register, visit our website at www.up2us.org.au or call us on 03 5779 1593.