Aerial boardwalk for visitors at Skukuza Indigenous Nursery An aerial boardwalk adjacent to the Skukuza Indigenous Nursery showcases wetland habitat and describes the role of wetlands in ecosystems. The boardwalk had been closed to visitors due to disrepair and safety concerns. Members of the Lowveld Region not only rebuilt the 160 m boardwalk, but they also incorporated new features, including wooden benches and pergolas. This has allowed visitors to enjoy this popular walkway once again. Additional information boards are planned as part of a new 3 km trail through the nursery. Project leaders: Kevin Conway and Michael Kruger. Bee-wise kiddies fun trail, Skukuza Indigenous Nursery This very exciting project was adopted by members of the Lowveld Region who set about clearing an overgrown area at the Skukuza Indigenous Nursery to create a fun and educational trail for children. The 200 m circular trail incorporates 12 riddle boards and two interactive information boards. The “bee-wise” theme creates awareness of the importance of bees in nature. The trail has been popular with local school groups, including learners from communities adjacent to the park. Project leaders: Kevin Conway and Michael Kruger. Big 5 experience for people with disabilities in Marakele National Park Members of Marakele Region treated a group of adults with mental and physical disabilities, their parents and caregivers to a Big 5 wildlife experience in the Marakele National Park. The group enjoyed stargazing, game drives, a reptile demonstration and a campfire sing-along (which they participated in with great enthusiasm). Guided walks were offered to parents and caregivers. Project leader: Johann van Rensburg. Blanket project – Tshokwane, Kruger National Park The Tshokwane Blanket Project is a collaborative effort by several regions to provide knitted blankets for children attending the Tshokwane Bush School in the Kruger National Park. The project created an impressive total of 73 blankets from 2 555 knitted squares. This initiative is a powerful example of community collaboration and is recognised not only for its direct impact on the lives of children, but also for its alignment with SANParks’ broader socio-economic goals. Project leader: Klarine Schutte, Johannesburg Region. Enhanced visitor experience at Shingwedzi Rest Camp The Limpopo Region (together with the Highveld and Marakele regions) embarked on a project to enhance visitor experience in the Shingwedzi Rest Camp. They established an interpretive walking trail through the camp, complete with viewpoints, benches and interpretive kiosks. They planted shade trees in the camping area and added tree tags and geo tags. Finally, they assisted with maintaining these new features, together with the swimming pool and the gardens. Project leader: Pietman Muller. N’washitsumbe roan antelope enclosure, Kruger National Park N’Washitsumbe Roan Enclosure is a flagship conservation project in the northern Kruger National Park, dedicated to conserving and managing the roan antelope population. Since 2021, this initiative has brought together more than 114 members of the SHR from nine regions, who collectively contributed to essential tasks such as vegetation control, electric fence maintenance, ecological monitoring, and water management. Their efforts not only help to safeguard the species, but also support regional biodiversity conservation objectives. Project leader: Martin Engelbrecht. 158 SANParks Honorary Rangers 2024 INITIATIVE AWARDS continued Who’s who continued
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