Eco Explorer

11/02/2025

A bottle cap might seem small, but even tiny plastic waste has a big impact. Ocean currents carry litter far and wide, becoming homes for marine life—or hazards. Let’s keep our beaches clean and protect our oceans. Every piece picked up makes a difference!

In Plettenberg Bay we have an amazing volunteer team at Keep Plett Clean who are dedicated to protecting our communities, wildlife and environment. With safe, weekly group cleanups, it’s easier than ever to get involved.

Which superheroes help keep your town clean?

Visit Knysna Visit Sedgefield WildernessLocals George Community Group Mosselbaai Snuffelsgids

06/02/2025

Responsible dog ownership benefits everyone 🐾

02/02/2025

🌌 Mark your calendars, skygazers! Here are the top astronomical events taking place this month

01/02/2025

⏰A minute of your time for the future of Plett’s globally recognised eco system.

🚫The natural beauty and magnificence of our country is for all its people to experience for generations to come, not for a select few to enjoy for a limited time.

♥️Be part of the solution so that one day your kids and their great grandchildren don’t live in a world where ants and flies are the only nature they know.

There is a proposed new property development within the Robberg Coastal Corridor Protected Environment (RCCPE), a stretch of pristine coastline with exceptionally rich biodiversity that links the iconic Robberg Peninsula (a provincial nature reserve) to the Garden Route National Park.

31/01/2025

Without the usual glow of streetlights and buildings, loadshedding can reveal a night sky many people never take the time to notice. Along the Garden Route, we’re lucky to have relatively little light pollution compared to big cities. But when the power goes out, the difference is striking—suddenly, the Milky Way stretches across the sky, constellations become clearer, and planets shine brighter 🌌

Take a moment to step outside next time the power cuts. Let your eyes adjust. 👁
Loadshedding is frustrating, but it’s also a reminder of what we miss when we flood our world with artificial light. Nature is always there—sometimes, we just need the lights to go out to truly see it.

Tips for Embracing the Dark 🌚
• Use a stargazing app to learn constellations and track planets.
• Listen to the night—frogs, insects, and nocturnal birds are more active when it’s quiet.
• Turn off all lights during loadshedding to make the most of the darkness.
• Keep a blanket handy and enjoy the stars with a cup of tea or coffee.

Step outside. Look up. Nature is putting on a show, and you have front-row seats!

https://businesstech.co.za/news/energy/809836/stage-3-load-shedding-is-back/

Schedules https://esp.info/

28/01/2025

🌿Living with Nature: Weekly Update🌱

1. Weather Highlights ☀️

This week brings a mix of sunny and partly cloudy skies, with temperatures hovering between 22-28°C. Expect a few breezy afternoons, perfect for outdoor exploration. Keep hydrated especially if you’re spending time outdoors.

2. Wildlife Watch 🦜
• Summer Bird Visitors: Look out for swallows and bee-eaters filling the skies as they feast on insects. These migratory birds are a summer highlight in the Garden Route.

3. Coexisting with Nature 🐍
• Snakes: Warm weather increases snake activity. Most snakes are harmless and vital to the ecosystem. If you see one, give it space. Keep your yard clear of clutter and avoid leaving pet food outside to deter rodents, which attract snakes.

4. Fire Awareness 🔥

Dry conditions persist, so fire risks remain high in the Western Cape. If you’re braaing or camping, ensure all fires are fully extinguished and never leave them unattended. Report any smoke or flames immediately to your local fire department.

5. Moon and Tides 🌙🌊

• New Moon: On January 29th at 2:37 PM SAST, skies will be especially dark, creating ideal conditions for stargazing. Take advantage of the lack of moonlight to spot constellations, star clusters, and planets.
• Tides: Late morning low tides make this week perfect for exploring tidal pools and marine life along the coastline.

6. Astronomy Events 💫
• January 29: New Moon – This marks the start of a new lunar cycle. With the darkest skies of the month, it’s a prime time to observe celestial objects such as the Orion Nebula and the Pleiades.
• February 1: Moon-Venus Conjunction – The Moon and Venus will appear very close in the night sky, separated by only 2°18’. Look westward just after sunset for a stunning pairing.
• February 1: Moon-Neptune Conjunction – The Moon will also pass close to Neptune, separated by 1°15’. A telescope or binoculars will be necessary to view Neptune.

7. Featured Tip: Sustainable Outdoor Living 🦟

Use natural bug repellents like citronella candles or a mixture of lemon eucalyptus oil and water to keep insects away during evening braais. It’s eco-friendly and safer than chemical sprays.

