AFTER the Durban North Conservancy appealed for help in dealing with the removal of tropical elephant ear plants which have taken over large sections of Bridgevale Park, two brothers, Kieran (16) and Shea (13) McAlery decided to answer the call.
Enviro Fixers Durban North and the City’s Parks Department have worked to change the landscape of the community park, which in the past had been the site of illegal dumping, however, there has also been a move to remove various alien invasive plants dotting the park.
The excessive size of the elephant ear plants have posed problems for species that live under the giant foliage. The brothers, who are Reddam House Umhlanga learners, said they were inspired to help out after meeting members of Enviro Fixers.
“I’m currently involved in the President’s Award programme and normally I would go to beach clean-ups to help with community service but the pandemic has meant that hasn’t always been possible. My family then met Helen Koch from Enviro Fixers and she actually invited us here to Bridgevale Park to see the amazing work they do and see what help was needed.
We’ve been going for several months now and when we saw the article about the elephant ear plants, we wanted to do our part and give back. So far we’ve removed hundreds of these plants which are fairly easy to remove. I’d encourage other residents in the area to also join in and help where they can, especially at this beautiful green space in Durban North,” Kieran said.
Younger brother, Shea said he too has enjoyed tackling alien invasive plants in the park with his family. “Having my brother and my mom with me as we clear alien invasive plants has been incredibly special. It has definitely been a family effort. Prior to the call for help with the removal of elephant ear plants, my brother and I had work to remove bloodberry plants that were also found throughout Bridgevale Park. Like Kieran said, we encourage others to play their part because this park benefits the community. With a lack of outdoor family spaces, we feel we need to do our part to protect such a beautiful green space,” he said.
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