MARCH 2025 ISSUE

Grassroots: GSA Newsletter

Welcome

Two months into the new year and there is already plenty of news to share. The abundant rainfalls have left our beautiful grasslands lush and green, we have been introduced to a delightful family of Chameleons, done two snare walks and our first new and improved School Programme outing, dealt with illegal plant harvesting and a few other environmental infringements and forged new collaborations to protect our valuable biodiversity. To find out more read on!

Photo credit top banner: Brigitte Hackl 

Thank You

Thank you to those Landowners and their workers who took almost an entire day out of their time to alert us to individuals illegally harvesting plants in the CRR and assist us with detaining and reporting them at the police station.

Events

You can read more about our events here.

School Programme

We are very excited about our new School Programme and had our first outing of the year for The Wild Crew in the beginning of February. You can read all about it here. 

Reports from the Veld

Our first event of the year was a snare walk in January. Find out how it went by clicking this link. 

Special in the CRR

Meet The Hackle Chameleon Family (contributed by Brigitte Hackl)

I am completely obsessed with chameleons and have been for much of my life. These little elusive creatures are so special and very seldom seen. Sadly as with most things in nature, the environment is changing constantly and there are so many pesticides and other chemicals out there that affect not just the chameleons but all the little insects, reptiles, birds, mammals, etc out in the wild. Read the full article here.

What Should Go and What Should Stay?

We do not always recognise the exact role a plant or animal plays in an ecosystem or nature as a whole. We also seem to give far less value to something that occurs in abundance and is not considered rare or threatened, but be assured that even if it is only food for other animals everything still has a place in the biodiversity of the area it is found in. 

To find out what should go and what should stay, click on this link.

Appeals, Compliance and Environmental Objections

Being Stewards of the Biodiversity of the CRR and its surrounding areas means ensuring compliance with the regulations whenever possible, objecting to inappropriate development applications and activities and ensuring due process is always followed.

For updates on the current appeals, objections and environmental crimes being dealt with by the CRR please click here.

Illegal Plant Harvesting In Doornrandje

Fighting environmental crime cannot be done without the support and assistance of our Members and other concerned Landowners and residents. Read more about our continued efforts against illegal plant harvesting here.

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.