In the heart of the city, the rolling slopes of the Melville Koppies hold a quiet secret beneath their windswept grasses – a rich, complex ecosystem that many Joburg residents pass by without a second glance.

“There are around 50 different grass species here,” explained volunteer Wendy Carstens. “The Highveld grassland biome is incredibly biodiverse, even if it doesn’t always look that way at first.” Unlike large reserves such as the Kruger National Park, where grazing animals naturally maintain balance, the Koppies require careful human management.

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Without grazers, certain species, such as thatching grass, can quickly dominate, threatening diversity. Yet, for those willing to slow down, a new world reveals itself. “Grasses are identified by their flower heads, or inflorescences,” Carstens said. “Once you start noticing the shapes, whether finger-like or branched, you begin to see the differences everywhere.” She encouraged visitors to photograph grasses and upload them to apps such as iNaturalist to deepen their understanding.

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Beyond their beauty, grasses play a vital ecological role. They bind the soil, prevent erosion and form the base of complex food chains, supporting insects, birds and other wildlife. But these grasslands are under threat. Urban densification, invasive alien plants and climate change all place pressure on this fragile environment. “Alien vegetation can quickly take over if left unchecked,” Carstens warned. “That’s why ongoing conservation work, from hand-weeding to controlled burns, is so important.”

Much of this work falls to dedicated volunteers. From maintaining paths to hosting educational walks and events, their role is essential in keeping the reserve alive and accessible. “People often think grasslands don’t need care. But an urban reserve needs constant attention – it’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’.”

For Carstens, the reward is deeply personal. “Every day I marvel at their [grasslands] beauty and diversity. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about being immersed in this space.”
Her message to residents is simple: step out, explore and look closer. “Grasslands are a gift for our planet – and right here in Joburg, we’re lucky enough to have one on our doorstep.”

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