Simonsvlei Wetlands Trust

Simonsvlei is a concerned eco-citizen and serious about protecting and caring for the vlei or wetland on its property. Although located between the N1 highway and the busy R101, this wetland has a historical and ecological significance for Simonsvlei.

In order to protect its wetland for future generations, Simonsvlei has established the Simonsvlei Wetlands Trust. The primary aim of the trust is to develop a sustainable plan for the protection and rehabilitation of the area’s remaining wetlands, and to elevate the status of the wetlands by educating the community on its historical, economic and ecological importance.

   Fauna and Flora of the Wetland

Simonsvlei’s wetland is a microcosm of various fauna and flora species, some on the brink of extinction - like the Hyperolius horstockii, Horstock's Reed Frog and the beautiful Arum Lily, or Zantedeschia aethiopica.

The arum lily and one of the wetland’s smallest co-habitants, the small reed frog, are both under threat in the greater Simonsvlei wetlands area due to the uncontrolled picking of lilies during late winter and early spring. The draining of the wetlands in the past for agricultural use and urban sprawl, as well as concurrent pollution, have reduced the footprint of the wetland to a mere few hectares. Establishing the Simonsvlei Wetlands Trust is seen as an important step towards protecting the small remaining wetland area and its fauna and flora.

Simonsvlei has started with a programme to eradicate any intruder species, like Eucalyptus and Port Jackson trees. The next step is to create awareness for its wetland by involving environmental organisations and experts to advise Simonsvlei on a sustainable wetland rehabilitation programme.

   Wetlands Under Threat

Wetlands protect terrestrial areas adjoining them from storms, floods, and tidal damage. Wetlands also remove nutrients from surface and ground water by filtering and converting nutrients to unavailable forms. Many wetlands also provide habitat for resident and migratory fish, amphibians and wildlife.

Unfortunately, in the past, wetlands were often filled in to be used for everything from agriculture to parking lots. The long-term economic and environmental value of wetlands has only recently been recognized after the disappearance of fauna and flora species, specific to these areas.

  Protecting Our Rare Wetland

Humans can maximize the area of healthy, functioning wetlands by minimising their impact and developing management strategies that protect, and where possible, rehabilitate those ecosystems at risk.

Historically, the farmers in the greater Simonsvlei area have made large-scale efforts to drain wetlands for agricultural development. Unfortunately, in the past, wetlands were regarded as wastelands that hampered progress.

   Getting Involved

Simonsvlei Wetlands Trust a non-profit organisation and will aim to educate the local community, change public perceptions and foster public support for the area’s wetlands. All acquired funds and sponsorships will be allocated towards the protection and rehabilitation of the wetlands, as well as for the education of the community regarding the historical and ecological importance of this area.

Due to the sensitive nature of our wetland, boxed in between the busy R101 and the N1 freeway, the Simonsvlei Wetlands Trust can become a visible partner in providing an education programme and a facility to teach and educate the community - guided tours for the public, school visits, media liaison, and information centre – regarding the importance of wetlands.

For any contributions towards the protection of the wetlands,

please Contact Us.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wetlands

Foto sources: 

http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?query_src=dl&seq_num=201124&one=T

http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?query_src=dl&seq_num=161207&one=T

ENVIRONMENT

Simonsvlei Supports the

Western Cape Wetlands Forum