Alien Vegetation Removal & Ecosystem Restoration.
Algoa Sea Scouts, is along the Baakens River in Gqeberha. Sadly, it’s been overrun by invasive Port Jackson trees, threatening its beauty and biodiversity. This project is both my dream and my legacy to the Scouting movement. I want to protect this space so that future Scouts can experience the same joy and learning I did. It’s more than a project; it’s a promise to care for God’s creation and create a campsite that will be a true “living classroom” for generations to come.
The project began with community-driven volunteer days where Scouts, Cubs, WESSA, and parents removed alien trees, cleared litter, and prepared the site. This was followed by professional contractors who completed heavy clearing, processed felled trees into mulch, and removed building rubble. The final phase focused on youth education and restoration, where Cubs and Scouts earned badges, learned about conservation, and planted indigenous trees to rehabilitate the area.
The project restored a large part of our property by removing invasive Port Jackson trees and rubbish, bringing back the natural beauty of the area. Indigenous plants and trees were planted, helping to protect the local ecosystem and improve water flow to the nearby Baakens River.
It also united the community because Meerkats, Cubs, Scouts, parents, and local groups worked side by side, building pride and care for the environment. Many young people gained new conservation skills, earned badges, and developed a deeper respect for nature. This space is now safer, cleaner, and ready to serve as a learning and camping area for future generations.
I learned how powerful teamwork can be when people come together for a shared goal. This project helped me grow as a leader, learning to coordinate people of different ages and skills. I gained practical knowledge about indigenous plants, invasive species, and how human actions affect our environment. Most importantly, I learned that real change starts with care, whether it is caring for the land, for people, and for the future.
