Grootbos Foundation Monthly Update | July and August 2024

17 September

Foundation

Nurturing Nature and Empowering Communities

As we step into the heart of winter, the Grootbos Foundation is excited to share the latest developments and successes from their conservation and community projects. July and August have been transformative months, filled with milestones that reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting our natural heritage and uplifting local communities

Strong Women Making A Difference

Grootbos Foundation's Biodiversity Stewardship Programme serves as a vital link between our research initiatives and human impact efforts. Recently, the team of dedicated stewards has been hard at work in the dune belt of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, which is managed by Cape Nature. Together with CapeNature, we’re tackling the spread of the invasive rooikrans plant, which threatens the local ecosystem.

Among our committed team is Princess, who shares, "For me, walking up and down the dunes also helps me with my daily exercise; remember I am getting older and this work keeps me fit." 

We are inspired by Princess's positive attitude and the determination of our incredible team of women who work tirelessly to protect our natural heritage.

Tracking Enigmatic Pollinators

The Entomology team has embarked on a fascinating new project this spring: the Enigmatic Pollinators study. One species of plant that they are focused on is Lyperia tristes, a unique flower known for its cinnamon-like scent in the late afternoon. To learn more about the flower's mysterious pollinators, they have begun covering its blossoms with gauze bags for 24 hours, allowing for precise nectar measurements to be collected afterwards.

Using delicate 1µl capillary tubes, the team carefully extracts nectar to monitor the flowers' health and attractiveness to potential pollinators. They then eagerly await insect visitors and hope to capture the elusive pollinators on camera - drawn in by the flower's irresistible aroma.

A Bee Taxonomy Workshop

The Grootbos Foundation had the incredible opportunity to host Connal Eardley, one of the world’s foremost bee taxonomists. Connal, known for his extensive work in bee taxonomy and conservation, joined our entomology department for a specialized bee taxonomy workshop, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and passion for these vital pollinators.

During the workshop, Connal guided our team through the intricate process of identifying and classifying various bee species, deepening our understanding of the diverse bee population here at Grootbos. Thanks to his expertise, we were able to refine our identification techniques and learn more about the unique characteristics that distinguish one species from another.

To date, our insect collection at Grootbos has revealed an astonishing 107 different bee species, each playing a crucial role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of our unique Fynbos ecosystem.

Planting for the Future with Die DANAS

This year, the Grootbos Foundation sports youth teams, Green Futures students, dedicated staff, and passionate biodiversity stewards have come together to plant an impressive 728 endemic trees. These trees were generously donated by Die DANAS, the German national women's hockey team.

The Die DANAS team raised the funds for this incredible contribution through their own crowd-funding campaign. Their goal was to offset the carbon footprint generated by their travel to international matches, and they chose to channel their efforts into supporting the Grootbos Foundation's forest restoration program.

To maximize the chances of success for these young trees, we have planted the majority during the rainy season, ensuring they receive the vital water they need to establish strong roots and thrive in their new environment. With this mindful approach, we aim to increase the survival rate and long-term impact of this planting effort. 

Celebrating a Year of Invasive Rooikranz Removal at Walker Bay Nature Reserv

This month, we celebrate a significant milestone: 12 months of hard work clearing the invasive rooikranz (Acacia cyclops) from the pristine dunes of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. This initiative has been challenging and labor-intensive, but also incredibly rewarding and vital for the future of our unique landscape.

Our dedicated teams of biodiversity stewards have been working tirelessly outdoors, primarily hand-pulling the young rooikranz that sprouted after the fire swept through this area in 2022. It is physically demanding work, requiring endurance, strength, and meticulous attention to detail. 

Removing Rooikranz by hand and with hand tools within the first 12 months after a wildfire is the most effective and efficient way to manage these invasive alien plants. 

Thank you to all our teams for their hard work and dedication to nature conservation.

Inspirational Field Trip to Old Nectar Gardens

This month the horticulture students embarked on an exciting and educational field trip to Stellenbosch, where they were treated to an unforgettable tour of the historic Old Nectar Gardens in Jonkershoek.

Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this iconic garden provided a rich learning experience for our budding horticulturists, offering both inspiration and practical knowledge that will guide them in their future careers.

During the visit, the students had the unique opportunity to meet the resident garden manager, a seasoned expert with a wealth of experience in various horticultural practices. With passion and enthusiasm, he shared his extensive knowledge on landscaping, pruning, seed saving, and plant propagation. 

The students learned about the importance of strategic planning for the approaching season, gaining insight into how to prepare and adapt gardens to thrive throughout the year.