Into the Unknown

‘The best thing is when we went canoeing and went into the unknown…’

This comment by grade 6 Harmony Primary learner, Zarah van Graan beautifully captures the spirit of the Princess Vlei Wetland Explorer event in earlier in February. The program was held over two days, involving 83 learners from Lotus High, Levana, Harmony and Rosmead Primary. Lotus High stepped in when another primary school had to cancel at the last minute. 
    The learners went on a habitat hunt, to assess the Princess Vlei wetland area for its suitability as a habitat for various species. They noted food, nesting material, places to shelter, and threats such as plastic litter. 
     A highlight for all the learners was the kayaking, facilitated by Gravity Adventures. Gravity crew members Jen and Waris briefed the learners on water safety and kitted them out with lifejackets. With temperatures approaching 35 degrees on Day 2, the kids were happy get wet in the process of getting the kayaks in and out of the water.

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The learners also thoroughly enjoyed exploring the aquatic life at Princess Vlei, by netting some of the small species such as tiny bass and carp fingerlings, tadpoles, water boatmen and water skimmers, dragon fly and damsel fly nymphs. Kamva Nose showed the learners how to safely catch these creatures and transfer them to specimen trays for observation, and how to release them again without harm and minimal distress. 
      Kamva also explained that checking for the presence of aquatic species is a good measure of water health. The number and diversity of species found suggests that the Princess Vlei is reasonable shape for an urban water body. Unfortunately, plastic pollution is a perennial issue. 
     While the learners enjoyed the activity, many squealed with alarm at the feel of the mud squelching between their bare toes. Most of our older readers will remember this sensation as a staple of childhood experience, but modern urbanised children raised in a world of screens seldom go barefoot and may have very little variety in their tactile experiences. Getting them out into ‘the unknown’ not only teachers them about the natural life at Princess Vlei, but also helps them push their own boundaries of fear and gain confidence in themselves.
    Learners also spotted a number of birds, including weavers, swallows, African Darters, Blacksmith lapwings, and Egyptian geese. The massive improvement made to the water quality by the Princess Vlei Forum’s hyacinth clearing project in 2025 is paying off with the return of many bird species. 
     We look forward to visiting the Princess Vlei wetland with our intrepid young explorers and scientists again. 

• Thanks to the National Lotteries Commission for making this possible, and to Gravity Adventures for their invaluable contribution of supplying the kayaks, paddles, life jackets and experienced guides.