8. Fun Fact 🌼

Did you know the fynbos biome, unique to the Western Cape, supports over 8,500 plant species? That’s more than the Amazon rainforest per square meter!

22/01/2025

👀 Please Keep A Look Out

Living with Nature: Cormorant Fledglings & Post-Wind Beach Finds

It’s cormorant fledgling season, and you may spot young birds on the beach looking lost and unafraid of humans. While it’s tempting to help, these birds need expert care. Report them immediately to the Plett Stranding Network at +27 79 463 4837 (call or WhatsApp).

Yesterday’s strong winds have left beaches scattered with dead fish, bluebottles, seals, and other marine creatures. While this can seem alarming, it’s a natural occurrence. Be cautious when walking near bluebottles and avoid letting pets or children handle anything on the beach.

Nature is resilient, but every sighting is a chance to learn and help—always report stranded marine animals or birds!

📷 Hannes Steyn

21/01/2025

Living with Nature: When the Wind Speaks 🌬

The wind is howling through Plettenberg Bay today. Windy days like these are more than just a nuisance for our hats and hair; they play a crucial role in shaping the environment around us.

Why Does It Get So Windy? 🤷‍♀

In the Garden Route, strong winds are often caused by pressure systems colliding—cool air from the ocean meets warm air over the land. These winds can pick up speed as they’re funneled through valleys, creating the gusty conditions we feel.

The Hidden Benefits of Wind 🍃
1. Pollination Power: Wind is nature’s courier, carrying pollen from one plant to another, helping our fynbos and other flora flourish.
2. Seed Dispersal: Plants like dandelions and certain grasses rely on wind to spread their seeds far and wide.
3. Coastal Sand Movement: The wind shapes our dunes, constantly re-sculpting the shoreline and providing habitats for specialized creatures.

Tips for Thriving on Windy Days 🪁
• Gardening: If you have potted plants, move them to sheltered spots to avoid wind damage.
• Wildlife Watching: Birds, like kestrels, use wind currents to hover in place while hunting. Watch for their incredible aerial acrobatics!

Wind Safety ⚠

In the Western Cape, wind can fan wildfires, so it’s essential to be extra cautious. Avoid any open flames, and if you’re camping, secure your gear tightly to prevent it from becoming airborne.

Take a moment today to listen to the wind. It may seem chaotic, but every gust is a reminder of nature’s constant movement and the interconnectedness of the world around us.

What’s your favorite thing about a windy day?

20/01/2025

Living with Nature: Weekly Update

🌦 Weather Insights (Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route):
• Current Forecast: Expect mild summer weather this week with daytime highs around 25°C and cooler nights dropping to 15°C.
• Rain Alert: Light showers are expected midweek, so keep an umbrella handy for early morning walks.
• Solar & Lunar Events: New moon this Saturday—perfect for stargazing as the skies will be darker. The Orion constellation is highly visible now, so look up on clear nights!

🐦 Wildlife Watch:
• Birdlife: The Cape weaver birds are feisty little creatures that you can easily spot. Their intricate hanging nests are a beautiful display of precision. Spot them in trees or reeds near wetlands.
• Insect Activity: Dragonflies are abundant in the area now. These natural mosquito predators are an essential part of the ecosystem—try not to swat them away!

🌱 Plant Focus:
• Fynbos in Bloom: The Protea cynaroides (King Protea) is flowering—this stunning species is South Africa’s national flower. Take care not to pick them; they’re best enjoyed in their natural habitat.
• Tip for Gardeners: If you’re growing native plants, consider mulching this week to retain moisture during the warmer days.

🐍 Nature Awareness:
• Snake Season: With the warm weather, snakes like the harmless mole snake or more dangerous puff adder are more active. Remember:
• Keep gardens tidy to avoid attracting rodents (snake prey).
• Watch where you step, especially in tall grass or rocky areas.
• If you encounter a snake, give it space—it’s likely more scared of you than you are of it.

🔥 Fire Safety Reminder:
The Western Cape is entering peak fire season. To reduce risks:
• Keep a 10m firebreak clear around your property.
• Never leave braais or campfires unattended.
• Save the emergency fire number: 112 or 10177.

14/01/2025

Did you see it today? 😍

14/01/2025

🔵🔹Bluebottles🔹🔵

The Easterly wind has brought loads of these mesmerising creatures to the shore today

What Are Bluebottles? 🤷‍♂️

Bluebottles, or Portuguese Man o’ War, are not actually jellyfish but a colony of organisms working together. Their vibrant blue “sail” helps them float on the ocean’s surface, carried by wind and currents. Unfortunately, this also means they sometimes wash up on shore.

