Life Science Nature Camp

On the 31 August 2015 we arrived at The Okkie Jooste Cultural Center. We were welcomed by bad weather and a strict schedule. Upon arrival we were asked to unload the bus and were given five minutes to settle into our dorms. For the duration of the camp I shared a room with seven females. At first our contradicting personalities often made 'living together' impossible, but as the hours passed we adjusted and learnt to accept and respect each others opinions. Each day was filled with long hours and strenuous activities, but we managed to make the most it. The few hours that we were given to rest was often stressful as my roommates and I had a thief in our midst. For the duration of the camp, a new item went missing each day. At first it was a teaspoon and with each day the thief progressed and the items that went missing increased in value. Before we could sleep we had to search each others bags and pillow cases, but in the end the Teaspoon Thief was caught. Kitchen duty was often difficult as everyone has different ways of completing tasks. I spent countless hours cleaning chicken and cleaning surfaces. OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER IS REAL!!!! 

As a Biodiversity and Conservation Biology student, the camp assisted me in gaining clarity on the various career paths available. I learnt that I have a particular interest in Agricultural research and I hope to pursue a career in this field.

Figure 1: The dorms at The Okkie Jooste Cultural Center

My startling adventure at the Cape Point Nature Reserve

On the 23 September 2014 we went on an excursion to Cape Point, specifically Cape Point Nature Reserve. This excursion was for the Life Science 151 Practical. It was both a fantastic experience and a strenuous adventure, but I enjoyed every moment of it. The bus departed from The University of the Western Cape at 9 am and we arrived at the Cape Point Nature Reserve at about 11:15 am. During the bus trip, we formulated a group called Leopatar. Leopatar consisted of me, Demi-Leigh Martin, Kudzanayi Charidza, Carlisle Davidson, Carla Ohlson, Caryn Joy Robyn, Joshman Van Rooyen  and Rowen Samuels. As a team we worked together to answer the practical worksheet and took the relevant pictures of the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Upon arrival at the Cape point Nature Reserve, our first destination proceeded to the light house. Before I could view the historical building (the lighthouse), I had to walk an exhilarating half an hour before I could enjoy the scenery from the light house. This lighthouse was the first lighthouse that was completed and the completion occurred in 1859. The light is approximately 249 metres above sea level on the highest section of the peak. An image of this light house can be seen below. During the excursion, as a Biodiversity and Conservation Biology student, I was able to feast my eyes on the spectacular endemic Fynbos plant species. I also got the opportunity to experience what field work would be like in this career field and I got a chance to embrace the outdoors. Some of the animals that I saw at the Cape Point Nature Reserve were small mammals, various species of reptiles and Chacma Baboons. At the Cape Point Nature Reserve we were encouraged not to feed the Chacma Baboons as they become dangerous and aggressive once they are fed by humans and therefore have to be killed after they are fed. The second destination was the Marine Protected Areas. I learnt that the Cape Point Nature Reserve has marine protected areas which prohibit fishing and the interference of humans so that aquatic organisms and other organisms may thrive. Cape Point Nature Reserve offers the most beautiful scenery which includes the wide variety of plant life and the breathtaking mountains, cliffs, bays and or beaches. By the end of the Cape Point excursion, I had learnt about the difference between endemic and indigenous, the history of with regards to the name of Cape Point, the history of the historical lighthouse, the marine protected areas at the Cape Point Nature Reserve and the significance thereof, as well as the various species found at the Cape Point nature reserve compared to that found at the Cape Flats Nature Reserve. The Cape Point Nature Reserve Excursion gave all the first year Life science 151 students an opportunity to embrace nature and to work both autonomously and collaboratively, as young scientists, to complete the practical worksheet. I enjoyed the strenuous hike to the lighthouse and spending time with friends and other students.

This is one of the Marine Protected Areas

One of the small reptiles seen at the Cape Point Nature Reserve

The beautiful scenery from the light house

The Cliff at the Cape Point Nature Reserve

 

My Life changing experience at The Cape Flats Nature Reserve:

The Cape Flat Nature Reserve is situated on the UWC campus. On the day of the practical, we were allocated into various teams and were given a worksheet to complete.  The weather was extremely humid and we were asked to dress appropriately in order to avoid sunstroke. For the duration of the practical we had to work together as a team and we learnt how to accept and listen to various people’s opinions, even if we do not agree with it. I enjoyed learning about various plants and animals. I also improved on my collaborative working skills. For the duration of the 60 minutes we shared moments of laughter and moments of continuous argumentation, but at the end of the day it was worth it. My teams name was Team 10 and we completed the Cape Flats Nature Reserve practical within 60 minutes, thus beating the record time of 105 minutes and my team managed to achieve 80 % for the Practical worksheet. This practical assisted in broadening my knowledge on various plants and animals and it served as motivation and encouragement to continue my course in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology.