In light of Arbour Week, the green warriors of Envirofixers are inviting the community to join them in a celebration of the diverse flora and fauna at Bridgevale Park on Saturday, 3 September from 9am to 1pm.
According to Envirofixer and plant specialist, Jane Troughton, there will be 150 indigenous plants waiting to be adopted and planted to attract a multitude of birds, butterflies and insect life to the area. She said: “We will have trees and shrubs ready to plant. Our team will be there to help and direct and even dig if need be. Buy a tree and learn about it. Just bring along gloves, water, spades and a strong back!”
Troughton, who is a passionate enthusiast of all things green, founded the Crawford Conservancy and has been a key member in the Botanical Society for 30 years. The Durban North resident has been a advocate for the planting and rehabilitation of indigenous fauna in the area and encourages the community to consider adding the beauty of an indigenous plant into their homes and neighbourhoods.
“Indigenous plants come from very very harsh conditions and so they are very hardy water wise plants that can survive the neglect and lack of care that they get in our street flowerbeds. They are so important to us. Indigenous plants are the framework for life, ecosystems, food, nesting and perching. Unfortunately, humans are destroying its habitat at an unprecedented rate. In our own suburb, all day long I can hear trees being cut down,” said Troughton.
Reflecting on Envirofixers efforts in introducing more indigenous flora in the area this year, Troughton said that Swapo Road received a much needed facelift as during lockdown the flowerbeds were infested with weeds.
“Envirofixers were very active in keeping the thoroughfare clean and weeding the beds. This spring we will be planting the gaps, just waiting for the rain to start frequenting. We are also working on the arterial roads in the district and lots of verges around Kenneth Kaunda/Northway. We would love more members of the community to join Envirofixers. We have a very vibrant community on Facebook. We even have a WhatsApp group where we share tips and advice as well as organise volunteer events for various planting initiatives. To join our efforts just give us a shout on our Facebook and Instagram @envirofixers,” said Troughton.