The Sting 😫

Bluebottles have long tentacles equipped with venomous cells that deliver a painful sting. While their sting is rarely life-threatening, it can cause intense pain, welts, or even nausea for some people. If stung, here’s what to do:
• DO rinse the sting with salt water or warm water.
• DO NOT rinse with fresh water—this can make the sting worse.
• Remove any visible tentacles gently using a pair of tweezers or a stick.
• Apply a hot pack or soak the area in warm water for pain relief. Avoid vinegar, as it may aggravate the sting.

Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or if you experience an allergic reaction.

How to Stay Safe ✅

• Always scan the tide line for bluebottles before settling on the beach.
• Teach children to recognize their bright blue color and avoid touching them, even when they appear deflated.
• If the wind has been blowing onshore (towards land), there’s a higher chance of encountering them.

Nature’s Role 🌍

While they may seem like a nuisance, bluebottles are an essential part of the marine ecosystem. They provide food for specialized predators, like the blue dragon sea slug and loggerhead turtles.

By understanding bluebottles and their behavior, we can enjoy the beach safely and with respect for the incredible biodiversity around us.

Have you been stung by a blue bottle? What did it feel like?

13/01/2025

🌿 Living with Nature: Weekly Update 🌿

This Week in Plett & the Garden Route

1. Weather Watch:
• Forecast: Milder than last week with chances of light rain. Evenings are cooler, so bring a light jacket if you’re out after sunset.
• Tip: Perfect weather for morning forest walks or evening beach strolls—enjoy the balance of warmth and cool breezes. Cloud cover might make it more difficult to enjoy a sunrise or sunset.

2. Wildlife Alert:
• Frogs in Chorus: After recent rains, frogs are in full voice near wetlands and ponds. Did you know? Frogs are excellent indicators of environmental health because they’re sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature. When you hear them, it’s a sign of a thriving ecosystem.
• Birdwatching in Your Garden: After rain, birds like Cape robins and thrushes are often seen searching for worms and insects in the softened soil. Keep an eye on your garden, as these feathered visitors are a delight to watch.

3. Ocean Notes:
• Bluebottles Still Around: Some beaches, including Lookout and Keurbooms, have reported bluebottles washing ashore. Avoid touching them—if stung, rinse with seawater and apply heat to the sting site.
• Dolphins Spotted: Dolphins have been sighted near Nature’s Valley and Keurbooms Lagoon, often in the mornings. If you’re heading to the beach, keep your eyes on the ocean!

4. Flora Focus:
• Spotlight on the Milkwood Tree:
The ancient milkwood tree, protected in South Africa, thrives along the coast. Known for its gnarled trunks and dense foliage, it provides critical shade and habitats for birds and insects. Milkwoods can live for hundreds of years, with some in the Garden Route believed to be over 500 years old! Take a moment to admire these resilient trees if you come across one.

5. Community Events:
• Keep Plett Clean: A community group dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness of Plettenberg Bay and protecting our environment and wildlife in the process. They regularly organize clean-up activities. You can follow their updates on their page.

🌍 Coexisting with Nature Tip:
Have geckos in your home? These tiny helpers keep insects at bay and rarely cause harm. Avoid using insecticides near them, and consider leaving out a small water source if the weather is very hot—they’ll return the favor by controlling pests naturally.

💬 Share Your Nature Story:
What’s been your favorite moment in nature this week? Seen any unique wildlife or blooms? Let us know in the comments!

12/01/2025

Living with Nature: Birds in the Rain

Look outside! Over the next few days of rain, we’ll be sharing fun facts about the birds you’re likely to spot when the weather turns wet. Did you know some birds are actually more active in the rain?

Let’s kick things off with our first bird: the Common Starling!

Fun Facts About the Common Starling
✨ They’re chatterboxes! Starlings are known for their incredible ability to mimic sounds, including other birds, car alarms, and even human speech.
✨ Look for their shimmering feathers. In the rain, their plumage glistens with shades of green and purple.
✨ Starlings are social birds. You might spot them in groups, even during wet weather, foraging for insects and worms that surface when the ground is soft.

Join the fun!
📸 Snap a photo of the birds you see outside your window and share it in the comments.
💬 Tell us: Have you spotted any Common Starlings nearby? What birds are visiting your garden today?

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s bird spotlight!

11/01/2025

Slow Down and Explore ✋

This weekend, let nature set the pace. Here’s how you can unwind and reconnect with the outdoors, no matter where you are:

1. Start the Day Barefoot 🦶
Step outside with your morning coffee and feel the grass, sand, or earth beneath your feet. It’s a simple ritual that helps ground you and set an intention to slow down.

