26 April 2022
Stellenbosch Municipality is calling on all residents of the municipal area (WC024) to participate in the City Nature Challenge (CNC). This is the first time that the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions have been nominated to participate in this global challenge.
The Challenge takes place in two parts: From 29 April – 2 May participants can take pictures of plants, animals, marine life, fungi, interesting organisms etc. within the Stellenbosch area. Then, from 29 April – 8 May, uploading and identification of these photos will take place. This is a fun and interactive way of exploring our rich natural heritage, getting some fresh air and learning about the environment around us.
This year, ten South African cities/regions are taking part in the City Nature Challenge. Six of these cities/regions are in the Western Cape: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Overstrand, Southern Overberg, West Coast, and the Garden Route.
The City Nature Challenge is a friendly ‘competition’ among cities across the globe to see which city can find and document the most wildlife over a four-day period. The City of Cape Town participated in the 2019 event and won the category for most species observed out of 159 cities that participated worldwide. Let’s give our neighbours a go this year!
All you need to do, is to register on the iNaturalist app. Then grab your cellphone or camera and begin taking photos of our rich fauna and flora! Birds, insects, plants, and all forms of life (apart from humans and pets) and then upload them to onto the database. This influx of information gives scientists, educators, urban planners and policy makers, valuable insight into the biodiversity of locations around the world.
For more information, or to chat to one of our officials spearheading this initiative, please contact:
• Ms T. Leibrandt on 021 808 8180 or tammy.leibrandt @stellenbosch.gov.za
• Miss W. Mhlauli on 021 808 8167 wendy.mhlauli@stellenbosch.gov.za
The Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve mobile educational unit will be at:
- Jan Marais Park Stellenbosch on Friday, 29 April from 2pm – 5pm
- Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve on Saturday, 30 April from 9am – 3pm
- Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve car park on Sunday, 1 May from 9am – 3pm
To assist with any queries and provide hands-on science experiences to children and families.
