Edenvale environmentalist wants to speak about conserving nature
“The children are important; they are our future and are the ones who will live here after us.”
To conserve natural spaces and green zones, Edenvale resident and environmentalist Neil Heron hopes to initiate a conversation between conservancy groups, schools and local businesses.
Set to give a similar discussion at the Modderfontein Conservation Society’s (MSC) February meeting, the nature guide and author hopes to see community members preserve green spaces in Edenvale and the surrounding areas.
One suggestion Neil made is initiating discussions about the importance of conservancy with primary and high school learners.
He said once this is done, eco gardens or bird gardens can be established at schools before relationships between conservation groups, businesses and schools are developed.
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“Local businesses or groups such as Birdlife SA could assist the schools to develop their initiatives further,” said Neil.
“At schools where conservancy is highlighted, a vegetable garden could be their first project. Learners and schools could benefit from the crops and realise the importance of keeping a green space.”
He said when children see the benefits of green spaces, it helps to develop a greater interest and care for the environment later in life.
Speaking about the green spaces around us, Neil said for some, they can be found on the properties we live on.
“Green spaces can be in residential gardens, school grounds, community parks, dams and nature reserves.”
He said although some animals may remain in some green spaces, other migratory animals need sustainability steps. These animals need to move to areas to feed, and to fly as they travel.
Neil said to knit the green spaces in the community together, the community must unite.
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“There would need to be buy-in from the schools to create more environmental awareness for their learners.”
He said another option could be green energy companies partnering with schools to reduce carbon emissions in the area.
“I would like to initiate a discussion. I do not want to tell people what to do; that is not my place.”
Neil, who spent many years trying to rehabilitate Frank Marret Park with the help of community members such as Mike Anderson, said it was difficult to achieve goals with limited community input.
“There are already many community members and organisations that do so much to look after the community,” said Neil.
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However, by working together, he believes more can be achieved.
He highlighted a community’s biggest resource is the youth. “The children are important; they are our future and are the ones who will live here after us.”
Neil highlighted that green spaces in the greater community need to be protected. He said without them, residents would live in concrete cesspools.
Neil will speak at the MSC meeting on February 24 at 14:00. Entrance fees are applicable. For more information contact Robbie Vermont on 082 800 3704.
