Eish, I try to not read about these things because it makes me terribly sad. And as individuals, we can almost do nothing about it. Trying one's best to make work with the little you have, but the majority of the folk do not give a scrap about nature. All of these residential developments are really killing off nature in the Helderberg.
You are viewing a single comment's thread from:
That's exactly why I didn't follow up, as I feel the same sadness. Madam burst out in tears at the Bird Paradise in Robertson, because of all the lovely birds in cages. There is nothing that we can do, as profit reigns, and they even build in wetlands. Sad, very sad.
But I always remind myself that if we are capable of complete destruction of everything around is, so too do we have power to create beauty. If we for a moment relinquish profit over proliferation and if we are paralyzed by our own hubris (of trying to know it all), we might really create something beautiful and long-lasting as well. I recently went to Dapat se gat, and I met with someone who helps with "reforestation" of the fynbos biome, he and a bunch of other people do it with no remuneration. Small acts might lead to something bigger and better. (Naive and utopian nonetheless.)
We have many of these small efforts to restore nature all over the country, and if all of them can become combined, then a great new force can be born. For instance, the lourensford farm and vergelegen combined to plant local bug proof trees all along the lourensford road. From the Skatepark, all the way to the farms. Another group is also busy at Radlof park to plant 1000 trees. One of those trees belong to our little deceased dog, as we paid for it, and it has a plaque at the base of the tree.
So, you are right, as small acts have the potential to grow into a giant.
That is such a nice gesture, and sorry to hear about the dog.
Many times, I have thought about planting my fynbos plants in random spots, but I am never sure if they will survive. We live on the edge of servitude ground (municipal ground) and here I have planted many species of indigenous plants. But they usually mow the grass (the little of what remains), I should actually see if I can "lease" the ground and grow some food there as it is really big piece of vacant land that can be used more beneficially.
Thank you, and yes, he is resting in peace now.
So then, get hold of the area Ward Counsellor, and pitch him with the idea of starting a community food garden on that land. I mean, that's what I would do in your situation. If they refuse that you can always say that you will sell stands on the vacant land for shack dwellers 😁 I am sure that will motivate them to give you permission for a food garden !LOL
I have managed to get a couple of people's email addresses with a quick search many moons ago, and I pitched the idea to my now fiance (now I can say that!) and she gave me that look of "Focus on the things that need to get finished (like the PhD) before attempting stuff like this." I might do it in the future, as I think we desperately need it and I know the Cape Town Municipality actually encourages it.
Hahaha, you will slowly learn never to argue with a woman, as we always come off second best. In fact, I agree with your fiancé, as at this stage the completion of the PhD should enjoy priority. The land is not going to run away, and you will have time in the future to get to it.