Floreat flourishes at Princess Vlei

“I am a dragonfly, and invertebrate insect. I eat insect larvae, tadpoles and dragonfly nymphs. I spend about two years under water, and breathe through gills in our backside. While we are still living under water, we need water and plants.”

This was the observation of one group of the 120 Floreat Grade Six learners, who came to explore Princess Vlei in April. The learners were divided into three focus activities, and rotated through the following activities:

• A canoe adventure to observe the life at the Vlei from the water
  
• A ‘Fynbos Treasure Hunt’
  
• A wetland habitat hunt

Before they went out hunting, they were reminded that they were visitors to the home of the creatures at Princess Vlei, and were reminded to:

• Treat all plants and animals with kindness, care and respect
  
• To move quietly, gently and slowly
• To release any creature that was caught as quickly as possible.

The canoeing was a highlight, as most of them had never had an opportunity to be on the water in a boat before. The Andrew, Jen and Jason  from Gravity Adventures ensured that they had a safe and happy experience.

In the fynbos treasure hunt, learners used their observational skills to spot treasures such as a creature that started life as a caterpillar but is now something else, a creature who uses its legs to sing, a seed that can fly, something that does not belong in the fynbos eco-system.  They were also asked to find their own treasure. Treasures they found included a ‘a yellow flower with lots of plants around it’ and ‘a large black and white feather’.

In the habitat hunt, learners were invited to explore the water and surrounds from the perspective of one of Princess Vlei’s creatures which interact strongly with the water. We gave them information on a dragonfly, a kingfisher, and leopard toad, but one group chose a fish and made some intelligent deductions from their own observations about what a fish might need in its habitat, and whether Princess Vlei provided for this.

The learners enjoyed catching fish to study for the project, and were particularly taken with a large carp which the caught. On one of the days, a local fisherman showed them an even larger carp, which was later released.

All learners identified plastic pollution, of which there is sadly far too much at Princess Vlei, as a threat to their species.

Teachers reported that the learners had a wonderful time, and were very inspired by the experience. We hope to host them again soon.
Thanks to Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust managed by Nedbank Private Wealth for supporting our educational programs.