Community members took to Bill Stuart Nature Reserve when they participated in a Valentine’s Day clean-up of the reserve with Nature Reserve Clean-Up SA.

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Held on February 12, the clean-up saw community members from Bedfordview and Germiston participate.

Organised by Bedfordview resident Chyrice Ellis, the event not only allowed residents to enjoy the fresh air but the chance to preserve the area.

“Overall, the event went well. I am humbled and grateful for the support by the community, partners, sponsors and friends who joined me,” said Chyrice.

Chyrice said after hosting the February clean-up, the fifth clean-up of its kind, she was able to recognise the expansion and growth taking place.

She thanked the residents, the various CPFs, Westar Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd, Human Bean Coffee Co, Kingstons Real Estate and Moon Graphics for their continued support

Chyrice specifically thanked the CPF members who arrived before each clean-up and do a sweep of the reserve to ensure the area is safe for volunteers.

Chyrice, an avid hiker who recently moved to Bedfordview, explained she discovered Bill Stuart Nature Reserve while looking for various hiking locations in the area on Google.

“I realised once you got to the top of the climb and saw the skyline of Johannesburg, the view was amazing,” said Chyrice.

After making her discovery, Chyrice intended to not only share it with others but encourage the community to care for the environment.

Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys said the nature reserve is a unique and special place that needs to be looked after.

She said the reserve has plants unique to its area and needs to become a conservancy.

Chyrice’s passion for nature developed while hiking through the Tsitsikamma.

While hiking through the Eastern Cape, she felt a deep connection developing to the land.

“Personal healing happened in that space of connection, and that gift in itself made me build and nurture a relationship to the earth. A relationship of gratitude and reciprocity of healing the earth while she heals me.”

As someone who cares strongly about the environment, Chyrice said she is concerned about the future of humankind and future generations.

“Issues like combating global warming, pollution and overfishing should concern us.”

Speaking on the future of Nature Reserve Clean-Up SA, Chyrice said she has big dreams.

“We all want to make the world a better place, and that’s the way to go. The world is a big place and sometimes it feels too big to make a dent, so it’s natural to start on a smaller scale,” said Chyrice.

She explained the blueprint for the initiative is continuously revised.

Chyrice hoped the initiative will grow and branch out from Johannesburg to Cape Town and Durban.

One of her goals is for the initiative is to focus on ocean clean-ups and educate community members on leaving the environment better than how they found it.

For more information follow Nature_Reserve_Clean_Up_SA or follow the Basically Bedfordview page on Facebook.