All you need to know about the Mpenjati Eco-Festival
It will be an incredible full day (June 29) of talks and walks, yoga and activities for the children.
The Mpenjati Eco-Festival, which takes place this Saturday (29th), is a full-day active outdoor event set in the beautiful Mpenjati Nature Reserve and surrounding protected areas.
The festival is also an opportunity for Mpenjati Nature Reserve Honorary Officers to raise funds for important projects within the reserve.
Honorary Officer Anna Jordan said they are currently raising funds for educational and compliance signage.
“As volunteers, we are looking forward to support from our communities on this project,” she said.
Everyone is welcome to the north bank of the Mpenjati Nature Reserve for a day of activities, such as:
07:15: Dr David Ehlers Smith will be taking birders and the birding curious on a walk, which will focus on the Sardine Run and the critical importance of estuaries on bird communities. David is the Science and Spatial Planning Manager with Birdlife SA and has over 16 years experience in ecological and academic research. He is a passionate conservation ecologist and an avid birder. Bring binoculars and cameras and enjoy some refreshments afterwards.
08:30: Morning yoga session with Alex. Suitable for beginners. Bring a mat.
09:30: A not-to-be-missed demonstrative talk with Jeanne-Louise Kinsey of Secret Sithela. Learn about the benefits of indigenous, edible plants, and there are even a couple of prizes to be won.
10:30: Honorary Officer Debbie King will host a walk and talk on the banks of the Mpenjati estuary. The topic is: Why are estuaries so important? There is so much to discover within the estuary habitat with its diverse species and the interconnecting salt and freshwater bodies.
11:30: Join Honorary Officer Anne Skelton in identifying and removing alien invasive plants within the reserve. This is a hands-on activity; bring hats, gloves and sturdy shoes.
11:30: First Margate Scouts will host fun Scout games and challenges for children. You will find them on the grass of the north bank. Also, at 14:00. All welcome.
12:30: Charissa Worthmann, environmental scientist, will speak about the importance of environmental impact assessments (EIA).
14:30: Honorary Officer Debbie King is a conchologist (shell collector) who will talk about the wonder that is the seashell.
15:30: Poetry in the forest will take place under the trees at the apex of the Yengele trail. All are welcome. Bring your own or a favourite poem to read out aloud. The theme is ‘roots and wings’.
There will be different stalls to browse, including non-governmental organisations and eco-conscious service providers.
Contact Anna Jordan on WhatsApp: 067 7694414 or Lynne Crocker on 063 8316013. Follow them on Facebook: Mpenjati Eco-Festival 2024.
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