Turn Off The Phones And Computers And Get Outside

Our inaugural  treasure hunt was an amazing experience for both parents and kids during our 1 km informative hike in nature.

This was not a hunt for the Easter bunny – it was a family fun and educational experience in the veld.

Parents and kids came dressed with backpacks and sun hats for the treasure hunt experience. The older kids ran off with lots of confidence and the younger ones were guided by their parents.

“It The turn-out was good. The kid’s enthusiasm was exceptional. Their post event energy levels and chatter were high. They took the water, wet grass, and black-jack’s better than I thought they would.

I think we saw, en mass, the “response to nature” that beats pill popping for on-the-spot delivered mental acuity and presence. We learned that the stream, post the very recent and high flushing event, still had a pH above 8.3 – meaning dangerous to deadly for fish.

Having the kid’s “engage” physically, tactilely and beyond any contrived passive/remote “Oooo! Ahhh!” was a real boost to their quality and intensity of response.

It’s very interesting that we could turn the current species sterility of the park into an advantage.

Our initial position that, in this case, the surrounding suburban habitat will be the seed source of the habitat gains in Trim Park seems quite likely to occur.

We haven’t begun to gain exposure for that message but the ground is set for beginning to tell the story and address the basis for making corrections.” Ben Breedlove

 

• The real treasure is the “Why” behind the “What” that you will see.
• It’s about ways to learn – without realising that you’re learning.
• The “Treasure” requires observation and linkages.
• Go from Eye to Mind to “Birds,” to “Bees” then “Fish” and “Otter” then porcupine, guinea fowl, CANE RATS, and genets and training a kid’s mind to independently see, think, and link.
• It’s about park renovation. Our animal usage is way below optimal.
• Park recovery is linked to habitat at your home.

2 REASONS WHY BEING IN NATURE IS GOOD FOR YOU.

It improves your memory helps you recuperate from any ailment and/or stress and even makes your sense of smell more acute.

For example, at the University of Michigan, researchers demonstrated that, after just an hour interacting with nature, memory performance and attention spans improved by 20%.

KEY ROLE PLAYERS OF the TREASURE HUNT

Riana Mong is a biokineticist with work experience in disease management and corporate wellness for 15 years. In her practice, Nu Vida which means “new life”, the aim has always been to guide clients to make changes regarding their total wellbeing that will be life changing.

Since 2019 her focus shifted to children and infants. During the first 7 years of a child’s life, the brain and perceptual (sensory) development is dependent on physical movement. Thus gross motor development is an integral part of life.

As biokineticist I am part of a group of therapist, namely Family Wellness Hub.

• Read more about Riana here.

Ben Breedlove is an environmentalist who did an analysis of the park to give us an indication of what needs to be done to rehabilitate/renovate the park. Teaching the children about alien plants, flood lines, water quality, the birds and bee hotels, are amongst topics that Ben is passionate about.

• See a presentation of the analysis of Trim Park here.

Stuart Martin thank you for the amazing aerial maps – please see all the maps on Ben’s presentation.

Brian Canin and Geoff Nichols, thank you for the strong over-the-shoulder QA/QC support. Our work is stronger and better focussed with you in the loop.

Anne-Marie Sparg, is a resident of Baileys Muckleneuk is one of the founding members of the Friends of Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary (NPO) in 2021. As chairman of this organisation it is her aim to encourage the community to become involved in renovating the “Trim Park”, rehabilitate the dam at the Blue Crane restaurant and to provide a safe place in the suburb where people can embrace nature without leaving city.

A place where families can enjoy nature together and not have to look for entertainment in shopping malls.

We have several projects planned and welcome new members to participate.

• Membership is R200 per year – this membership is worth R1,296 in terms of entrance fees that gives them 2 free entrances to 3 of the City of Tshwane nature reserves for 2 adults and 2 children.