Delta Park’s Florence Bloom Dam has been heavily impacted by an overgrowth of water hyacinth. This invasive plant has significantly disrupted the local ecosystem, covering the dam and choking the natural habitat of many bird species. To combat this, a dedicated team of volunteers, headed up by Shirley Tebbutt, has embarked on an ambitious project to clear the hyacinth and restore the dam to its former beauty.
The Project
Using a few canoes and the hard work of a group of men, the team has been making steady progress. The removal process is akin to a conveyor belt, with one canoe being offloaded every ten minutes. Their dedication has already started to yield visible results, with an increasing expanse of water and the return of native bird species, such as the yellow-billed ducks and African black ducks.
The project started a few months ago when Megamelus scutellaris hoppers, a biological control agent, were introduced to help manage the hyacinth infestation. These small insects, which feed on the leaves and stems of the water hyacinth, weaken the plants and inhibit their growth. By releasing around 25,000 hoppers into the dams, the team is leveraging nature’s own solutions to combat this invasive species. The hoppers have now killed the plants, but they need to be removed. For more about this, please visit: Fighting the Water Hyacinth with bugs: Harnessing Nature’s Allies – Craigpark™ Residents’ Association
Here are some updates on their recent progress:
- The team began with two canoes and five men. The offloading process started to show promising results.
- After three days, the dam now has three canoes and six men. The water surface has expanded significantly, and two African black ducks have returned. The drying hyacinth covers almost the entire piece of grass in front of the dam.
The team works Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 3 pm, and they welcome anyone who wishes to observe their efforts.
Financial Needs
The project is currently costing R1 000 per day, and it is expected to continue for six weeks. While there are some funds available in the Hyacinth account, the amount varies each month, making it difficult to cover all expenses. We are reaching out to the community and park users for support. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated and will go a long way in helping us reach our goal.
How You Can Help
We are asking for both one-time and recurring donations to ensure the sustainability of our efforts. Your support will directly contribute to the restoration of the Florence Bloom Dam, enhancing the beauty of Delta Park and preserving the habitat for local wildlife.
Please consider donating to the following bank account:
Bank Account Details:
Account Name: Hyacinth
Bank: ABSA
Account Number: 917 362 9924
Branch Code: 632005
Here are some photos of the work being done:
