UPCOMING EVENTS

Invitation to Stakeholders – New Zealand Christmas Tree

SANBI hereby invites stakeholders to attend an information-sharing session and mini-workshop. We wish to create an opportunity for those interested to share their views and for us to develop objectives for a management plan for New Zealand Christmas Tree (Metrosideros excelsa), an invasive species in Betty’s Bay and the Overstrand.

  • Date: Friday, 11 December 2015
  • Venue: Nivenia Hall, Harold Porter Gardens. Betty’s Bay
  • Time: 10:30 (tea); Meeting 11:00 – 13:00
  • Lunch: A light lunch will be served at 13:00

upcoming01Metrosideros excelsa was introduced to Betty’s Bay in the 1960s and is now invading fynbos on moist peaty soils at Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond. Recently, many residents have expressed concern as they observe the spread of the plants in and around these towns. At the same time, some residents enjoy the ornamental and other benefits provided by New Zealand Christmas trees and do not want trees on their properties removed. Since there may be widely divergent views on the removal of this species, SANBI’s Invasive Species Programme would like to conduct a stakeholder engagement process whereby SANBI and stakeholders can share views about the New Zealand Christmas tree infestation in Betty’s Bay, and SANBI can share information about the legislation affecting the New Zealand Christmas trees in the Overstrand area.

upcoming02The Life and Times of Dinosaurs by Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan, UCT

  • DATE: Saturday 12 December
  • TIME: 10 am
  • VENUE: Nivenia Hall, HPBG

Note that this is a morning talk, and will be followed by our Thirtieth Birthday Celebratory Picnic.

(See below.)

Thirtieth Birthday of the Kogelberg Branch – A Celebratory Picnic

Join us for a family picnic to celebrate our thirtieth birthday!

  • DATE AND TIME: After the December talk on Saturday 12 December at 10 am.
  • VENUE: Stroompie, an unspoilt piece of land with milkwoods and a stream on the coast beyond Betty’s Bay towards Palmiet River
  • DIRECTIONS: Take Clarence Drive from Betty’s Bay towards Kleinmond. Just after ‘Die Blomhuis’ (Dr Flip’s residence) on the right, you will see a small gravel road. Turn right onto this road and continue along it as far as it takes you.
  • WHAT TO BRING:  This will be a self-catered occasion, picnic baskets, not braais, your own tables, chairs, umbrellas and rugs in a unique space (no toilets, be warned).

We would like to know the approximate number of people attending. If you plan to come to the picnic, please let Gwen Coetzee know, on 079 673 8882 or 028 272 9057.

The picnic will be a grand time for our annual presentation of BotSoc Certificates of Appreciation.

Talks planned for 2016

  • 17 January: Richard Starke will speak on his Scientific American cruise round Iceland and Norway. The photography will be superb.
  • 20 February: Sean Privett of Fynbos Trails will speak on the ecology of the Swartkrans Forest which is on the trail and is inland from Gansbaai.
  • 19 March: Keir Lynch of the Overberg Lowlands Conservation Trust will speak about Renosterveld and the work of the Trust. Harold Porter now has a Renosterveld garden.

 January Walk – The Annual Pilgrimage

Save the date: Saturday 16 January 2016.

The famous Disas, Disa uniflora, will be in bloom in Leopard’s Kloof in the Harold Porter National Botanic Garden. That means it’s time for the annual pilgrimage up the kloof.

Come prepared for a moderately strenuous but wonderfully rewarding walk through Afrotemperate forest, past exquisite waterfalls, to see these iconic flowers. Bring a snack, some liquid refreshment and wear sturdy shoes.

Meet at the Harold Porter National Botanic Garden at 9 am. Leaders: Tim Attwell, Barbara Jenman.