Mpophomeni Conservation Group
Description
We strive to spread environmental awareness, education, gardening, sustainability. "We are the change we want to see in to see in the world" A small group of committed conservationists, food growers and environmental students have started the Mpophomeni Conservation Group (MCG). The group intends to inspire others in their communities to think about their lifestyles with regards to sustainability, resilience, climate change, biodiversity conservation and animal rights.
They host regular walks in the hills surrounding Mpophomeni in the second Tuesday of every month and screen environmental movies at the Mphomeni library on Saturday afternoons for interested people. They participate SANBI Bioblitzes, CREW fieldtrips and other environmental activities in the Midlands whenever possible. Past and present members of the Midlands Meander Mpophomeni Enviro Club are also part of the group.
Mpophomeni was established in 1964. A large wetland surrounds the township and the name Mpophomeni comes from the sound of falling water. As part of the Mayday for Rivers Campaign, the group will walk the Mthimzima river from its source to Midmar dam recording all impacts and conducting mini-sass tests, during May 2013.
The MCG plan informal work parties to assist people in the area to improve their gardens, grow indigenous plants and food plants. The idea being that being that while they work, they informally chat about recycling, sustainable living, and environmental issues. Their own homes and gardens will provide the inspiration. A proposal for equipment to do this has been submitted to The Green Grants Fund.
Contact: Zamambo Mkhize – 082 361 9265 Penz Malinga – 073 948 3209 Ntombenhle Mtambo - 071 916 2550
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RECENT FACEBOOK POSTS
facebook.comMpop Kidz Club had a dog safety day on the Thursday before schools opened with Penz Malinga. They learned how to approach a dog with an owner, a dog on the loose and how to listen to dogs. At the beginning of the workshop the kids indicated by a show of hands, how many were afraid of dogs -almost everyone put their hands up. By the end the number had drastically dropped. "I understand dogs much better now, I will love to pet them, with permission from the owner of course" said Mvelo. "I enjoyed the illustrations on the books provided by the state vet very much, I wished we could colour in" said Amahle.
Mnandi Winter - recipes that didn't make it into the book of delicious ingredients available now. Enjoy. http://mailchi.mp/a63a52f45569/mnandi-winter-ubusika
Mnandi is heading to Jo'burg next week! Do any of our friends up that way want a copy? Or have suggestions of book stores, health stores or deli's that would be interested in stocking them? We would appreciate any help to share a taste of Mpophomeni. https://mpophomeniconservationgroup.wordpress.com/mnandi/
We are thrilled that the Owl Box Project will be bringing some more orphaned owls for us to rear and release soon. Penz is checking that the owl house at her home is still in good order. The Duzi-uMngeni Conservation Trust Enviro Champs will be doing important education with their Mpop Kidz Clubs about owls too.
The Mpop Kidz Club spent a very happy day exploring, learning and playing in the valley this week. Thank you N3TC - N3 Toll Concession Pty Ltd. These lovely photos were taken by Mzwandile Mokoena .Thando was thrilled to spot blesbok, zebra, wildebeest and surprised that these wild animals lived so close to home. Andiswa made careful notes of all the trees and plants she learnt about - including knobwood, Dombeya rotundifolia, Celtis, Flat Crown and different grasses. Talent loved scaling the obstacle course and everyone enjoyed a splash at bum slide! The river was low which made it easy to cross and search for invertebrates under the rocks. All the biomes were explored - grassland, wetland, forest and streams -before tucking into a healthy picnic lunch. Have you ever seen the view of the Howick Falls from the other side? Thanks to volunteers Amanda Ntombela Wendy Mkhwanaza Xola Sonqobangaye Keswa-Dlamini Thabani Mnikathi Njabulo Innocent Njeskho Mokoena for making this such a special day.
What an amazing day .The kids had a lot of things to say and learn - even as facilitators we also learnt a lot. Although the weather was not too sunny but it seems like the time we saw the bum slide the sun got up and so the kids got in Swimming like never before. Long walk but worth it. A super amazing time I must say. we also saw animals like Blesbok and Zebra and Wildebeest and the kidz were amazed that they don't have to go so far to experience nature. Some even said they plan on coming back.
It is a perfect day for a hike in Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve. So we packed our fruit and sandwiches (thanks Dovehouse Organics: Farm Shop and Training Centre and Solfood Creations winter veg workshop for contributing) and headed through the grassland towards the river. Thanks N3TC - N3 Toll Concession Pty Ltd for supporting the Mpop Kidz Club.
Winter holidays are perfect for walking in the hills. Go explore!
Wendy and Amanda are back from their incredible experience in the Wilderness. Read all about it here: https://mpophomeniconservationgroup.wordpress.com/2017/06/21/sisters-in-the-wilderness/ Wendy Mkhwanaza Amanda Ntombela
It is tree tomato season. Barbara Paulo just made Penz Malinga's tree tomato jam recipe on page 147 of Mnandi and says it is yummy! What is your favourite Mnandi winter produce recipe?
A great celebration of creativity at the Trashion Show on Saturday! Thanks Lindiwe Phikwane Ka Mkhonza and Nomfundo Myeni for taking on the challenge of judging, Mzwandile Mokoena, Asanda Ngubane and Philani Scott Ngcobo for help with setting up. Well done to Noluthando Khumalo of Sifisesihle School who won a prize for her sunshine skirt and cornflakes handbag. Qhamukile learners, Zinhle and Alwande Mhlongo also got special mentions for their fabulous outfits made from waste. Thank you N3TC - N3 Toll Concession Pty Ltd for your support of our recycling project.
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