The Helderberg Nature Reserve continues to be closed for the public after devastating fires that have seen five homes destroyed, but assessments of the infrastructure damage has taken place and a clean-up operation has kicked off. The reserve management has made good use of the handful of sunny days recently to start the maintenance process and are making plans for the bigger recovery tasks to come. This coming Saturday, they invite volunteers to assist in the operations.
Helderberg EcoRangers
On 17 June, the nature reserve welcomed their first set of volunteers: Helderberg EcoRangers lend their small hands to help staff collect nails, screws and bolts left over from the bunt boardwalk. Before restoration and rebuilding can begin, all the damaged infrastructure must first be removed, and these little ones were eager to assist.
The Helderberg EcoRangers is a children’s group where youngsters meet on regular basis to enjoy nature, outdoor and environmental activities and outings. The club is all about having fun while learning about and exploring nature and the natural environment. The team of youngsters often assist in clean-up operations and participate in other project, such as Medicinal Plants projects, that educate them in ecology. The Helderberg Nature Reserve is a regular meeting place for the young learners.
Join the efforts
On Saturday 25 June, the Helderberg Nature Reserve management would like to invite members, also called Friends of Helderberg, to assist with further post-fire restoration efforts. They need 30 “members with muscle” who can assist with the demolition of burned out and damaged infrastructure. Since these efforts are going to be labour intensive, children will not be able to assist this time, but the reserve assures the public that there will be many more opportunities for help in coming months.
If you are a member of the Helderberg Nature Reserve, and are able to assist on Saturday 25 June from 9am until 12pm, please send an email to [email protected] in order to receive further details and confirmation of your participation.
If you’d like to become a member of the nature reserve, and be a Friend of Helderberg, you can register and join online. Subscription is R170 per year for members between the ages of 19 and 59 years and R80 for senior citizens aged 60 and older. A family subscription of R400 comprise two adults and up to two children between the ages of four and 18 years, and an extra R50 is required per additional child. Children under four years of age can access the reserve on the responsible card holder’s membership.
Also read:
Helderberg Nature Reserve ‘alive with birds and animals’ after fire
Picture: Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve / Facebook
