Trail runners and citizen scientists partake in Melville Koppies splendour
October saw the Trail Fund Project’s trail runners touring the Koppies, along with the citizen scientists of the Great Southern Bioblitz finding out just what makes the nature reserve so special.
During October, the Melville Koppies played host to determined trail runners and dedicated citizen scientists.
Trail runners took part in Trail Fund Project’s virtual trail running race. This virtual format had participants log their race on the Strava app, giving them the flexibility to take part any day that suited them, either on October 12, 19, or 26. The best part? It raised R9 000 that will now go towards the nature reserves maintenance.
On one of the Sundays, a group of citizen scientists, volunteers who participate in scientific research to contribute to scientific knowledge, took part in the Great Southern Bioblitz, a southern hemisphere initiative to record organisms during spring, and post them to the iNaturalist website.
Read more: A short and concise AGM for the Melville Koppies
They focused on the grassland which was burnt several months ago. With its mix of numerous plants and grasses, it is one of the most biodiverse areas on the Koppies.
If trail running or bug watching isn’t your thing, you can hike, birdwatch, or explore the history of the Koppies. Book a guided tour to learn more about the 3-billion-year-old rocks, or the people who once lived there. On the other hand, you could just enjoy the views.
There is also a storytelling event every second Sunday of the month, as well as a guided 8km hike on the last Sunday of the month.
Details: Melville Koppies – 072 348 0578.
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