Articles

The Conservancy is involved in a number of ongoing projects at the local schools, in order to promote an awareness for conservation of the environment.

During October 2008, this programme was initiated at the schools by one of our members, Lourie Laatz. The purpose was to make learners aware of their responsibility to care for the needs of domestic animals, farm animals and wild animals, and that no animal should be abused. Learners could submit essays and/or drawings for a competition. Contributions were judged on originality, and three prizes were awarded to learners at each school. During March 2009, the prizes were presented by Committee members and the adjudicators to each participating school. We would like to thank Lourie Laatz, Annette Raaff and Joy Wiggill for their efforts in this regard. We hope that this programme will result in reducing the number of stray dogs, which have already caused loss of livestock in our area.

A pilot project will be initiated at The Poort Farm School shortly. Learners will be taught how to make their own compost and to plant their own vegetables. Many thanks to Sue Oxborrow, who will initiate this project.

 

Kerri Wolter of the vulture rehabilitation project has offered to make learners at the local schools aware of the importance of conserving birds of prey, as well as birds in general. Learners will also be made aware of the danger of veld fires, as such fires destroy birds’ habitat. We hope to launch this project soon, with Kerri’s help. Thanks a whole lot, Kerri!

It is important for the Conservancy that people be brought together, to get to know each other, in order to tackle common problems together, and in so doing, promote sustainable development and conservation. Sport is a great bridge-builder, and we would like to promote the participation of both parents and their children in a number of sport projects. Following on the Open Day, discussions will be initiated to establish a Conservancy Sport Club (more about this soon).