Marievale Nature Reserve boasts major improvements

The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) where a new executive committee for the Springs and Nigel branch was elected on May 11. The new executive committee is Justin Donaldson (chairman), Peter Law (vice chairman), Tom Scott (treasurer) and Dee Johnson (treasurer).

 
Chairman Donaldson stressed the importance of educating the youth about caring for the environment. It was decided that Glenda McAdam will be liaising with primary schools and lecturers and outings will hopefully, with the support of parents, be organised for the youth. Stan Madden and Peter Law are monitoring Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in the area. Barend Smit wil assist with the EIAs and is in charge of the honorary rangers who monitor the Marievale Nature Reserve over the weekends.

 
With the help of various sponsors, the Friends of Marievale were able to majorly improve the reserve during the past year. A few of the improvements were the installation of a new water tank at the conference centre, trimming of trees at the conference centre and picnic site, raising the pathway at the Duiker hide which had been flooded when water levels were too high, posts were installed at the Flamingo hide which had been given a new coat of paint both inside the hide and the neighbouring screen walls, new toilets were installed at the picnic site and litter bins and braai areas were painted,  the split pole fencing had been repaired and creosoted, benches had been built and erected on the deck at the conference centre, new bird posters were installed in the hides, door handles and stoves at the chalets were repaired and the renovation of the Shellduck hide which had been completely vandalised should be finished this year.

 
The Friends of Marievale raised funds through the sale of bricks for the Wall of Friendship, a fun bowls day and the bi-annual stargazing event.  Donaldson thanked the sponsors for their generous donations and his committee for their devoted support and hard work.

“Marievale is better than ever, due to our efforts and that of the GDARD-staff,” Donaldson concluded.

 
WESSA’s next meeting will be held on June 8 at the conference centre at 09:00. For more information, phone Dee Johnson on 011 730 2059.

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