The Wild Crew – Wetlands & Water

Our very first Wild Crew outing was definitely a success, with 27 children joining in the fun. Of the 27, thanks to our School Programme sponsors, 10 were sponsored children. We were also fortunate to have a varsity conservation student join us. Her passion is birding, so she turned down a lift to the wetlands and walked there from The Sheds. She was rewarded with the totally unexpected sighting of a rare Grass Owl.

In the meantime, barefoot and with rolled-up pants, the children happily waded in the water and discovered the magical world of damselfly nymphs, pond skaters, water scorpions and water boatmen, to name but a few, with the undisputed first prize going to the crabs.

Testing the water and finding healthy results reinforced the importance of wetlands as natural filters in our water systems, and highlighted what can be achieved when a natural environment is properly cared for.

With so many hands-on activities, we did not even have time to examine our finds under the microscope, but there was no doubt that the children appreciated the vast biodiversity we discovered in such a small section of the wetlands. We made sure they understood the functions of wetlands and the important role they play in the lives of so many species, including our own.

All in all, it was a truly wonderful morning.

If you see the value in teaching the next generation about the importance of our natural world and empowering them through knowledge, please consider becoming part of our Sponsor a Child Programme.

Email Dalene at: events@crocodileriverreserve.co.za