Day 5

Finally, the day we were all waiting for! The field trip was made up of different stops (see map) along the Kromme River and we were fortunate to have several experts join us. With reference to the map, Stop 1 was along the Kromme catchments where Dr Julia Glenday showed delegates what an intact Palmiet wetland looks like.

Stops 2 & 3: We stopped to view an Acacia mearnsii invasion and clearing site and then at Churchill Dam, a major water supply reservoir. Stop 4: Our next stop was the Kromme estuary and shore, where Dr Shaun Deyzel, Athi Mfikili and Jess Els talked about their and SAEON’s research in the estuaries.

Next on the programme was spotting stromatolites with Dr Gavin Rishworth. Newly discovered in this area, stromatolites are found along a 200-km stretch between Port Elizabeth and Storms River.

A prize-giving and braai brought a wonderful day to an exciting close. Congratulations to the award winners and to all the delegates for their top-class presentations!

Award winners

Intern presentations

• Best presentation: Tsumbedzo Leonard Ramalevha (Ndlovu Node)

Delegate presentations

• Session 1: Terrestrial – Best presentation: Megan Brigette Simons; 2nd place presentation: Mpilo Zenzele Khumalo
• Session 2: Marine/Estuarine – Best presentation: Rudzani Faith Silima; 2nd place presentation: Ross-Lynne Weston
• Session 3: Freshwater and Atmospheric – Best presentation: Willem Stefaan Conradie; 2nd place presentation: Sarah Roffe
• People’s Choice Award – Best presentation: Mohammed Kajee