The Princess Vlei Forum in collaboration with the Botanical Society and Nature Connect hosted a clearing of invasive Port Jackson timber within the higher Princess Vlei conservation space on Saturday 9 April. PHOTO: equipped
A “hackathon” in collaboration with the Princess Vlei Forum, Botanical Society and Nature Connect was held to take away invasive Port Jackson timber within the higher Princess Vlei conservation space on Saturday 9 April.
Organiser of the occasion Emma Oliver, who can be the secretary of the Princess Vlei Forum, says round 45 to 60 folks joined within the biodiversity hack and clean-up in Princess Vlei, close to the Retreat Civic Centre.
“The event was a collaboration with the Botanical Society, who are experts, as well as the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) Nature Connect. Residents from Retreat and Grassy Park came with their saws and equipment to assist with clearing of Port Jackson trees.”
Oliver added that whereas they had been eradicating invasive vegetation additionally they observed how the world suffered from unlawful dumping. “The area has good fynbos which is worth reviving. The area has also suffered from illegal dumping and we removed the alien vegetation and we picked up a load of things.”
Oliver stresses the significance to taking excellent care of nature. “This is part of the greater Princess Vlei conservation area and it is worth looking after every bit of nature. It’s an area of good biodiversity and the Princess Vlei Forum is 100% committed to restoration work.”
Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate says the “hackathon” aimed to take away alien vegetation and rubble illegally dumped within the Princess Vlei Park space.
“The hackathon is part of our ongoing commitment to remove the alien Port Jackson trees from within the Princess Vlei Park area. It allows us to experience and enjoy the fynbos growing in the area.”
Southgate says homeless folks usually use the overgrown space to construct unlawful constructions.
“We have found over time that (homeless people) have used the overgrown area to erect structures where they live and use as a hideout as they are not visible from the street. From the objects that we removed it was clear that they also use the area to sort goods and burn wires which one assumes could be stolen copper.
“Making fires poses a serious threat to the surrounding residential area and removing the alien trees would hopefully serve as a deterrent and also means better accessibility for the park rangers.”
Southgate inspired residents to take possession of their atmosphere.
“I would like to encourage more local residents to join us when we have these types of activities, especially youth, so they can learn the significance of taking ownership and responsibility for the environment.”
In a social media submit Nature Connect mentioned Port Jackson invasive crops had been threatening endangered vegetation.
“Today our biodiversity heroes, the River Ambassadors, joined The Princess Vlei Forum and Botanical Society Kirstenbosch branch for alien hacking.
“Port Jackson invasive plants have been threatening the endangered vegetation at the Cape Flats dunes Strandveld, so our team decided to come to the rescue by eradicating Port Jackson in the greater Princess Vlei Conservation area.”