A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A KLIPKOP VOLUNTEER

Here's an idea of what it's like to volunteer here at Klipkop Conservancy.

We are suppose to be ready for 8:30 am mon-fri. This never happens and it usually between 8:30-9:30 before we're heading out for the morning's tasks. We work until noon. The work varies from soil erosion work, fence maintenance, game couints, water management and testing, work shops etc. The past 2 days (not counting today as it is a long weekend and I have today (fri) and monday off) we drop to the 2 plots bordering Klipkop (plot 30) to look for a rare, if not extinct from the area, orchid. It has not been seen in the area for over 60 years. Why were were tranpling through the bush looking for it then you may ask? Unfortuantely there is a company who wishes to build commercial and residential buildings on these 2 plots. Which would be catestrophic to the area ecosystem and all of are fabulous animals. It would also deplete the water source for the local animals. Quite problematic indeed. Yet, if we were to find one of these rare flowers it would put an immediate stop to any greedy business and any hopes they may have for the land. So 2 days in a row our morning program was to spread out over these 2 plots (one per day) in hopes of spotting one of these orchids. We each looked at a map, settled on a different route each and went off into the bush. These two plots are pure bush making it a fabulous refuge to many animals. Unfortunately we didn't find any. The chances of find one were slim, but the consequences would be immense! Hopefully one will be found inthe near future.

But back to a day in the life...

So each morning you do whatever program is assigned and then take a break from noon - one. But again, it usually goes much longer, often arund 2-2:30. Afternoon programns tend to be more slack as the afternoon sun is quite strong. Workshops are often held in the afternoons, subjects include alien plants, native wildlife etc. Program is suppose to go to 4:30 but this has yet to happen.

Breakfest and lunch we get ourselves and supper is cooked for us, and we do the dishes together afterwards. Evenings are free, except for thursday nights when we go out anti-poaching. This involves driving around to see if anyone is on the reserve amnd to establish "a presence". The is that any potential poachers will see our lights and b***** off.

Weekends are alos free and one long weekend a month is alotted, which happnes to be this weekend!