Guardians of Blesbokspruit wetland urge residents to get involved
The Nigel and Springs branch of Wessa has been active for more than 44 years.
Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) invites you to their stargazing and guided bird walk braai on May 23.
The Nigel and Springs branches of Wessa have been active for more than 44 years.
Their primary concern has been around the Blesbokspruit wetland – and they are the official custodians of the Marievale Bird Sanctuary.
In 1994, Wessa, in their unyielding battle with the gold mining industry, were able to shut down mining operations in Blesbokspruit until a temporary water treatment plant was set up.
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With similar defiance, they “took an early lead in the initial efforts to control the encroachment of the aquatic vegetation which was affecting the habitat for birds in the Blesbokspruit wetland by experimenting with the use of suitable herbicides to control and manage the problem”, says Stan Madden who has been a protectorate of the Blesbokspruit wetland since 1948.
Wessa have also been responsible for all the Environmental Impact Assessments in the region since their inception in 1974.
The branch pride itself of being the sole reason the Blesbokspruit wetland still exists.
According to Stan Madden, the branch has also supported the transport and care of the injured wild animals to the nearest animal rehabilitation centre, many of which coming from the Blesbokspruit wetland.
Wessa and Madden urge the residents in the Nigel/Springs area to get involved in conservation, and join them in their efforts.
For more details, contact Justin Donaldson on 072 373 7151 or Dee Johnson on 073 501 6333.
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