2. A Walk with Purpose 🚶‍♀️
Take a short stroll, but not for exercise—walk to notice. Look at the details: the textures of bark, the way light filters through leaves, or the intricate patterns of clouds. Bring a notebook or camera to capture your favorite finds.

3. Tune Into the Sounds 👂
Pick a spot to sit for 5 minutes and close your eyes. Can you hear the hum of bees? The rustle of wind? The ocean’s rhythm? Let the sounds remind you of nature’s constant presence.

4. Sunset Reset 🌅
Plan for a quiet moment as the sun dips below the horizon. Whether on the beach, a hill, or your balcony, let the changing colors remind you of nature’s daily magic.

5. Small Acts of Care 🫶
Spend a moment giving back to nature. Pick up litter, water your plants, or scatter wildflower seeds. It doesn’t have to be big—just intentional.

Why This Matters
Living with nature is about weaving its rhythms into our lives. It doesn’t require a grand adventure, just a conscious shift to notice and appreciate.

08/01/2025

🌿 Wednesday Wonder: The Secret World of Fynbos 🌿

Did you know the Cape Floral Kingdom, home to fynbos, is the smallest yet richest floral kingdom on Earth? Found only in South Africa, it boasts over 9,000 species of plants, 70% of which occur nowhere else! 🌸

Fynbos isn’t just beautiful; it’s vital. These hardy plants play a key role in water conservation, offering protection to mountain catchments and filtering clean water to our rivers and dams. Many species, like the protea and rooibos, also support unique ecosystems that thrive alongside them.

Take a moment today to appreciate these resilient wonders. Whether hiking through the fragrant hills or spotting a sugarbird feeding on a protea - we’re lucky to share our home with such beauty!

Add your Fynbos pics to the comments

🌍

06/01/2025

Living with Nature: Weekly Update

🌿 This Week in Plett & the Garden Route 🌿
1. Weather Watch:
• Forecast: Expect sunny days with mild temperatures. Evenings are a little cooler, so keep a light jacket handy.
• Tips: Ideal hiking weather! Make the most of the trails before midday heat kicks in.
2. Wildlife Alert:
• Snakes on the Move: With the warmer weather, snakes like the puff adder and boomslang are more active. If you’re hiking, stick to paths, keep an eye on your surroundings, and wear closed shoes. Remember, they’d rather avoid you than confront you!
• Birdwatching Highlight: The Knysna turaco (Lourie) has been spotted near riverine areas. Its emerald green feathers and crimson wings make it a stunning sight – bring your binoculars!
3. Ocean Notes:
• Bluebottles Spotted: Some beaches have reports of bluebottles washing ashore. Avoid touching them, even if they look harmless. If stung, rinse with seawater (not freshwater) and apply heat, not ice, to ease the pain.
• Whale & Dolphin Sightings: Dolphins have been seen near Keurbooms Lagoon – an excellent time for a kayak paddle or boat ride.
4. Flora Focus:
• The fynbos is blooming beautifully. Proteas and ericas are showcasing vibrant colors along the Robberg and Harkerville trails. These flowers play a vital role in supporting local pollinators.
5. Fire Safety Reminder:
• It’s wildfire season. Avoid open flames, ensure your braai areas are safe, and report any smoke sightings to local authorities. If you’re unsure, save the emergency fire number: 044 805 5071.

🌍 Coexisting with Nature Tip:
Feeling nervous about local critters like spiders? Start small. Instead of squashing, gently relocate them outdoors using a glass and paper. Spiders are excellent natural pest controllers and rarely cause harm.

💬 Have you had a memorable encounter with nature this week? Share your story with us in the comments!

04/01/2025

🌞 What is a Solar Flare and How Does it Affect Us?

A solar flare is an intense burst of energy from the Sun that can impact us here on Earth. These powerful explosions release radiation and magnetic energy that can:

1️⃣ Disrupt Communication: Solar flares interfere with radio signals, GPS, and even internet satellites.
2️⃣ Cause Auroras: Sometimes, these flares create stunning northern and southern lights.
3️⃣ Affect Power Grids: Strong flares can cause surges in electrical systems, even leading to blackouts.
4️⃣ Pose Risks in Space: Astronauts and satellites are especially vulnerable to solar radiation.

While Earth’s atmosphere protects us from most harmful radiation, these flares remind us how connected we are to the natural world—even 150 million kilometers away!

✨ Next time you see the aurora or experience a tech glitch, it might just be the Sun saying hello! 🌍