Annual general meeting at Springs/Nigel branch of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa
In his combined report, Donaldson stressed the need for educating the youth and instilling in them a love of the environment.
The Springs/Nigel branch of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) and the Friends of Marievale Nature Reserve held their annual general meeting last Saturday.
The Friends of Marievale Nature Reserve falls under the umbrella of the Springs/Nigel Wessa branch and is not to be confused with the Facebook Friends of Marievale and Photographers.
At the AGM, the executive committee of the Springs/Nigel Wessa branch and the Friends of Marievale Nature Reserve were unanimously elected:
• Chairperson – Justin Donaldson
• Vice-chairperson – Peter Law
• Treasurer – Tom Scott
• Secretary – Dee Johnson
In his combined report, Donaldson stressed the need for educating the youth and instilling in them a love of the environment.
Also see: Guardians of Blesbokspruit wetland urge residents to get involved
This portfolio is to be handled by Glenda McAdam.
Aerial spraying by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) had been carried out at Marievale Nature Reserve to control the growth of reeds to improve the water flow and open vistas for bird lovers.
Environmental impact assessments in the area are monitored by the branch and the Honorary Rangers visited the reserve every weekend to assist where necessary.
The vandalised Shellduck hide will be rebuilt this year.
The Friends of Marievale Nature Reserve had undertaken numerous maintenance and improvement projects including:
Conference Centre
• Benches built and installed on the viewing deck.
• A new water tank installed on the tower.
• Pruning of trees.
• Repairing of stoves and door locks in the chalets.
Hadeda Hide
• A new bird poster was installed.
Picnic site and flamingo hide
• Pruning of trees.
• Perches installed in the water.
• Painting inside and outside the hide.
• Split pole fencing repaired and treated.
• New toilets installed.
• New bird poster put up in the hide.
• Dust bins and braai stands painted and repaired.
Duiker hide
• The pathway to the hide had been raised.
• New bird poster installed.
The Friends of Marievale Nature Reserve works in cooperation with GDARD to improve and maintain the facilities in the reserve and rely on fund-raising and donations to carry out their work.
Fund-raising is done through the sale of friendship bricks which are erected on the Wall of Friendship in flamingo hide, a fun bowls day at Springs Town Bowling Club and stargazing twice a year.
The chairperson thanked his committee and all the generous sponsors who had made these improvements possible, as well as the management and staff of GDARD for their assistance and cooperation during the year.
Follow us on our social media platforms:
