Helderberg Eco Rangers

It is with a heavy heart that we at Eco-Rangers say a fond farewell to Hayley-May and Owen Wittridge. Their departure is a significant loss to the Helderberg Nature Reserve as well as the Eco-Rangers. It's hard to imagine the reserve without their dedication and passion. As a group, we appreciate the support they've shown us and the values we share.

Thank you both for everything. We wish you all the best for your new adventure.

Below is a blast from the past where we had both Owen and Hayley-May join our Eco-Rangers to discuss the collection of Protea seeds. A few weeks later the children all took part in the dispersal of seeds in the burn area. Today that area is well covered with new proteas and many other plants.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Helderberg Nature Reserve is open

Please NOTE:
As a result of recent rains there has been a large landslide down the Helderberg Mountain which extends through the nature reserve.
This landslide has had a significant impact on management tracks and trails leaving sections completely washed away and dangerous.

For those planning to hike:
1. Leopard's loop cannot be walked as a loop. This trail is currently regarded as unsafe and is to be avoided.
2. Protea track cannot be walked as a loop. Walk it left up and down or right side up and down. Visitors should NOT attempt to navigate the damaged section to cross to either side.
3. Caracal trail cannot be walked as a loop.

Hikers are requested NOT to develop their own trails through sensitive vegetation to cross between left and right side of the reserve.

Trails on the lower section of the reserve are littered with branch's but still navigable.

Damaged sections are yet to be marked off and routes closed.

Vehicles cannot move up the mountain and assist visitors who find themselves in distress.

Please exercise extreme caution. Your co-operation and adherence to instructions will enable the management to keep the reserve open for your enjoyment.

We thank you for your patience while we address these new challenges.

Important Update: Helderberg Nature Reserve is Closed to the public

The Helderberg Nature Reserve will remain closed to the public until further notice. The heavy rains resulted in a landslide higher up the mountain. From our understanding . . . the land slide from left of Disa has gone down as far as Caracal Trail. The White Eye will have suffered a washout. Significant damage has been caused to the tracks and trails, posing a risk to visitor safety.

The reserve management team is currently assessing the situation and developing a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety of all visitors while protecting the natural environment.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. We will keep you updated on progress and the reopening date.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the reserve soon. Hopefully our Eco-Ranger meet up times this week will be able to go ahead. We will send all members an update via the whatsapp groups as soon as we can.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. 🌿🐾

Note: Photos and video are from the Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve

Did you know that today is the International Plastic Bag Free Day?

I am not one for following days . . . .as I believe to make a difference we need to change our lifestyles. In other words - every day should be plastic bag free day . . . just as every day should see us caring for and respecting the environment, animals, the elderly and so forth. Anyway today aims to discourage the use of plastic bags for 'use-and-throw' purposes be it for food packaging or buying groceries. Today is aimed to raise awareness of the harmful effects of plastic pollution on the planet. Today is about motivating people and institutions to embrace sustainable alternatives and combat the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.

I'm feeling disheartened after a recent drive to Cape Town. The plastic waste and pollution I saw along the way left me feeling helpless and despondent. It's devastating to see our beautiful country littered with plastic, making some areas
look like dumping grounds.

As humans, we've clearly lost sight of our responsibility to protect the planet. It's crucial we take action now to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Let's work together to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. We can make a difference, one small step at a time. Let's start now!

If you need some help . . . . why not take on the Plastic free July challenge:

www.plasticfreejuly.org

And for those who want . . . you could also work on your badges - reduce, reuse, recycle as well as Sustainable Living badge.

Okay - go out there and make a difference - not just today but everyday.

A huge congratulations to our three teen girls from the Leopard group who bravely participated in the Snake Awareness and Handling Workshop on Saturday!

“The world of life, of spontaneity, the world of dawn and sunset and starlight, the world of soil and sunshine, of meadow and woodland, of hickory and oak and maple and hemlock and pineland forests, of wildlife dwelling around us, of the river and its well-being—all of this some of us are discovering for the first time as the integral community in which we live.”
~Thomas Berry

We are part of Nature, not separate from or superior to it, living on this amazing planet. The understanding that we humans and the “sunset and starlight” and “the river and its well-being,” etc. are all members of a vital community, and what that really means, seems especially important right now. (Sharon, WPM)
📸 Tom Fisk

Introducing the Sweetest way to Support our Local Birds!

Here is the Eco-Bird Feeder, handmade by 12-year-old entrepreneur, Oliver!

This feeder is not only eco-friendly but also provides a safe haven for your backyard birds to enjoy delicious nectar.

Features:

- Durable and weather-resistant design
- Easy to clean and refill
- Attracts our sun birds
- Supports local wildlife and conservation efforts

Support a young entrepreneur and the environment!

Order your Bird Feeder today and get:

- A high-quality, handmade feeder
- The satisfaction of supporting a young entrepreneur and sustainable practices

Order now and let's feed the birds, not landfills!

Price: R145 (Excluding delivery)

Well done to all our iNatters. It has been wonderful to see you all observing and posting. Don't forget to try and ID your observations. Remember you have until Monday midnight to make observations. You then have until Monday 6th May to upload and ID all the photos you have taken - so for now - just do your observations. Upload next week - that gives you more time to observe.

And why not do a night observation. You might find some interesting critters - and lots of moths and crickets.

Okay happy Inatting.

Its time to get ready for the CITY NATURE CHALLENGE.

Only a few days to get snapping and clicking!!

Download the app and contribute to this global project while keeping Cape Town on the map.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.inaturalist.android&hl=en&gl=US

Helderberg Nature Reserve will be open with free entry for anyone participating in this years iNaturalist City Nature Challenge. Make a family day of it and visit this unique reserve between the 26th April and 29th April.

Go on a nature treasure hunt and record all of your interesting and exciting finds using the iNaturalist app. Ask the kids to help you find as many different critters and plants as possible - they see things adults miss. Ask them to see how many different things can they can find. Don't restrict your exploration - you can also visit any Nature reserve, park, river, beach, your own garden. Everything is game - just no humans and pets. All recordings must be withing the City of Cape Town Boundary.

You can join these projects to keep up to date with progress:
City of Cape Town project:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2024-city-of-cape-town

Our own Eco-Ranger projects for our members and their families:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/2024-helderberg-eco-ranger-city-nature-challenge

And those in Paardevlei can join this one:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/friends-of-paardevlei-wetland

For info on the actual walk at Paardevlei this Saturday: https://www.facebook.com/share/5EGB6zD3MWu1mwD2/?mibextid=9l3rBW


Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve

🌍✨ Today is Earth Day - that means it is time to Celebrate and Honor on our Earth 🌿🐾✨🌍

Earth Day 🌱, a day dedicated to appreciating and preserving the beautiful planet we call home. Having said that - remember, every day is Earth Day, and every action counts. You can help every day - cut back on plastic use and recycle, clean up your neighborhood, protect your environment, care for the animals, preserve habitats.

Earth day should be a lifestyle of living consciously and taking action for a happy, healthy planet every day!

The topic this year is Earth Vs Plastics . . . . and as we all know - this is a very serious issue worldwide. It is a major issue on our very doorstep - just look around you and you will see plastic everywhere. Our road verges are lined with plastic in many areas . . . and this ends up in the waterways, the oceans, wrapped around animals, entwined around birds and choking our planet. Go out there and pick up a bag of litter and do this every time you are out. A little help goes a long way.

Let us cherish our planet, not just today but every day.

Three young teenagers took part in the Snake Handling course held at the Nature Reserve / Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve over the recent holiday.

One of our past members who is now at completed the full day course - that is theory as well as practical. Well done! He will receive his accreditation for Snake Handling. The girls are both keen (plus one other) to complete their full training soon. It all comes down to funding for the course fee. Here they are trying out the practical aspect of the course. Each of them was super brave and amazing! I think us parents on the side were more nervous watching them.

The full day course covered snake awareness, identification, snake behavior snake bites and safety around snakes. This is an excellent course for anyone who deals with snakes be it in the workplace, hiking, medical field etc.

Those taking the full course write an exam at the end followed by snake handling of the cape Cobra, Rinkhals and Puff Adder.

The practical snake handling part of the course is demonstrated with a rope first so show how to pick up a snake properly with a hookstick. After this come the real snakes.

Each participant is given the opportunity to handle the snakes. You are not forced and can skip this part if it is too much for your nerves. You must demonstrate that you can pick the snakes up properly, carry them in the correct way, put them in a container and then close the container. All this is done under the watchful eye of a super patient and encouraging instructor. Everyone had a couple of tries and there is no pressure to rush.

As each person practiced, Francois the instructor was able to guide them, correct techniques, and give general guidance.

If you have an interest in snakes or you live in an area where you often encounter snakes, we can highly recommend doing a course like this!

You can contact us if you would like to hear about future courses to be held at the Helderberg Nature reserve.

NOTE: 🚫 viewer discretion advised 🚫 - Not for sensitive persons.
Images in the album are not for the faint hearted. There is blood and close up images of the snake organs.

Apart from that - here are the braver Eco-Rangers learning some snake anatomy. You can see who are the future vets, animal rehabbers and serious conservationists.

This was a fascinating addition to our snake show and snake awareness day.

The snake was not destroyed for the sake of this lesson. It was found deceased in a yard - possibly killed by a passer by. It is unfortunate as this snake is harmless apart from giving a nasty bite if threatened.

Our Eco-Rangers ended the term with an exciting, informative and educational snake show.

Wildfire Season is here due to the warm and dry conditions in the environment.

Help prevent human caused wildfires. Each of us can make a difference and help prevent frequent wildfires due to human actions!

Here's how you can join our efforts:
1. Support Prevention Organizations: Help organizations dedicated to wildfire prevention. Every contribution counts!
2. ⚠ Avoid Sparks: Be cautious! Small actions like properly extinguishing ci******es or avoiding open flames make a huge difference.
3. Report Immediately: If you spot smoke or flames, don't hesitate! Quick reporting can save our precious natural resources and animal habitats.
4.⛑ Assist the Fire Fighters: Appreciate, support and aid firefighters risking their lives.
5. Volunteer and join the Volunteer Wildfire Services
https://vws.org.za/vws-join/

Let's come together to safeguard our beautiful Helderberg and Surrounds. Your support means everything . . . not just for us humans but also for the creatures that live out there in the wild! 🌿🌍

Calling all parents with children age 4 - 16 who love to explore, learn about and be out in nature.

Give your child the gift of nature and the outdoors. Join the Helderberg Eco-Rangers where they can spend time discovering, exploring and learning about all things nature and the environment!

Don't miss out . . . book your place now.

Our term program begins on the 23rd January for Genets and 26th January for Caracals and Leopards.

Meetings take place:
Tuesday 14h30- 15h30 / 16h00 - Genet group (4-7 year olds) - spaces available still

Friday 14h00 - 15h30 - Caracal Group (7-11 year olds) - a few spaces available

Friday 16h00 - 17h30 / 18h00 - Leopard Group (12 + year olds)

Meetings take place at the Helderberg Nature Reserve.

Please share with friends and family who might be interested in joining a group like this.
For more info: [email protected]
Whatsapp: 0608 550 754 (message only please)

Hoping everyone had an amazing Christmas and a fantastic start to the new year! We're super excited to emerge from our holiday hibernation and dive back into our outdoor adventures.

Just a heads up, our Little Explorers Genet group sessions will resume on 23rd January so long we have enough little explorers. We meet each Tuesday from 14h30 to 15h30 / 16h00.

What is more beautiful than a child's natural wonder? Come and explore all the natural treasures the Helderberg Nature Reserve has to offer. Let your child's innate curiosity take flight. Each week we will enjoy a new topic accompanied by an adventure and activity. We cover all sort of topics as we dig deeper into nature. Our activities might include planting seedlings, finding frogs, collecting sticks or special rocks, water play and so much more. Creative, nature inspired crafts are always fun. Super Science experiments add a wow factor. Exploratory walks encourage curiosity and observation. Nature is the perfect class room with endless learning opportunities.

We can't wait to explore together soon! 🌿✨

Meetings take place at the Helderberg Nature Reserve. Days and times to be decided for the Little Explorers.

For older children; please ask about our Young Explorer groups which take place on a Friday.

Book now to reserve your space. Groups have limited numbers.

Please share with friends and family who might be interested in joining a group like this.

For more info: [email protected]
Whatsapp: 0608 550 754 (message only please)

Christmas is already here and I wonder where the time went. So much still to do. I guess it is time to take a few days break before we begin work again. So much for the extended break I had longed for and time to sort and re-organise all my teaching materials and living space - that was a BIG dream. Ahh well - work is good. The other tasks will be completed in baby steps. I just need to see past all the mess and dust . . . urghhh! Deep breath!!! The dust can wait.

Just quickly . . . May your Christmas end this year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright 2024.

Be loving, thoughtful and caring during this time and remember there are many of us not celebrating Christmas the way we would like to due to being alone, loss of a friend, loved one, unemployment or other circumstances. And don't forget our animal fiends wild and domestic . . . as well as nature as a whole. Place water or feed out for the birds, create a safe space for critters to hide, plant a tree . . .do something that can make a difference for someone or something.

Straight from my heart to yours... wishing everyone the Merriest Christmas possible no matter where you are. May this time for you and your family be adorned with the precious gift of togetherness, the comforting ribbon of hope, and the joyful ornaments of laughter.

May your homes be filled with love, cherished moments, and the warmth of loved ones. In the tapestry of holiday wishes, be sure to weave joy, warmth, and camaraderie this Festive Season. May all heartfelt greetings resonate with the Spirit of the season and may these wishes light up your days and sprinkle magic into your
celebrations.

May this season inspire us all to spread kindness, help those in need, embrace the festive spirit, and spread the joy! Be a beacon of hope, connecting us all to the shared warmth of the season.

