Submitted by Lapalala Wilderness School
Students from the NewBridge Graduate Institute in got to spend a week in August for a hands-on learning and skills development as part of their practical component of their Diploma in Nature Management.
The 59 students visited the Lapalala Wilderness Foundation, where they were required to master advanced veld management techniques such as fire ecology, invasive species management, and ecosystem restoration. They learned how brush packing works to restore the ground and replace nutrients, while also engaging in selective bush clearing and erosion control.
The group spent time with the predator monitoring team, honing their tracking skills and learning about the practical realities of predator management. They learned how to monitor and maintain the fences that contain animals within the safety of the reserve and protect them from poaching. A game drive informed the students about effective road placement on the reserve. They were inspired by a discussion about environmental education, and left with the ability to identify parasites in impala dung!
“The students were enriched with skills and insights that will benefit them as they prepare for a future in nature management. We wish them all the best for their studies,” said Mashudu Makhokha, director of the Lapalala Wilderness School.
