The Friends of Rietfontein, a volunteer organisation that focuses on protecting and preserving the Rietfontein Nature reserve in Paulshof, held a meeting on 5 April to discuss a wide range of issues regarding the reserve and the possibilities regarding its future preservation.
A City Parks representative was in attendance and explained the use of an Ecological Management Plan.
This, he said, was an important initiative undertaken by the Expanded Public Works Programme that will perform maintenance to a number of conservation areas around Johannesburg between March and June.
He said the objective of the plan was that all conservation areas subscribe to the management plan which will help members to manage and maintain the areas effectively.
The meeting emphasised the reserve’s need to fix and maintain the boundary wall which has suffered from great damage at the hands of criminals.
The Friends of Rietfontein will be holding a number of fundraisers and events, not only to spread awareness, but also to gain the public’s involvement in the numerous attempts at conserving the reserve, such as bird outings and clean-ups to encourage the involvement of schools and other community institutions.
