A weekend in the Cederberg saw 1000 cedar trees replanted and a love for the outdoors celebrated between friends and trail enthusiasts.
Cederberg, South Africa (16 May 2024) – In the heart of the Cederberg, over 200 nature enthusiasts gathered at Driehoek Guest Farm for the second annual Keeping it Wild in Cederberg weekend. This event, born from the vision of Blake Dyason, founder of Love our Trails and Dawie Burger farm manager at Driehoek Guest Farm, sought to bridge the gap between conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wilderness and its delicate ecosystems. It saw 1000 cedar seedlings planted too!
It’s not surprising that Cederberg has witnessed a surge in tourism in recent years. However, this influx brings its own set of challenges, from littering to graffiti, threatening the very essence of this pristine landscape. As I wandered through the Wolfberg Cracks and witnessed ancient rock art defaced by modern vandalism, it became evident that education and engagement are paramount in safeguarding these natural treasures.
The weekend was all about sharing knowledge and creating experiences to build a connection to nature with the goal to protect it. With ten inspiring speakers sharing their expertise and passion, attendees were treated to a wealth of knowledge spanning from leopard conservation to Fossils and the intricate world of endemic freshwater fish. Each talk highlighting how connected and sensitive the ecosystem is, that makes the Cederberg so special.
The heartbeat of the weekend echoed in the rhythm of a thousand Ceder Trees being planted, a tangible manifestation of our commitment to reforestation and biodiversity conservation. Spearheaded by Sustainable Ceder and fueled by the dedication of volunteers, this ambitious endeavour breathed new life into the landscape, one sapling at a time.
The festivities kicked off on Friday evening, as guests gathered around a crackling bonfire, enjoying locally brewed beer by Cederberg Breweries, wine from Driehoek and Cederberg, and kombucha from Culture Lab. As the cliffs turned red with sunset, the stage was set for 5 incredible talks,
Saturday dawned with a sense of purpose as 80 enthusiastic volunteers set out to conquer the mountains, armed with Ceder saplings and a shared determination to make a difference. While the adults embarked on their tree-planting mission, children dived into a world of discovery, with kid activities ranging from reptiles and bugs to virtual reality encounters with ancient rock art, before planting Ceder trees of their own. Forging memories and connections with nature for the next generation of trail stewards.
As the day drew to a close and tired but fulfilled volunteers gathered once more around the bonfire, the air buzzed with a palpable sense of achievement. Over 1000 Ceder Trees were planted, a testament to the power of collective action and unwavering dedication to conservation.
As I reflect on the Keeping it Wild in Cederberg weekend, I’m reminded that the future of our wilderness lies not in isolation, but in collaboration. Together, we can find a way for humans and nature to coexist, where every footprint leaves a legacy of stewardship and respect.
To all who made this weekend possible, from sponsors to speakers to volunteers, I extend heartfelt gratitude. We will never be able to measure the full impact of this weekend, but because of you, we managed to make a positive impact that will benefit the Cederberg for years to come.
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