The fight against Delta Park’s invasive verbena plant received a spiritual element to it.
This was because members of Fontainebleau Gemeenskaps Kerk volunteered their help to clear the plant.
The church’s reverends, Dr Ronell Bezuidenhout and Johan Pieters were on site.
“We believe community service is Christianity in practice,” Bezuidenhout said. “We teach our children service can be as ordinary as pulling out invasive plants.”
Most of the volunteers were youth from the church’s confirmation class.
“Christianity is about bringing life,” Pieters said. “And pulling out the plant restores the habitat of birds and mammals so it brings life.”
He said the work was an opportunity for the volunteers to reflect on life and choices that benefited the community.
There is a fear that the plant indigenous to South America will spread too rapidly to control and will force many of the bird species out of the park.
However, volunteer Elizabeth Gettliffe said there was progress in removing the plant because many volunteers and car guards were lending a hand.
Details: Fontainebleau Gemeenskaps Kerk 011 796 6800, Delta Park volunteers etebbutt@worldonline.co.za
