3 April 2019 Cape Research Centre, Tokai

FOTP AGM Minutes

1. Welcome Tony Rebelo welcomed everyone at 7:05 pm. Present: 45 people

Mike Hyde, Renate de Stadler, Janet de Stadler, Alanna Rebelo, Tony Rebelo, Nick Harris, Jess Henson, Anne McGregor Liz Johnston, Paul Johnston, Vard Aman, Laurel Serieys, Deborah Winterton, Erik M Kiderlen, Zoe Poulsen, Penelope Brown, John Moeur, Eric Nathan, Megan Smith, Mahieu van der Linde, Jay Cowen, Margie Cowen, Berta van Rooyen, Emile van Rooyen, Jessamy Jandrell, Stanton Jandrell, John Shaw, John Yeld, Hanneke Hawkes, Pat Holmes, Leila Mitrani, Clive Lucas, Bea Sagemuller, Sally Hey, Mark Katz, Reg Dawe, Veronics Jones, Mark Rodwell, Annalien Marsh, Carol Metcalf, Mick Farrow, Ineke Mosely, Corinne Merry, Margaret Kahle, Peter Harding.

The chairperson mentioned that local Tokai artist Jessamy Jandrell had set up an exhibition called “Tokai Series” and donated one of her artworks to the Friends of . This piece is (worth R1500) and if sold, the proceeds would support our conservation work. Please consider purchasing her artwork, more details attached at the end of this document.

2. Apologies 4 people: Mike Golby, Andre Colling, Stuart Hall, Alexander Lansdowne

3. Acceptance of previous minutes The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted: Jay Cowen proposed, Alanna Rebelo seconded. • Berta van Rooyen asked that all people asked questions were recorded in future minutes. Noted. • Berta van Rooyen asked that the address of the speaker was shared, so that people who attended the AGM could send their questions to the speaker.

4. Chairpersons report: Dr Tony Rebelo Important notes: Upcoming events:

• Mushroom walk: Autumn 2019 • Bioblitz at Tokai for the City Nature Challenge: April 2019 • City Nature Challenge: 26-29 April 2019 • Night walk: Spring 2019

If you are interested to help with any of these events, please contact the committee.

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Chairpersons Report 2019:

The year 2018/19 was a relatively quiet one as SANParks were without a manager for much of the time. That and the drought were given as the reasons for the absence of prescribed restoration burns in the cleared areas at lower Tokai. The plants that we had hoped to plant out into the post-burn sites have been absorbed into the Kirstenbosch gardens. Working for Water issues resulted in far less alien clearing than was anticipated in upper Tokai, and we hope that their issues will be resolved for 2019. We are working with Honorary Rangers to try and get the area made a far higher clearing priority. Our complaints about dumping for a road in the Soetvlei Wetlands has had no response to date.

This year we anticipate a belated experiment in Silvertree restoration in upper Tokai, in conjunction with the Kirstenbosch Millennium Seed Bank, which will require all our working teams to clear some areas of aliens for the project. Fortunately, we are already active in two of these areas, and the third has just been cleared by Working for Water. If you want to be involved in the plantings, please contact us.

The interpretative tower that we motivated for in 2011 has finally been put up on the mound. Attempts to get the signage on the tower have stalled due to lack of engagement with SANParks – hopefully we can get this done soon.

Security issues on the Mountain are still high on the agenda, although it has been quiet at Tokai, with one robbery in a car park during the period. Thanks to Honorary Rangers and Tokai Neighbourhood Watch for patrolling the area.

Our main activities have been:

Chainsaw Crew - Jay Cowen:

The ‘Heavy’ Hackers (we hope this doesn’t refer to our embarrassing waistlines?), have had quite a successful year.

About mid-year we were finally granted access and permission to hack a patch of aliens just below level 3, best described as the area where the mountain bikers have built a series of loops and ramps The delay in gaining access is a great pity, as he aliens in that patch are now 4-years old and have grown to a size where they mostly require hand- sawing and chain-sawing - In 2017 they could have been easily hand-pulled or clipped with loppers which would have been far more productive.

