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WELCOME to the May/June Issue of the GSA Newsletter - GRASSROOTS!
This second edition of the GSA Newsletter is packed with interesting news and information and we hope you will enjoy reading it.
We received positive feedback from our readers and lots of pertinent questions. Thank you, and we hope you will continue to write to us with your input.
GSA update – the AGM held on 2 March 2023
The AGM was a great success. The minutes of the meeting, and the Chairman’s report and Financials have been sent to all members. If you have not received your AGM Minutes and documents, please request a copy from admin@crocodileriverreserve.co.za
At a subsequent GSA Board Meeting, John Mackie agreed to take on the role of Deputy Chair. A warm welcome to John, and we look forward to you adding your significant experience to the Office Bearer role. Graham Perkins agreed to be co-opted as GSA Treasurer. Graham has added great value to the GSA Financial reporting since he joined the GSA in January 2022 and we are very pleased to have him on board – warm welcome to Graham.
The DFFE have recently launched the BIODIVERSITY INVESTMENT PORTAL. The CRR was selected from nationwide applications to be featured on the portal. Go to this webpage to see the CRR listing.
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 Photo credit: Steven Jackson
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These stunning photos of the female Amethyst Sunbird were shared by the very accomplished Steve Jackson of Gerhardsville. The Aloes in the Reserve are in full bloom, and these pictures illustrate how our birds and aloes thrive in biodiversity. Thank you, Steve.
BE SURE TO SHARE YOUR CRR PICTURES WITH US!
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Q&A
Click the button below to see the answers to some of the questions we have received. They deal with what it means to be in a legally Protected area.
- Why be part of it?
- I’m already restricted in what I am allowed to do with my land, why would I want to become part of the Protected Area?
- What benefits are there to join the CRR and what does it cost me per month?
- What happens if we don’t consolidate the CRR?
In the next edition of the Newsletter we will answer further questions we have received on Rates and Taxes, Private areas, and Title Deeds.
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Competition
We have found a catchy name for the Newsletter from your suggestions - GRASSROOTS
Thank you to Jeanette Horn of Rietfontein Portion 40. Your submission captures the essence of what the Crocodile River Reserve is about! We will be sending your prize very soon.
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CRR Updates
With our newsletter, we aim to keep you informed with all that is happening in the Reserve. Click through to each article from the headings below.
If you lose your place, be sure to return to this email.
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Events
Plenty of happenings in the CRR these past few months. The Run the Rhenoster was a big success, well attended and the runners and walkers had a great morning out.
The CRR monthly environmental Walks and Talks have hopefully left those who attended more aware, informed and excited by the wonders of the natural world.
From Biomimicry, to Trees, Snakes, and Animal Rehab, click below to find what’s been going on in the CRR
To see the upcoming events in the CRR calendar click here.
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Invasive Plants
Out of the pompom season, there is still a lot of work being done on getting support for managing our alien invasives:
- An alien invasive forum established by the GSA with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE),
- Mapping of alien invasives done by GDARDE on their land in the CRR,
- A workshop at the Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) attended by the GSA focussing on using biocontrol on aliens
ALL LANDOWNERS, LOOK OUT FOR YOUR INVITATION TO THE ALIEN AND INVASIVE SPECIES INFORMATION DAY HOSTED BY THE DFFE ON THE 19TH OF AUGUST AT THE 4 X 4 CLUB OF SA.
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Focus On Invasive Trees
For this newsletter we focus on Alien Invasive Trees, some of them we are very familiar with, others are creeping up the Alien Invasive Category ladder to become prohibited plants.
Find out about them, and how to identify them.
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Reports from the Veld
Check out our topics in 'reports from the veld' here:
- Alien Invasive Forum
- Mapping in the CRR
- Agricultural Research Centre and biocontrol
- Gauteng Conservation Plan
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Snare Walks
The consistent monthly snare walks in the CRR continue, and our dedicated and experienced team of volunteers are joined by several people with feet on the ground and sharp eyes looking for snares.
Our motto is NEVER GIVE UP!
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School Programme
A big upswing – new programmes, more schools and a fantastic school holiday programme!
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Find Out About Our
Corner Of The World
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Special in the CRR
What’s special in the CRR? Find out about some of them here, and if you want us to add your own favourite that occurs in the Reserve, let us know.
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Environmental Crime
Since our last newsletter where we informed you of a contract arrangement with SDS Security to assist us with Environmental Crime, there has been a marked reduction in environmental crime in the area. This is also due to co-operation of the residents in the area that are reporting incidents like wood cutting and plant removal. Thank you to all who help to reduce incidents.
Fire Season Is Upon Us
Be prepared, go to the Fires tab on the CRR website for a write-up on important things to remember, and what you need available to fight fires.
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Support Egoli's Grasslands
Show your love for the Crocodile River Reserve with one of these beautiful doormats!
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The Tree Popper
A robust, easy to use tool, the Tree Popper was designed in direct response to the need for eradication of invasive alien plants. A simple concept of leverage has been used to ensure the complete removal of unwanted vegetation roots & all, providing a permanent solution to a long standing problem.
PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN
AND IDEAL FOR REMOVING ALIEN SAPLINGS AND WEEDS
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Dates To Diarise
19 August - Alien Invasive Species Information Day. Details coming soon.
29 October - Ride The Rhenoster: Annual MTB Ride.
Who to contact
School programme: Sulize Veldsman and Lee Douglas on
schools@crocodileriverreserve.co.za
Snare walks & Walks and Talks: Dalene van der Merwe on
events@crocodileriverreserve.co.za
Fire Protection Association: Carol-Lee Fowler on crrfpa@gmail.com
Other CRR matters: Dalene van der Merwe on admin@crocodileriverreserve.co.za
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