June was filled with lots of youth activities and we also took part in educating the youth about the environment.
In this issue:
- Hawston Paddavlei Project
- PEG Youth Day Membership Drive
- WCC Stanford Staff – Completed three months course
- The Chameleon Project
- Chameleon Project Presentation to Garden Club
- Exciting News!
Hawston Paddavlei Project
Water quality is key in the Paddavlei Project where the overall objective is to improve this. Project Storm continues with regular water quality testing and review of methods to trial to improve the quality of storm water discharging into the Paddavlei.
We are systematically training all WCC staff to use Hanna multiparameter photometer to produce more accurate results.
We continue to experiment and search for ways to reduce the level of the phosphate and nitrate levels in the storm water which stimulate reed growth, as our objective is to reduce reed ingress in the Paddavlei.
PEG Youth Day Membership Drive
The Paddavlei Eco-Group (PEG) supported the TS Birkenhead Sea Cadets by joining the annual youth- fun-day on the 17 June 2024 at Hawston sports field. PEG used the opportunity to do a membership drive.
The Hermanus Fire Fighting service joined the festivities making it an exciting day of fun and games which culminated in a 3km colour run around the Paddavlei.
WCC Stanford Staff – Three months course completed!
Congratulations to our WCC Stanford staff for completing the Security Course for Tour Guides.
The course covered topics in Administration, Law, Procedure and Evidence, and General Knowledge Application. Training in these areas will allow the staff to be prepared for any safety or security issues they may encounter.
The Chameleon Project
The 2024 phase of this project involves exploring the answers to a key question puzzling us – how long after a fire do chameleons reoccupy a patch of fynbos? Chameleon Monitors surveyed two burnt areas following an ecological burn on a patch in Fernkloof Nature Reserve. There were no chameleons present but there is promise of attracting them as many insects were observed (chameleon food source).
We will continue monitoring these patches for two evenings a month for a period of a year. If you are interested in joining us please contact Sheraine @ WhatsApp 078 079 7384; Email sheraine.wcc@gmail.com. You do not need any skills except good eyesight, a strong torch and the ability to walk on uneven ground AT NIGHT.
We would like to say thank you to the Leuvennink family for all the years of volunteering service, we will miss you but best wishes for your next leg of life journey in Vancouver, Canada
Chameleon Project Presentation to Garden Club
WCC’s Sheraine van Wyk recently shared the story of the Chameleon Project with the Garden Club covering the challenges and successes of the Project during its various phases, starting from 2018 right up until its most recent and ongoing activity in 2024. She also spoke of the Project’s vision for a SUPER SANCTUARY stretching from the Vermont salt pan, across the Whale Coast Nature Reserve, to Bot River. The talk will be reported in the next issue of Village News.
Sheraine van Wyk (right) with chameleon photographer Marion Zeegers after the talk.
Exciting News
Southern Right Charters have joined Whale Coast Conservation and the G&R Raimondo Charitable Trust in partnering with the TS Birkenhead Sea Cadets. SRC have undertaken to support the excellent work they do in nurturing the Hawston Youth to be their best selves. The Sea Cadet movement provides leadership training, skills development and discipline while also having serious fun. The Sea Cadets have always been a part of the Whale Coast Conservation education and conservation projects in Hawston and in the Whale Coast Nature Reserve where they have regular eco-adventure camps.