The predominant baddies in that area are Golden Wattle, Black Wattle, Blackwood, and Gums - with some of them now 100mm in diameter. Smaller numbers of PJ and Stinkbean are also present. However, it is very encouraging to be uncovering a good number of young Silvertrees, Sugarbush and Spiderheads surviving underneath all that mess , and with sunlight and less competition for water, they should now thrive.

We have 2 or 3 sessions up there monthly on Tuesday afternoons, working for about 3 hours with up to 8 ‘senior gentlemen’. We feel quite chuffed to have opened up a good size clearing that can now be easily spotted from a distance.

Tuesday Pullers - Magaret Kahle:

Lower Tokai Tuesday afternoon hacks: This year we had 19 sessions of 2 hours each. The numbers of hackers at each meet ranged from 3 to 9 - mostly 6 at a meet.

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Initially we mopped up PJ's, Longleaf, Pines, etc. - resprouters and new alien growth as well as chopping out the Pampas Grass East of Orpen Road; then a sweep through west of Orpen Road; and latterly, the restoration blocks (still not burned – had they been burned action would not have been needed) next to the Prinskasteel Wetland, which is now clear (with the help of the Scouts of , who tackled the really dense stuff – many thanks). The Wetlands still require some attention, but that is beyond our capacity, with some new alien trees – Quinine and Boxelder Maple rising to the occasion.

A joint session with the Chainsaw Crew allowed us to tackle the larger Gum regeneration at lower Tokai – that turned out to be a far harder task than we anticipated and a follow up will be required.

Saturday Upper Tokai Hacks - Magaret Kahle:

Tokai Mountain slopes monthly Saturday mornings: we had 10 meets of 2 hours each. The numbers of hackers at each meet ranged from 6 to 18 - mostly 10 at a meet. We worked in four main blocks around the Arboretum.

The areas that we worked in have lovely regrowth and are remarkably clear of aliens. They can be seen on Google Earth as clear blocks. The diversity is quite impressive and includes Silvertrees, Common Sugarbushes as well as Blackbeard Sugarbushes. A great pity that most of the slopes are still an alien mess, but our patches at least show what could have been.

Arboretum hacking events - Berta & Emile van Rooyen:

The activities with regard to the focus on identification and clearing of invasive vegetation, tree mapping and updating of the tree-list, reporting of invasive species, single path maintenance, liaison with SANParks (Elmonique Petersen), and other people where necessary.

About 5 persons (from 2-12) from a pool of 14 volunteers attend. A donated popper is used in every session. Clearing is based on the principle of roots and all and involves pulling by hand, popper work and hacking. Where sucker root species are involved, herbicide is applied within an advisory framework provided by Elmonique and Tony. Reporting is done on a regular and detailed basis to serve as a reference for future management.

Several areas were successfully cleared and are due for follow-up sessions. The so called Mandela Patch, began on 18 July 2018 and resumed in October 2018, speaks of devotion and determination. Nearly 800 square meters of Longleaf Wattle was cleared by hand, with help from SANParks staff. Unfortunately, the staff have been deployed elsewhere, but future positive co-operation is anticipated.

Problems encountered are regrowth of Cheesewood branches in compost piles, and difficult to treat species including Blackwood, Cigar Tree, Black Locust and Carob. The eradication of a dense stand of Carob trees in the Canary Pine stand was met with mixed results. It will need further discussions and accompanied action. Follow-up operations have to be are constantly done. Challenging tasks awaiting us include clearing of Cape and Japanese Honeysuckle and Poplars in the wetland and riverine areas of the Arboretum. We also need to document the escapees from the Arboretum encountered in the upper Tokai hacks to document their invasiveness.

Accessibility into remote sections of the Arboretum is complicated by debris and uncontrolled growth of self-sown tree species. This problem has been brought to the attention of SANParks and the solutions require heavy equipment. The survival of the Arboretum is dependent on continuous management, tools and labour. Meetings between the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and SANParks were held, and the need of a permanent appointee was brought up. The potential of the

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Arboretum is vast. At present, this prestigious heritage site is merely used as a walk-through to get to the hiking trail. We hope to change the situation in the near future.

