Between 45 to 50 friends and visitors met at the Sand River Canal litter traps at 10h00 to start off the tour with Clifford Dorse as the leader.
The turnout from the immediate community was disappointing, considering the distribution of our Newsletter, advertising the outing. 



He explained the workings of the litter traps, emphasising that they only worked when regularly kept clear of trapped rubbish. Maintenance is essential. Often budgets are cut by 'the accountants' and a situation like we witnessed is the result.
We went on to view the developments of the  Langevlei Wetland and be updated to this very encouraging project.



Next we stopped at the Environment Centre, where Clifford introduced the Centre to all present, explaining the projects he is able to present to the local schools. All friends and members were welcomed. 'The Friends of Liesbeeck River' and members of a local walking group were also present. It is encouraging to have networking Conservation groups together. Tim Hoffman outlined his project, the Zandvlei Monitoring Committee he is to launch soon, briefly explaining the ideas to all and inviting anyone interested, to join the team.



Clifford showed us a fresh water dam, near his seedling beds, where hundreds of Common Platanna tadpoles are thriving. They do not survive in saline water. All of the waterbodies in the Nature Reserve are too saline for Platannas.



This is the viewing platform at the Sand River confluence to Zandvlei, in the Nature Reserve.



A Sparrowhawk was sighted by the 'birders' in the group.



An enjoyable outing was had by all, new friends were made and we learnt more about the Zandvlei Nature Reserve. Its workings and some of the inhabitants. 
Clifford was thanked for his informative leadership and we left for home after 13h00.