TALK REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2016

10 December 2016: George and Margo Branch on “Creatures of the fynbos” This was a very well attended morning talk with some children present. It was a pity that there were not more children there to listen and learn and enjoy this presentation which George and Margo shared. Originally from Zimbabwe, George and Margo met at UCT while studying Zoology and Biology respectively. Being well qualified to talk on fynbos creatures, their talk was enlivened by personal experiences. On one occasion while diving near Hermanus, George had his leg playfully grabbed by an otter for…
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TALK REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2016

10 November 2016:  Dr Candice-Lee Lyons on “Biological control of weeds - history, principles, and examples” This most informative talk by Candice-Lee Lyons (who was supported by her husband and young son) gave us all a broader perspective on how invasive alien plants are being controlled. There are three methods used to control invasive plants. The Betty's Bay Hack Group, which has been working in the area for over 40 years, uses mainly the mechanical method. This includes chain saws for the large, mainly acacia, species (e.g. rooikrans), and poppers and snickers for the smaller…
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WALKS PLANNED FOR 2017

Botsoc Walk 21 January 2017 The route for the January walk is still to be determined. Meanwhile, save the date. As always, we will meet at the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens parking area at 09h00 on Saturday, 21 January 2017. Enquiries: Tim Attwell 082 343 2501 Barbara Jenman 082 338 4109 Rea Borcherds 072 238 8144
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TALKS PLANNED FOR 2017

Saturday 21 January: Cuan McGeorge, Senior Field Ranger, Stony Point Seabird Breeding Colony, Cape Nature, on “Adaptability of endangered species – The birth of Stony Point Seabird Colony”. At 18h00 – Pringle Bay Community Hall. Saturday 18 February: Brian Huntley on his time on Marion island as a young man. At 18h00 – Nivenia Hall, HPBG. Note: Botsoc Walks and Talks are always held on the third Saturday of the month, and Betty’s Bay Hacks on the first Sunday of the month.
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PRINGLE BAY HACK

- Chris Geldenhuys, Convenor The next monthly hack will be on Sunday 29 January 2017. As usual we will meet on the pavement opposite Drosters Centre, in Central Avenue, Pringle Bay, at 08:00 whereafter we will proceed to the hack site. The hack ends at 11:00. Everyone who would like to help rid Pringle Bay of alien vegetation is welcome. Hacking tools are provided. Contact Chris at (028) 273 8588, or just turn up at the meeting point.
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THE BATTLE OF BETTY’S BAY: HACK REPORT 644

- Frik Potgieter, Convenor A well attended hack on a beautiful day did some very good clearing of the verges of Porter Drive. It is becoming a pleasure to drive down this road, the fynbos is something to be proud of! Christine Dreyer provided the sandwiches and Merran Silberbauer the tea. Thank you ladies! Also thank you to Penguin Place for donating the bread for aforesaid sandwiches not only for this hack but throughout the year! Enjoying tea were Tom Dreyer, Jan Joubert, Maarten and Hilary Mauve, Ulli Niemann, Frik Potgieter, Carole Roberts, Lewis Silberbauer,…
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