The Wildlife Committee has begun identifying the Marina’s indigenous trees with name tags. (See the pic.) This campaign, which coincides with World Environment Day on 5 June, will take place over the next few weekends. The first trees were tagged today in the Arthur Fennell Park but trees at playsets and along the streets will also receive identification. Five trees per species will get tags with descriptions in English, Afrikaans and where possible in isiXhosa. The tags were provided by the Dendrological Society of South Africa which focuses on scientific studies of trees. The Board Member responsible for the Marina’s environment, Dr Christel Coetzee, says “trees are not just something used as firewood or as construction material, but must be seen as a living being essential to the ecosystem.”

The Red-eye Wattle (Rooikrans) Acacia cyclops is classified as a highly invasive species.  Rooikrans is a problem because it competes with indigenous species for resources, which threatens biodiversity. It also can increase the severity of fire (ISSA 2021).  The Wildlife committee in conjunction with the gardening team of the Marina will be initiating a removal program of these invaders.  Find some more information attached and visit the Arthur Fennel park to see a good example of this bush in the middle of the lawn.  Regards  The Wildlife Committee