Ecoglen

ENDLESS POTENTIAL

Proactive Conservation with encouraged local public participation and promotion of sustainable recreational use of Ecoglen, through ongoing activities and education.

Become a member

Where is Ecoglen?

Ecoglen is a green belt, situated in the heart of urban Pretoria East, running along the Moreletaspruit and the Waterkloofspruit, between January Masilela Drive and Lynnwood Road, within the suburb of Lynnwood Glen.

Our mission

Proactive conservation with encouraged local public participation and promotion of sustainable recreational use of Ecoglen, through ongoing activities and education.

What is the Ecoglen Association?

Ecoglen Association is administered on behalf of and in partnership with City of Tshwane Nature Conservation, acting as custodian for the Ecoglen zone for City of Tshwane (CoT), the Landowner. Our aim is to generate an interest in and concern for conservation of this green belt, and to provide practical hands-on support to CoT where possible, in this regard.

A volunteer community-based organisation (CBO) Registered Non-Profit Organisation: #054-659-NPO Public Benefit Organisation: #930011404 A Friends of the Moreleta organisation, member of WESSA and the Adopt Moreleta Forum.

Activities Explained

Assessment of the area is done on an ongoing basis, including the preparation and publishing of a management plan to guide activities. Various conservation, sustainability and maintenance activities are organized in support of our mission and objectives. These activities include but are not limited to:

Hands-on events

Control of invasive plant species. Restocking of indigenous plant species. River health & other monitoring. Maintaining paths and basic infrastructure. Litter collection and removal.

Infrastructure projects

Liaising with City of Tshwane regarding the identification and resolution of issues such as security, infrastructure and the improper use of the area.

Citizen Science projects

miniSASS program – monitoring of river health through water-sampling and identification and release of (mainly) invertebrate river species. Expert guided tours of the area to convey knowledge of the fauna and flora, and to stimulate an interest in and use of the green belt, by the community.

Membership
Legal operational summary:

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Ecoglen Association is managed by a volunteer Executive Committee (Exco), elected annually from the ordinary members of the Association. The Exco consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer with up to 3 other ordinary members as well as ex-officio members representing CoT, and other relevant organizations as needed. The Exco meets 3-4 times annually.

Projects and activities are funded through ordinary and corporate membership subscriptions, as well as sponsorships and donations. Additional funding may also be raised from time to time through ad-hoc activities and events. As a PBO the Association can issue tax deductible certificates (Section A18 receipt) for donations received, subject to SARS limits. All financial activities are audited annually and submitted to SARS, including details of the activities undertaken during the year, for annual renewal of PBO status. Formal financial feedback is provided to subscribed members at the AGM.

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Cost-effective

Each household membership receives 6 vouchers from CoT, which allows 2 adults and 2 minors per voucher, a free day visit to any of the following City of Tshwane nature reserves: Rietvlei, Groenkloof, Faerie Glen and Wonderboom. This represents a maximum saving of R1896.00, depending on how the member utilises the vouchers.

Convenience

The general public is required to enter & exit Ecoglen via the Lynnwood Road gate, whereas members can use any of the 8 conveniently situated gates within Lynnwood Glen.

Wellbeing

Studies have shown that nature walks improve mood, relieve stress and restore mental vitality.

Increased neighborhood value

Your membership contributes to the sustainability of the green belt, so that you can reap the benefits of stepping into nature only a few minutes from your own door. The overall character and value of your neighbourhood increases with this recreational facility and above all, you help to promote and sustain conservation in Ecoglen.