Marievale nature conservation leaders elected
The Chairman stressed the cordial relations between the Friends of Marievale and Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) which has resulted in friendly co-operation between the two organizations.
Springs/Nigel Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and the Friends of Marievale held their AGM on May 11, where they elected the executive members for the 2024/25 year.
They elected Peter Law as chairperson, Justin Donaldson as vice chairperson, Tom Scott as treasurer and Dee Jonshson as secretary.
In his report, the chairperson mentioned some highlights of the year for WESSA and the Friends of Marievale (who work under the umbrella of WESSA).
These included the contribution the friends have made in improving the facilities in the Marievale Nature Reserve by refurbishing tables and chairs at the picnic site, signboards, upgrading the gardens, planting trees and aloes, the bi-annual Coordinated Waterbird Counts (CWAC) where they recorded numbers of water birds for processing by the University of Cape Town, repairing of water supply pipes and, important for photographers, new perches installed at Hadeda Hide.
They also monitor the environmental impact assessments for developments in the area and the Honorary Rangers do weekend duty in the reserve, checking facilities and helping visitors when necessary.
Two events were of great importance – the presence of an extremely rare black Flamingo, first noted and photographed by Andy van Dyk, brought many visitors to the reserve and the WESSA Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Stan Madden by John Wesson CEO of WESSA, Northern Areas, for his lifetime dedication to the environment.
The chairperson stressed the cordial relations between the Friends of Marievale and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) resulted in friendly cooperation between the two organisations.
Outings undertaken during the year included a trip to the Magaliesberg Vulture hide and the 50th-anniversary WESSA branch celebration.
Anyone interested in joining the Friends group is most welcome. Meetings take place every second Saturday of the month in the conference centre at the Marievale Nature Reserve.
Contact Dee Johnson at 0735016333 or Justin Donaldson at 072 373 7151 for more information.
