FOLLOWING the success of their first clean-up initiative, a handful of residents again attempted to clear the ponds in the Virginia Bush Nature Reserve on Saturday last week. The 38 hectare reserve is home to several ponds which in recent times has been affected by water lettuce or Pistia stratiotes (Araceae).
The floating plant commonly forms large infestations which negatively impact the native environment as well as the fish and turtles.
James Becker, a local resident, and his wife, Mariet Becker, along with four other friends tackled the clean up using a rubber hose and a rake with a string attached to it.
Read also: Residents tackle Virginia pond clean-up
“We managed to clean quite a big area of second pond. It’s amazing how five people managed to do so much in just more than half a day for three Saturdays in a row. While I’m proud of what we’ve achieved I hope the City will also come to the party. My plea is for all those concerned is to either come and do their bit, lend a helping hand or let’s source a financial backup to fund someone willing to do it.
“Once we’ve cleared the worst, it will be a once a month maintenance. I’d like to thank all those who helped out and I’m so grateful a biologist has also got involved to catalogue the species of fish found in the ponds,” Mariet said.
Contact 082 444 1574 (Mariet) if you would like to join in.
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