by KBergReserve

PRINGLE BAY HACK REPORT N0 124

- Chris Geldenhuys, Convenor After the initial rain, not more than 7mm in Pringle Bay, it was a wonderful crisp winter’s morning when the Pringle Bay the Hack Group gathered at Droster’s Centre on 28 May 2017. We still had an obligation to plot 728 and a well-motivated group moved to the intersection of Barbara and Bobby roads in Pringle Bay. The infestation this time was mainly Rooikrantz, but the coppicing slowed the progress. There is only one way to address a challenge like this - on your knees!   With great determination we managed…
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by KBergReserve

TALK REPORT: MAY 2017

- Rea Borcherds Diamonds or rock lobsters? - A presentation by Allan Heydorn: Saturday 20 May 2017 Dr Allan Heydorn held his audience captive on Saturday evening 20 May when he recounted his role in a historic expedition in 1964 to a near mythical undersea mountain to search for diamonds. Vema Seamount is an isolated flat-topped undersea mountain rising up from the deep Atlantic Ocean Basin to approximately 26 - 30m below the surface. It was discovered in 1959 by the American research vessel ‘Vema’ and lies approximately 550 nautical miles west of Lambert's Bay.…
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WALKS PLANNED FOR 2017

Saturday 17 June 2017: Rod's Trail The best of Kogelberg Sandstone (Mountain) Fynbos for the least effort. It’s been a while since we explored this little gem of a trail, familiar to many, surprisingly little known by others. The trail is a contour path on the slopes of Betty’s Bay’s Voorberg, starting from the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens and ending at the Village Centre, about two and a half kilometres, and we take it slow. Wear warm clothing and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Bring rain gear, a snack and a warm drink in…
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by KBergReserve

TALKS PLANNED FOR 2017

Saturday 17 June: Geologist Dr John Rogers will talk about his new book, Geological Outings in the Fairest Cape: Unlocking the Secrets of its Scenery. At 18h00 – Nivenia Hall, HPBG. Dr Rogers' book is due to be published in April; it features Betty’s Bay and mentions two of our residents. The following day, on Sunday morning, John will take us on a field trip in our area. Way back in May 2010,  John gave an excellent talk “on the hotly debated Pringle Bay Fault in his usual knowledgeable and infectiously enthusiastic style” to quote Prof Michael…
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by KBergReserve

Betty’s Bay Hack No. 650

- Ed Silberbauer, Stand-in Convenor. Three young and enthusiastic troopers reported for duty on time; but had to wait for the necessary arms and ammo to arrive, which arms and ammo were a bit delayed due to mix up with the ordinance arrangements - and Richard, all the way from Pringle Bay, thought the hack had been cancelled! However all was sorted out and in perfect weather a lot of rooikrans was eliminated over a big area which, for a change, was not too difficult to access. Next hack - same place BUT this time…
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by KBergReserve

PART 2: Green Gold: Looking back for a healthier and sustainable future: An overview of South Africa’s medicinal plant resources

- Dr Gary I Stafford Part two of Dr Stafford’s article on medicinal plant resources in south Africa asks, ‘What is African Traditional Medicine?’ The Draft National Policy on African Traditional Medicine in South Africa (DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY on ATMSA, 2008) defines African traditional medicine as follows: 'African Traditional Medicine is a body of knowledge that has been developed and accumulated by Africans over tens of thousands of years, which is associated with the examination, diagnosis, therapy, treatment, prevention of, or promotion and rehabilitation of the physical, mental, spiritual or social wellbeing of humans and…
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by KBergReserve

THE BATTLE OF BETTY’S BAY: HACK REPORT 649

A pleasant early winter morning (sans the rain), and the troops arrived to tackle the demon Rooikrans. A huge number of the enemy succumbed to the enthusiasm of the hackers. At tea there were several suggestions as to where the worst area is, but all agreed that there is a lot more to do in this area. Thus, we will be back here next month. As I will be travelling, Ed Silberbauer has agreed to do the organising. Thank you Ed! Di Knott provided the sandwiches and Merran Silberbauer the tea. Thank you ladies! Richard…
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