Other events

• Community Service – Alanna Rebelo & Tony Rebelo 9am-2pm on 20 April 2018; 180 pupils, grade 11 BASES/ACTIVITIES: 1. Arboretum species of interest: Go and find plants as special in any way for inclusion as highlights on a cellphone app tour of the Arboretum? Would you include them: why? A free running activity using the iNaturalist app! Results visible on iNaturalist under the Tokai Arboretum Project. (Tony) 2. Arboretum trees: Mapping the plants – helping us to catalogue the plants in the Arboretum. We have a map and names, and numbers, but some have died or lost their numbers. (Berta and Emile) 3. Arboretum alien pulling: Help us remove aliens. Hackathon. A cake was given to the team with the biggest pile to show for their efforts. This focussed on a Longleaf Wattle infestation on the southwest side of the Arboretum. (Margaret) 4. Path maintenance: Each group helped clear the thatch that the baboons pulled off the Lister’s Tea Room/Museum – a fire risk - and did some path maintenance – clearing, water bars and edges, around the area. (Vard).

• Spring Walk 30 September 2018 Tony & Pat Rebelo led through Lower Tokai; 20 people attended. Despite the low rains the veld put on a splendid display. • Snake talk 5 November 2018; Vard Aman (coordinated by Alanna Rebelo), Tokai Library; 30 people attended. • FOTP Strategy Meeting 6 August 2018, 11 people attended (coordinated by Alanna Rebelo). • Website & Logo Development Website set up by Mike Golby and Alanna Rebelo; paid for by Mike Golby. Logo designed by professional; banners to be printed (coordinated by Alanna Rebelo). • Wikipedia Wikipedia articles written and published for Tokai Park and Tokai Arboretum (Alanna Rebelo & Tony Rebelo) • PBO Status PBO status applied for by Alanna Rebelo. Alanna & Jay Cowen to file the application on Friday 12 April 2019.

The City Nature Challenge: 26-29 April 2019 A quick heads-up! will be taking part in the City Nature Challenge for 2019. Over 160 cities worldwide are taking part and we have to win the challenge! Please do your part. We are planning a bioblitz and trying to organize a mushroom walk, but if you can help or have any ideas to make sure that Tokai plays its part in putting the city on the biodiversity map, please contact the organizers. Details at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2019-cape-town - we have 22 days to go!

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In summary, we have been quite busy. I thank the existing committee members for their sterling service, and welcome the new committee with much anticipation. Thanks too, to all you members for the great job, help and support that you gave in 2018 and hope that you will continue to support us in the year ahead.

5. Treasurers Report: Jay Cowen Finances were presented, & their acceptance proposed by John Moeur & seconded by Zoe Poulsen.

6. Election of office bearers It is with great sadness we said goodbye to Margaret Kahle and thanked her for her faithful service to FOTP through the years. She will continue as a member of FOTP, with her fantastic involvement in the hacking events, however is stepping down from the committee.

We welcomed two new proposed members to the committee: Vard Aman and Mike Golby (in absencio). The chairperson presented the members and Pat Holmes proposed their acceptance and Jay Cowen seconded that proposal. The chairperson welcomed their assistance in the next year, citing the bioblitz as a first project where their assistance would be needed.

7. Matters Arising a) New vision & mission: Alanna presented the new Friends of Tokai Park vision and mission statement and branding.

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Vision & Mission:

Biodiversity. Safety. Recreation.

We aim to conserve the natural plants and animals at Tokai Park whilst at the same time promoting the recreational use of the park by the greater community.

Our vision is “a park for all”, where “all” includes both human users of Tokai and also the numerous plants and animals that call Tokai home. We envision Tokai Park continuing to be popular for recreation amongst walkers, joggers, cyclists, dog-walkers and horse-riders alike, whilst not compromising its significant conservation and cultural value. We believe that recreation and conservation are entirely compatible.

