Friends of Kloofendal welcome the public for Open Day at Kloofendal Nature Reserve

Friends of Kloofendal (FRoK) invited nature lovers to sample the natural beauty of their treasured reserve.

The FRoK Open Day on June 24 was a welcome reminder of the variety of educational and recreational activities offered by the pristine natural wonder. Insect and bug lovers can indulge in the weekly Creepy-Crawly, Biomimicry or Spider and Scorpion Walks while appreciators of the soil and what comes out of it can enjoy the Geology, Alien Invasive Species or Nature Explorer Tours. History buffs can delight in Rod Kruger’s insightful and entertaining Confidence Mine Reef Tour.

Steve and Karin Spottiswoode took turns in taking hiking groups through the cliffs while qualified field guide Ross Anderson gave attendees a whirlwind tour of the flora, fauna, and history of the nature reserve from inside the Ecological Centre.
“I am inspired by the nature reserve because it gives people the chance to form a positive and emotional connection to the natural world; which will hopefully motivate them to take an active role in protecting and preserving it,” said Ross.

A passionate and informative guide, Ross shared the importance of having such a landmark on Roodepoort’s doorstep.

He elaborated, “I think people miss out on the chance to experience nature and how it relates to us. Many people operate under the idea that the natural world is something completely separate from ourselves. I think the nature reserve is a great opportunity to gain perspective on how we are as much a part of the natural world as every tree, spider, bird or dassie. Living in boxes of concrete does not change that.”