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JULY 2025 ISSUE
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Grassroots: GSA Newsletter
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Welcome
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It’s always good to know what is happening in your community and area, and maybe even learn a thing or two.
This Newsletter brings you the usual updates on the School Programme, events, and our pet hate, snaring. We also move beyond our CRR borders as we give you feedback on the Magaliesberg Biosphere Workshop we took part in.
Since conserving biodiversity is what we are all about we have included our usual articles on something Fauna and something Flora. We hope you enjoy finding out all about the Flower-of-an-Hour and those charming little creatures called Spiders.
Please cast your eye over our notices with the all-important date of our next AGM and the upcoming CRR events.
We hope you enjoy the read!
Photo credit bottom banner: MariQ

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Thank You
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We would like to thank everyone who has sponsored a child this year, our regular sponsors and those who have donated for specific outings. Your contributions are greatly appreciated!
A big thank you to one of our members, her worker, SDS, Fourways Veterinary Clinic and JHB Wildlife Vets for helping us rescue an injured blesbok late at night.
JHB Wildlife Vet also took in a sick Duiker a few days later. Their dedication and compassion are inspiring!
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Events
From muddy running shoes and curious schoolkids to recycled crafts and veld adventures — it’s been a season full of heart, learning, and laughter. Whether you're keen to revisit your favourite event, see what the Wild Crew’s been up to, or find out how you can sponsor a child’s nature experience, all the latest CRR stories are waiting for you.
Click here to read the full roundup.

Reports from the Veld
Snares are silent killers, and after a peaceful few months, they’ve sadly returned to threaten the wildlife we work so hard to protect. From dedicated volunteers on snare walks to a dramatic rescue involving an injured Blesbok, this month’s report highlights both the heartbreak and the hope that comes with conservation work.
Click here to read the full story.

Special in the CRR
Hibiscus trionum
You may have spotted this delicate bloom on a stroll through the Reserve. But did you know it only flowers for a few fleeting hours? Beyond its beauty, the Flower-of-an-Hour hides a surprising world of medicinal potential and ecological intrigue. Read the full article here.

Spiders
Love them or loathe them, spiders are some of the most misunderstood creatures in the natural world — but also some of the most important. From ancient fossils to cutting-edge medical research, these eight-legged wonders have stories to tell and gifts to offer. Curious yet?
If you are feeling brave, click on this link.

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Magaliesberg Biosphere
The Magaliesberg Biosphere is more than just a beautiful stretch of land — it's part of a global network of protected areas working to balance nature, people, and progress. Discover what makes this region so unique, why it matters, and how you can play a role in preserving its legacy for generations to come.
The Crocodile River Reserve falls within the buffer zone of the Magaliesberg Biosphere and works closely in contributing and providing input to various workshops and meetings held by the Biosphere. To read the full article, click here.

Notices
If you have not done so already, please put Saturday the 30th of August in your Diaries when the GSA AGM will be taking place.
Upcoming events for August and September:
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Finding Food in the Wild with Nikki Brighton on Thursday August 7th
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The CRR School Programme Wild Crew outing on Saturday the 9th of August
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The CRR School Programme Wild Crew outing on Saturday the 13th of September
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The Scorpion and Spiders Walk & Talk with Jonathan Leeming on Saturday the 20th of September

Have you captured the beauty of the reserve? Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a rare species, or just the everyday magic of nature, we’d love to see it! Your photos help us confirm the presence of wildlife, like the sighting of a secretarybird shared by Adrian Hampson.
No need to worry if it's a rare sighting or not—every photo helps us celebrate and conserve the natural beauty of the reserve. So, whether it’s flora, fauna, or the awe-inspiring scenery, send us your snaps and be part of our conservation story! And if you're happy with us to share the images on our social media, website, or upcoming newsletters, be sure to let us know as well.
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