We consider Tokai Park to be the “Amazon” of Cape Town, a biodiversity-rich area similarly heavily threatened by development and invasive alien plants. We advocate its conservation for the benefit of future generations. We believe that “all species have inherent value and that extinction is unacceptable”. We support the full restoration of the Sand Fynbos, and Afrotemperate Forest at Tokai Park, supported by sound ecological principles and solid scientific research. We also support SANParks’ management efforts. We realise that the highest level of protection Tokai Park can have from development is for it to be proclaimed a National Park, and SANParks can only start this process once the plantations are removed.

A major concern is fire safety. Alien pine plantations are not compatible with restored fynbos which needs to undergo relatively frequent dry season prescribed burns (+/- every 10-15 years). Whilst well maintained has relatively low biomass, pine and other plantations carry dangerous fuel loads, placing the community adjacent to the park in danger. The Californian fires of 2017-2018 bear testimony to this danger.

Map 1: The Vision of the Friends of Tokai Park for Tokai Park. We focus on three main areas: (a) The Tokai Conservation Area, (b) The Tokai Arboretum and (c) The Adjoining Green Belt Areas.

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Map 2: The Vision of the Friends of Tokai Park for Tokai Manor Precinct & Arboretum. (1) Old Prison: old dining hall to be converted into a cultural centre for arts (exhibitions, plays, concerts, community events), (2) Manor House: to be kept as a historical building (or be used as a restaurant), (3) The Old Paddocks: a second possibility for a restaurant, (4) The Garden: landscaping, (5) The Old “Listers tea room” to be converted to a museum for the Arboretum (not suitable for serving food, was never designed as such). (*) Baboon proof fence to enclose the entire complex.

b) New logo: Alanna presented the 4 elements of the new FOTP logo & what they mean:

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c) Website: Alanna also mentioned that the Friends of Tokai website was almost set up, and would be shared on facebook once ready. This is the address: www.tokaipark.com. Many thanks to Mike Golby for being instrumental in setting this up and getting it off the ground.

d) Berta van Rooyen: asked about starting up a cultural heritage section of Friends of Tokai Park. She was encouraged to start this and invite all members to join any meetings via the FOTP mailing list.

8. Save the Date: upcoming events

9. Guest Talk: The Urban Caracals of Cape Town The guest speakers: Dr Laurel Serieys and Gabriella Leighton of the Urban Caracal Project (http://www.urbancaracal.org/) and UCT, gave a fantastic talk on the Urban Caracals of Cape Town. What emerged clearly from their talk was that the national park is favourite habitat for caracals, as the dominant males choose these areas for their territories, with the younger (juvenile) males having to hug the edges of this habitat, coming into more contact with the urban-nature interface. It is clear that pine plantations offer no habitat, and little food or mate options for caracals. Restoration of Tokai Park is therefore tightly linked with the habitat viability for these charismatic species -and many others. Yet another reason to promote the vision of the Friends of Tokai Park for the restoration of the core conservation area.

If you have further questions for our speaker, please contact her on:

Email: [email protected] Phone: 079-837-8814 Thank you to all who supported the Urban Caracal Project through donations and buying stickers.

10. Closing and thank you Around 9pm Tony closed the meeting and thanked everyone for attending. FOTP gave a gift to thank the speakers, as well as a gift to thank Deborah Winterton and SANParks for allowing us the use of their great venue.

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Tea, wine cheese, cookies and refreshments were had, prior to the guest talk, and after with socializing by the friends.

END OF MEETING

Please support Friends of Tokai Park At this stage, Friends of Tokai Park does not ask any membership fees. We prefer to work with donations. If you are supportive of our vision, and impressed with our fantastic track record of alien clearing and community engagement (through walks, talks and education) please consider making a donation to us.

BANK DETAILS Friends of Tokai Park Contact Us: Standard Bank, Blue Route EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] Savings Account FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/FriendsOfTokaiPark/ 27 629 2669 WESSA Affiliation: MB1240127

Support local art talent while supporting conservation! Please support local artist: Jessamy Jandrell by purchasing from her photographic series called: Tokai. For pricing please contact Jessamy using the details below, but these prints can be made on box mounts in any size. Contact details: Jessamy Jandrell Photography, [email protected], 0795006603.

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