Children save The Wilds Nature Reserve

Schoolchildren in the Rosebank Killarney Gazette distribution area have taken an initiative to save The Wilds Nature Reserve in Houghton by designing creative posters that ADreach is featuring on street pole advertisements.

Grade 7 pupils from St John’s, Roedean and King Edward schools have joined forces for a Reclaiming The Wilds campaign. The Wilds is a unique green space in the city that is widely used by surrounding communities for recreational purposes, however, the natural belt is facing an increased threat of crime and pollution.

“One of the positives of living in Johannesburg is the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the immediate environment and the communities surrounding us,” explained St John’s Council chairperson, Jon Patricios.

He added, reclaiming The Wilds precinct as a safe green lung within the inner-city bounds will create an opportunity for exercising and education. “It is a beautiful area of indigenous flora with a challenging terrain for walkers, trail runners, and cyclists – very different to most world city parks which are flat. Its regular use by Joburgers will stimulate ripples of regeneration in the surrounding precinct with benefits to schools, residents and business,” added Patricios.

The children were encouraged to explore a variety of themes and many played on current social media trends using phrases and hashtags such as #littermustNOTfall.

“We hope that Joburg enjoys the creativity of some of the city’s youngest residents. We are proud to partner with the local schools in this great initiative, and it is particularly encouraging to see our youth taking ownership of this project and partaking so enthusiastically,” commented ADreach chief executive officer, Brad Fisher.

The campaign is currently up on street poles in areas surrounding the schools, so look out for them when driving through Houghton.

Details: The Wilds Nature Reserve 011 643 2313.