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Newsletter |
November 2002 |
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From the Hide |
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There is not too much to
report from the hide this month, water levels are still a
bit too high for the migrant waders, though Ducks are
breeding and their clutches of tiny chicks can be seen
swimming behind the parents. There is still a small flock of
Flamingos though most of them seem to have moved off. |
A programme of alien vegetation clearing has begun near the
hide. A large area of Rooikraantz is being cleared in
sections and the plan is to do one section at a time, clear
away the dead brush and then revegetate with indigenous
growth. This is being done by a private concern, and Louis
Raubenheimer has also been busy removing alien trees near
the pathway to the hide. This is where we used to have a
field of Chinkerinchees and hopefully, once the Rooikraantz
is gone, the flowers will bloom again in early summers to
come.
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Evening Meeting |
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Our end of the year
meeting is coming up and we urge as many members as possible
to attend. We have had a very poor turnout this year at
evening meetings, and will not be able to continue with
these unless there is an improvement. We don't feel it fair
to continue asking speakers to come and address such small
audiences or for us to continue paying for the venue when
our average turnout is around 20 members. Please give us a
surprise and do try and join us this month. |
Date: Thursday 21 November 2002
Time: 7.30 for 8p.m.
Venue: Milnerton Aquatic Clubhouse, Pentz Drive, Table View
Topic: 'Snippets and Snax' |
We will be updating members on various issues we've dealt
with during the year, such as the Potsdam Group's objections
to the Wastewater Treatment Works extensions, the relevance
of the quarterly CWAC counts, and Natasha Deare, our
Conservation Student will be demonstrating her
Cochineal/Cactus project, which you might have read about in
a recent issue of 'Table Talk'. We particularly appeal to
long-standing members, old Committee Members and friends and
family of all our members. We ask only that everyone brings
a plate of Snacks and we will provide the Snippets, as well
as additional snacks. Tea and Coffee will be available and
the bar will be open.
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Recent Outings |
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The Intaka Island trip in September was enjoyed by the few
who attended. The Heronry was full of breeding birds and the
weather was perfect. |
The trip to Frank Wygold's West Coast Field Study Centre was
well attended and everyone is still talking about meeting
Frank's chameleons, lizards and snakes!
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Education Centre |
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As there were some objections to the proposed Edu-Hut, the
project has now been advertised in the Local Press for
public comment. We would like to address a few of the
concerns to reassure members. |
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There is some concern about the Edu-Hut blocking views of
Table Mountain. The Hut will be positioned almost adjacent
to the ablution block and will merge with it. It will also
be more than 100 metres from the nearest property boundary.
Our Hut would be a wooden flat-roofed structure designed to
blend in with the surroundings and we would plant suitable
vegetation all around it. We are envisaging the same amount
of scholars as we have at present and that only on weekdays,
so there would be no security problems. The scholars would
be under the control of adult educators and at all other
times, the Hut would be kept locked. The area is already
used by visitors and includes the ablution block, a parking
area and boating ramp. The Friends of Rietvlei would be
responsible for the maintenance of the Centre. Our Edu-Hut
will not pave the way for any commercial or residential
development at Rietvlei and falls in line with the
Department of Nature Conservation's guidelines for local
Nature Reserves i.e. all Nature Reserves must fulfil an
educational obligation. The whole structure is approximately
double garage size with a small office and storeroom
attached. |
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We would like to take
this opportunity to wish all our members and their families
a Happy and Safe Festive Season. |
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| This newsletter comes to you with the kind
assistance of Caltex. |
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