CapeNature embarks on exciting partnership this Earth Day
Earth Day is celebrated annually on 22 April and brings environmental issues that are of greatest concern to the fore. This year’s theme is “Restore our Earth” and speaks directly to climate action.
Waste remains one of the top climate change contributors and CapeNature has made incredible progress in finding innovative ways to contribute to solving this problem. According to CapeNature’s CEO, Dr Razeena Omar, “The entity has put a variety of programmes in place to encourage responsible citizenry with the focus on litter in and around our hiking trails and beaches. We have implemented a voluntary clean-up programme on the iconic Whale Trail and initiated a series of clean up and educational events around the Western Cape. Most recently, we entered into negotiations with the Hikers Network. Volunteers from this network will assist us with cleaning and clearing trails, as well as trail audits and trail monitoring.”
The Hikers Network will also run awareness campaigns amongst their clubs and members. This non-profit organisation’s main objective is to create a diverse and vibrant hiking community and it currently has 4 800 registered members across the Western Cape. CapeNature will also support access for environmental education groups from disadvantaged communities arranged by the group. Anwaaz Bent, president of the Hikers Network, has fully committed to making this partnership work, “The Hikers Network with its core mission concentrating on communities, education and safe, responsible access welcomes this initiative and partnership with CapeNature. We will endeavour to grow this initiative with teamwork.”
Visitors to the Whale Trail, located within the De Hoop Nature Reserve, are also proving that most hikers want to play a part in keeping our nature areas clean and healthy. More than 50% of hikers participate in the optional clean-up whilst walking the trail.
CapeNature encourages the public to get involved in clean ups and make a difference this Earth Day. A variety of clean ups are being planned across the Western Cape between 22 and 30 April. The entity appeals to hikers and visitors to leave only their footprints behind, to dispose of waste responsibly and to #DontBeTrashy. For more information and a full list of planned clean ups email learning@capenature.co.za.
Related News
Stewardship practitioners tackle mining, municipal and agricultural interfaces at annual CapeNature Stewardship Workshop
The 23rd Annual CapeNature Stewardship Peer Learning Workshop was held between 29 and 30 October 2026 under the theme "Stewardship Interface: Connecting with Key Stakeholders – Where, How and Why." The workshop brought together 75 delegates representing 26 organisations and provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and capacity building among stewardship practitioners. Designed to strengthen practitioners' understanding of
Relax and explore another day on us this Black Friday
Make the most of the season with our Black Friday 3-for-2 accommodation promotion at select nature reserves. It's the perfect excuse to slow down, unwind, and enjoy everything our unique accommodation and on-site amenities have to offer - ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. Spend your evening beneath starry skies in the Cape Karoo, soak up the warm weather and mountain pools of the Overberg, or take a scenic drive along the West Coast, where blue skies, vibrant landscapes, nearby beaches, or a private pool awaits.
Green Noise named SA Podcast Awards finalist
Green Noise, CapeNature's podcast, has been named a finalist in the Best Education category at the 2026 South African Podcast Awards. The podcast is one of five finalists in the category, competing alongside Pippa Hudson's Curriculum Bootcamp and Dr Carra's The Paws & Effect Podcast, among others. Finalists are scored across six criteria: concept and originality, content quality, host performance, structure and pacing, audience connection and production quality. Each entry is scored blind by an independent panel of judges.
CapeNature to phase out trade in California kingsnakes
CapeNature is phasing out trade in California kingsnakes (Lampropeltis californiae) in the Western Cape over a two-year transition period that began on 1 April 2026, after a risk assessment classified the species as high risk for invasion. Animals already lawfully held may remain in captivity for the remainder of their natural lives. The assessment, which used the Bomford (2008) rapid risk assessment model, identified the potential for ecological disruption and competition with indigenous species should
HeliHack volunteers clear 5 334 invasive pines from Boosmansbos
Twenty-three volunteers were flown by helicopter into the remote upper slopes of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area from 23–25 October 2026, where they cut down 5 334 invasive alien pine trees across 904 hectares. The operation, led by the HeliHack Initiative in partnership with CapeNature, comes as the region is still recovering from the wildfires of 2025. With the South African Weather Service forecasting a strong El Niño and warmer, drier conditions through the 2026/27 summer, the fire risk in the months
CapeNature welcomes conviction of Cape Town woman in case involving 145 reptiles
CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction of Mrs Jacqueline Hewett of Woodstock, Cape Town, on all six charges relating to the unlawful acquisition, possession and keeping in captivity of 145 reptiles. The offences involved snakes, geckos and lizards, including protected, endangered, alien invasive and prohibited species, kept at a shop in Lower Main Road, Observatory and her residence in Woodstock in March 2023.