Web report by Karin Mahony (Team Grasslands)
This certainly was an exciting weekend, with everyone arriving at Pilanesberg feeling somewhat nervous about the community practical weekend. Friday evening started with our regular test, and this week’s one was on Birds. I think most people found the test rather challenging! Following the test, we were allowed to go through our community presentations with a Bushveld Mosaic team member. The inputs and ideas were very much appreciated.
On Saturday morning, we had the opportunity to meet the learners from Sedibelo and Selly Park Secondary schools. Following a brief welcome by Peter, we were given the chance to set up our presentations. The learners visited each team and heard presentations on grasslands, wetlands and rocky slopes. A range of topics was covered, including discussions on trees, grasses, birds, and animals, a model on how to prevent soil erosion on rocky slopes, a model on how wetlands filter water, and numerous other interactive displays.
Following our presentations, it was time for us to relax and listen to the learners. And Wow, if our environment is in their hands, we will be OK. Sedibelo Secondary kicked off with various pledges on what each of them could do to promote environmental awareness and conservation. Some interesting ideas were raised.
Selly Park Secondary School then gave a fascinating presentation on turning waste into wonder. The presentation started with a very powerful message conveyed through poetry and dance from the school’s drama department. To effectively address land restoration, the pupils focused on three key aspects: composting to enrich the soil through vermicomposting, water harvesting for irrigation, and pollination to support plant reproduction. The outcomes of these efforts included restoring soil health, establishing a successful vegetable garden, and producing various arts and crafts from waste.
After which the students were treated to a game drive, sponsored by Kgabo Safaris, around the park and enjoyed seeing a variety of wildlife, including a leopard!
On Sunday morning, we became the students again and heard very interesting presentations by Bevan and Peter on Climatology and Astronomy.
Thank you to all the organisers. The weekend was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Ed’s Comment: Thanks Karin really nice report and pictures of a very full weekend.