WATCH: Volunteers standing up for conservation efforts

Melville Koppies is leading a dedicated team of volunteers who are actively contributing to conservation efforts in Johannesburg and across Gauteng.

Located on a Johannesburg City Heritage Site, the nature reserve draws many visitors with its rich natural and historical significance.

The Melville Koppies Plaque marks the last conserved remnant of Johannesburg’s ridges since the discovery of gold in 1886.

Its geology dates back three billion years, and Stone Age tools found in the area suggest that early humans camped there as far back as 500 000 years ago.

The site also includes a Late Stone Age living floor, and the northern slopes contain remains of Iron Age settlements from around 1 000 years ago.

@albertonrecord A tour of Melville Koppies for those interested in volunteering for or visiting one of Jozi’s oldest heritage sites #MelvilleKoppies ♬ original sound – Alberton Record

In 1963, an iron-smelting furnace was excavated and can still be viewed today.

Melville Koppies is actively recruiting and training individuals who care about the environment and want to support the preservation of this ancient landscape. The reserve relies solely on visitors and volunteers for its survival.

Among its most passionate volunteers was Peter Johnson, a research scientist who dedicated his time to removing invasive alien plants, recording indigenous species, and documenting their flowering times.

His work culminated in a book titled Flowering Times on Melville Koppies. Johnson has since passed away, but his legacy lives on.

Every Sunday from 08:00 to 11:30, volunteers assist with reception duties, fundraising, maintenance, and clearing invasive plants.

Melville Koppies also offers training for those interested in guiding school groups during the week.

To get involved, email wendavid@mweb.co.za, call 079 532 0083 or 072 348 0578, or visit www.mk.org.za