To my special friends, family as well as my Eco-Rangers families and their young explorers . . . SO much gratitude for your continued trust and loyalty, support, and love. Thank you for believing in me . . . you have truly been the wind beneath my wings over the past four trying years. Your presence in my life has brought so much joy and purpose to each day, and I am genuinely grateful for the friendships we've built. The times we spend together or the messages or chats to have.

As for all the Eco-Ranger children . . . seeing you each Tuesday or Friday . . . your smiles, desire to understand the world better and your excitement to explore our natural world . . . all this fuels my work and my creativity and I absolutely can't wait to explore nature and outdoors again . . . and have adventures together in the new year.

Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas.

Let's gift everyone a hug and unending love for the coming year.

Much love, nature and kindness,

Wendy

Don't you just love the Christmas Seals made in memory of Freddy the Seal. We will always remember him and be out there to protect and care for all other Seals to come.

The Eco-Rangers were given the opportunity to visit the Cape Fur Seals at Duiker Island. This outing formed part of our topic covering Cape Fur Seals and the amazing work being done by Hout Bay Seal Rescue and Helderberg Ocean Awareness. What an awesome day it was. I sure hope everyone had a great time, learned a few fascinating facts and important information regarding our Seals.

Thank you to Tiffany Schultz Photography for some of the excellent photos

And thank you Machtel Moolman for the photos you allowed us to share.

Nauticat Charters, Hout Bay
Drumbeat Charters, Hout bay

On November 11th our Eco-Rangers were able to visit the Hout Bay Seal Rescue Center. A BIG thank you to Kim, Amos and the team for opening their doors and taking our children and their families on a tour to explain what you do. What an exceptional group of people you are and an incredible organisation.

Thank you to Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre for all the amazing work you do to help the Seals. You are true heroes.

If anyone would like to make a donation to Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre please do they are doing amazing work.

They are always in need of food for the seals, petrol to travel, vet biils, medication and so much more. Rescue and Rehabilitation costs more than you will ever know until you have worked in this field.

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁.
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸 (𝗙𝗡𝗕)
𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲: 𝟮𝟱𝟱𝟯𝟱𝟱
𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲: 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗡𝗭𝗔𝗝𝗝
𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿: 𝟲𝟮𝟴𝟰𝟲𝟰𝟬𝟭𝟱𝟳𝟵
𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗠𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵

They have their PBO status so can issue you or your company with a section 18 a tax certificate. Email your details to [email protected]


Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement

A BIG thank you to Tiffany Schultz Photography for many of the fabulous photos. It is so good to have you as part of the group and to help capture these special moments.

Here are our Eco-Rangers making Cape Fur Seal Christmas Decorations in memory of Freddy the Seal.

Inspired by Freddy the Seal in the hope that we can raise awareness and protect future Seals.

Thank you to Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre along with Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement and Lisa Starr for all the amazing work they do to raise awareness about Cape Fur Seals and to protect the seals.

!
in the name of !

This is the show we have all been waiting for since the fire in 2022.

As always, the Watsonias did not disappoint. This year has been quite spectacular to say the least. I am sure the Eco-Rangers felt a WOW moment when they arrived at the mass of pink blooms.

We had an exciting (if not a little sad for the Skink) encounter during a recent walk in the Helderberg Nature Reserve.

Right there in the middle of the path was an Olive snake which had recently caught a skink.

Read more in the description . . . .

Take a look inside an egg case of the Shark! You can see the tiny shark with the umbilical cord connected to the yolk. It will feed from this for 8 to 9 months (in most species).

All skates, all chimaera and some sharks are oviparous (egg-laying). Roughly 40% of shark species lay egg cases.

Who looks after the egg case? Good question!
Once the egg has been deposited the mother does not invest any further parental care. The embryo is now on its own and nothing but a thin, leathery capsule protects the developing skate or shark until it is ready to hatch. Usually the shark eggs cases are attached to immotile seafans, seaweed or rocks where they will stay. Some are wedged between rocks. Unfortunately they are easy prey at this time. Even the smallest and slowest organisms can chew or bore through the capsule.

This one is clearer - you can see a perfect baby shark

What are these strange pod like things we find on the beach?

They almost look like they are part of a plant - a seed pod maybe? Yes these are quite fascinating in that they are the egg cases laid by sharks. You might know them as the mermaids purse.

A whole bunch of sharks give birth to live baby sharks, called pups. Mako sharks, bull sharks, lemon sharks, and blue sharks are a few examples of sharks that are born live. Most have live birth - but a handful (40%) are oviparous and have egg cases as seen in this image. Some species can have multiple embryos per egg case.

Below are the different egg cases you might come across. The very large one which we often see on the Strand is actually from a skate. The tiniest one is from a Leopard shark. The frilly one comes from the Cape Elephantfish. The pale one is from the Leopard Catshark.

Here you can see a selection of different egg cases