* Everything in blue are new events added to the calendar ** Commi ee mee ng dates have changed. 

*** Meet and greet the commi ee also a new idea.

**** World Rangers Day Event is for Honorary Rangers and Regular Friends to meet and do an awareness campaign at Marais Dam   ***** Great Southern Bioblitz will be by invitation only.

WHAT’S ON, WHAT’S NEW AND WHAT’S PLANNED?

Junior Friends of Rietvlei: An Exciting New Initiative!

The Friends of Rietvlei are thrilled to announce Junior Friends of Rietvlei; a fantastic new program designed for high school students. This initiative offers exciting opportunities for young people to engage with conservation through hands-on volunteer work and immersive overnight experiences. Participants can look forward to a volunteer’s day in July and two overnight stays later in the year during the school holidays, featuring field work, open-fire cooking, and guided hikes. These events are perfect for inspiring a love for nature and developing practical skills, all while supporting the vital work of Rietvlei.

Day Event: 5 July 2025

Overnight Event: 3 & 4 October 2025                          Overnight Event: 12 &13 December 2025     

Host: Erhard van der Walt – Friends of Rietvlei Youth Ambassador 

Wild Insights: Your Gateway to Wildlife Discovery!

Are you ready to truly connect with nature? Wild Insights is your ultimate destination for deepening your understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Quench your thirst for wildlife knowledge through captivating hands-on experiences, fascinating talks by experts, and engaging short courses. Discover the secrets of the wild and transform your curiosity into genuine insight. Join us and let your wildlife adventure begin!

Speakers

26 July: All about Rietvlei – Presented by Kim Marriott and Ernst Wohlitz 

30 Aug: What a Duck! About waterfowl movements – Presenter Chris Hines

27 Sep: Birding for Beginners – Presenter Chris Hines

25 Oct: Great Southern Bioblitz – Limited space, invited guests only.

29 Nov: Photography: How to use your Phone’s camera – Presenter Jackie Hayter & other Pro Photographers 

Meet & Greet Open Day: Connect with the Friends of Rietvlei!

Curious about how you can make a real difference at Rietvlei? Join us for our special Meet & Greet Open Day! This is the perfect opportunity for new members and existing supporters alike to connect directly with the committee, learn more about our exciting initiatives, and discover how to get involved. Come share your passion for conservation, ask questions, and become an even bigger part of the Friends of Rietvlei family. We can’t wait to meet you!

6 Sep: Meet the Friends of Rietvlei 

Unleash Your Creativity: Art in the Park / Photo Competition!

Are you a photographer who finds endless inspiration in the breathtaking beauty of Rietvlei Nature Reserve? This is your moment to shine! We’re thrilled to announce our inaugural Photo Competition, your premier opportunity to showcase your captivating works. Share your unique perspective, display the stunning scenes you’ve captured, and let the world see Rietvlei through your creative lens. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate our shared love for nature through your photography! 

11 Oct: Photo competition and prize giving. 

SANParks Women’s Day

Ladies, please join the SANParks Honorary Rangers and Friends of Rietvlei this Women’s Day for a fun filled morning. Tea, coffee, and some snacks, lucky draw prices, as well as game drives and hikes are on the menu. Here’s your opportunity to reconnect with friends, family and nature, all for a good cause.

9 Aug: Guest speaker Prof. Stephen Allison, who will be talking about Natural Food as Medicine at 10h00.