Ingula Wetlands Walk on Valentine’s Day
Around 190 people "went wild" and braved the windy conditions to experience the wetlands and grasslands firsthand
At Ingula, Eskom manages about 14,000 hectares of expansive mountainous grassland, including over 1000 hectares of sensitive wetland.
To increase awareness of its wetlands and the Ingula conservation area, an annual wetlands programme is rolled out, giving participants a rare opportunity to experience wetlands firsthand. On Saturday, February 14, the Ingula Partnership hosted its sixth Wetlands Walk.
Being Valentine’s Day, the theme this year was ‘Go Wild on Valentine’s Day’.
Around 190 people “went wild” and braved the windy conditions to experience the wetlands and grasslands firsthand. Among the participants were two schools, Winterton Primary and Ladysmith High. The Nakekela Nature Warriors from Van Reenen also participated again. The Nakekela Nature Warriors was started some years ago by a local bird guide, Bonginkosi Khumalo, in an effort to educate rural children about conservation.
Among the participants were members of the Ingula Partnership, made up of Eskom and prominent conservation NGOs BirdLife South Africa and Middelpunt Wetlands Trust. The oldest participating walker was local history tour guide Liz Spiret, who turns 79 in August!
The Ingula Visitors Centre conducts tours of the construction site and conservation area on weekdays. Presentations can also be given off-site. Booking in advance is essential. Contact 036-342-3236 or 036-342-3122, or e-mail: ingulavisitorscentre@eskom.co.za.
