For two days during the September long weekend, we hosted a Conservation Work Party where Members joined us in the field to assist with field projects and experience a bit of the bush on foot.
There are many projects we always aim to do, and a few extra pairs of helping hands and a lot of determination go a long way when it comes to getting these projects done quickly, while also giving us the chance to share what we do with others in a hands-on way.
We had a blast learning from each other, sharing stories and experiences, enjoying the bush on foot and admiring the scenery, animals, geology and general splendour. The Work Party was a massive success, and we are so grateful for the Members who came to join us! We had so much fun getting to know everyone, learning new things, laughing as we worked and getting so much done in such a short space of time. Our focus areas were to wrap trees in an attempt to protect them from elephant ringbarking, to pick up litter and toilet paper across the reserve, to clean up the riverbed on Argyle, and to remove invasive plants along the river course.
On the Sunday we successfully wrapped 11 trees (9 Knobthorns and 2 Marulas) on Buffelsbed, in between picking up litter and toilet paper on the reserve. This involved the team working together to measure each tree, cut the wrapping wire accordingly, place and hold it on the tree and then secure it with fencing staples. All edges of the wire are then turned inwards to avoid sharp edges protruding from the tree, and then existing hollows that animals may use are accounted for and the wire is cut away and secured safely. Each tree was also photographed, and GPS co-ordinates were taken to monitor the progress of each tree. It is vital that when we do this, we note any existing damage on the tree and the diameter of the trunk before we wrap it, so that we can make sure the tree continues to grow adequately and does not become restricted by the wire in any way. It also gives us a measurement tool for later analysis of the success of the tree wrapping project.
Uwe, Monique and the Conservation Team wrapping trees on BuffelsbedWe are pleased that the tree wrapping went so well, especially considering the recent impact on the trees on the reserve. It was also a treat to wrap more Knobthorn trees in particular, as seasonally they are likely to suffer more damage coming into the spring and summer months.
We would like to thank Dr Uwe Hohl and Monique Chavannes-Hohl for joining us for tree wrapping on Sunday. Both your determination and positivity, despite intense heat and wind, were seriously impressive and allowed us to get a lot more tree wrapping done in a short space of time! Thank you.
On the Monday we were joined by Dr Uwe Hohl and Joey Waters, and we walked the entire stretch of the N’hlaralumi river on Argyle removing invasive plants, picking up debris and litter that had washed down over the years, and admiring the rock formations, geology, scenery and animals as we went. It was a hot day, but we achieved more than we thought possible in that time frame - and discovered more than we ever knew was there!
During our walk, we removed 1 831 live Mexican Poppy plants (live plants that were green, some with flowers) and over 1 000 dry Mexican Poppy stems (dried, dead plants with only seed pods exposed), as well as 17 Sesbania plants (Red Sesbania and Yellow Bells). The plants were removed manually, by hand, and then collected in recycling bags, after which they were counted and photographed for record-keeping. This was a fun task that allowed us to chat and laugh along the way, enjoy sightings as we went, and admire the smaller things we found as we went along. Much was learned by all, and immense fun was had across the board!
Uwe, Joey and the Conservation team pulling out weedsDuring this exercise, we also collected multiple old pipes that had washed down the river, various glass, plastic and metal items, 2 large wooden poles/beams and a large piece of corrugated iron roofing that was hidden in the sand from the previous floods. Items that could not be re-used were cut into smaller pieces to be transported on foot, while larger items were carried to the closest river crossings to be collected with the vehicles. While walking, we saw buffaloes, kudus, impalas, giraffes and steenbok, and enjoyed a few rests with views in the shade of the rocky outcrops.
We had such a wonderful time, and feel we moved mountains in a record amount of time! This would not have been possible without Dr Uwe Hohl, who arranged the event with the other Members, as well as the Conservation team. We cannot wait for the next Work Party, and we hope to see you there! If you’re looking to have a bit of fun with us in the bush while making a difference to protect and conserve what we have, please join us for the next one - it is well worth it and goes a long way for our future!
Collected items
Words by Tess Woollgar. Images courtesy of Tess Woollgar.