Mukuvisi Woodlands strode cheerfully into the New Year with the launch of the Mid-Month Woodlands Walk/Run, which takes place on the second Sunday of every month, in addition to the popular “Last Sunday of the Month Woodlands Walk/Run”.
Out Door with Rosie Mitchell
The latter began as a “now and then” event which invited people of all ages to walk or run round marked trails and enjoy the scenery, animals, birds, fresh air, family time and exercise. These proved so popular that in 2012, they became a monthly happening which attracted a large following of families and friends who came to enjoy this lovely Nature Reserve and have breakfast afterwards in the Coffee Shop. Numbers increased steadily through 2012, and by 2013, this event was diarised as a monthly year-round treat by many nature enthusiasts.
The Woodlands Walk/Run serves various good purposes. For Mukuvisi Woodlands Nature Reserve to continue to be set aside and protected, its use and enjoyment by the public must be observable and measurable. This monthly happening, amongst other regular events and programmes held in the Woodlands, demonstrates just such public use and enjoyment.
The Walk/Run continuously brings people into the Woodlands who have not been there before, who then see what there is to enjoy and start to come regularly. In this way, the public becomes more invested in conserving and enjoying this precious green belt and game area which provides “a touch of the wild in the heart of the city”.
Mukuvisi Woodlands has an excellent environmental education programme which brings tens of thousands of children here annually, to learn about and experience our rich natural resources. Funding for this and for the maintenance of the Woodlands and Game Area is a constant concern.
The monthly Walk/Run has proven an excellent fund-raising tool, via small fees charged per adult, child and leashed dog. Towards the end of last year, Mid Month Walk/Run events were advertised to see if there were enough takers to justify making these regular as well. The response was excellent, and Council recently voted to continue with the Mid Month Walk/Run monthly, in addition to the Last Sunday, for as long as it continues to attract a good crowd. Mid and End January events attracted large numbers.
This fortnightly way to enjoy the outdoors and this wonderful nature reserve on our back doorsteps, looks set to stay.
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The second baby giraffe, a brother for Maxine, born to Mukuvisi’s devoted resident giraffe couple in September last year, is thriving. Maxine got her name from uMAX, the Internet service provider which sponsors her and continues to be closely engaged in the Woodlands.
They plan soon to launch a Facebook-based competition for the best name for Maxine’s little brother. Mukuvisi Woodlands last weekend held a drinks party at the Game Viewing Platform for sponsors, donors and volunteers, to thank them for their many contributions which help keep the Nature Reserve going. This was an enjoyable occasion, and the giraffe family of four, along with many zebra, eland and impala, obligingly came by for their enjoyment.
Next Saturday at 2:30pm and Sunday at 9:30am and 2:30pm, February 8 and 9, environmentalist and fungi specialist Cathy Sharp will lead Mushroom Walks in the Woodlands, and give a slide show and talk on fungi during which she will report back on the conference she has just attended on this fascinating subject in Cape Town.
Cathy has authored two Field Guides on Mushrooms and is passionate about her subject. Her Mushroom Walks last year were well-attended and very enlightening.
