Community Garden |
|
During the early 1980's Colin Hall conceived the idea to convert the Public Open Space at the end of Harbour Road into an indigenous public garden.
Due to the lack of funds Colin financed this project and the beautiful Community Garden was born. When his sponsorship finally ended there were still no public funds available. The St Francis Kromme Trust stepped in and took over the upkeep of the garden.
Today, thanks to the St Francis Links Golf course staff, a handful of volunteers, and homeowners who border the gardens, these gardens continue to flourish under the watchful eye of the St Francis Kromme Trust for the enjoyment of everyone. The Trust also provides financial assistance when necessary. The local municipality removes from site all the garden refuse.
|
|
Financial |
|
|
|
Heritage Eco Centre |
|
In 1971 the NSRI Station 21 was established in St Francis Bay. Their boat house was built at Granny's Pool, in 1997 they moved on to their new boathouse at Port St Francis.
The local municipality then granted the St Francis Kromme Trust permission to convert the old boathouse into the HERITAGE CENTRE.
The Heritage Centre started as a museum housing displays depicting the history, flora, fauna etc of the Greater St Francis area.
To-day it continues to perform the function of a museum but it also serves as an environmental classroom which is used regularly. |
|
Public Open Spaces & Nature Reserve |
|
PUBLIC OPEN SPACES (POS)
The public open space and nature reserve portfolio arose because of the concern that our POS were fast diminishing.
Prof Richard Cowling FOSTER in collaboration with L M Kruger presented the St Francis Municipality with a management plan to take care of the POS in the greater St Francis and Cape St Francis areas, known as SCOSS.
SCOSS – St Francis Coastal Open Space System is chaired by Des Green and enjoys representation of all the environmental organizations in the area. The aim of SCOSS was to identify and create 5 nature reserve areas surrounding Cape St Francis under FOSTER and one in the St Francis Bay area under the St Francis Kromme Trust.
The aim was to protect the unique fauna and flora of these areas for future generations.
Jenny Dale volunteered to work with Des Green to submit a St Francis Bay Nature Reserve plan of about 64 hectares to the Kouga Municipality. This plan was approved by the Kouga Municipality and we are awaiting promulgation, which can only take place once the lengthy process of title deed registration is complete.
This will link the POS along the coast of St Francis Bay from the border of Cape St Francis Reserve to the Kromme River. |
|
Renewable Energy |
|
Renewable energy is a much-needed addition to South Africa's power sources. The country's reliance on coal is both unsustainable and environmentally damaging, and it is vital to include alternatives in the energy arsenal. It is also vital to ensure that those alternatives are, in their turn, sustainable and not environmentally damaging. It goes without saying that they should be effective generators of energy.
The National Energy Regulator (NERSA) has identified solar, wind, biomass, biogas, hydro and landfill gas as sources of renewable energy. Wind and solar projects are proposed for the Greater St Francis environs and the St Francis Kromme Trust, as the community watchdog, scrutinises each application in detail to evaluate its potential for both good and harm to the area. Regular reports are published in local media and will be included on the website.
|
|
Two Harbours Walk |
|
The Two Harbours Walk is one of many projects undertaken by the St Francis Kromme Trust. It allows the residents and holidaymakers access to the outstandingly attractive section of shoreline along St Francis Bay.
The municipality granted the Trust permission to create this trail on Public Open Space in 2000 providing that the Trust undertakes the maintenance of the walk.
The full potential of this amazing walk as a tourist attraction however will only be realized once the Trust is able to raise the capital needed for a major upgrade.
Click Here to read more |
|
Romazini Valley |
|
Romazini Valley is a public open space between Romazini Road and Tom Brown Boulevard. This valley has a problem with invader plants. It is also serves as a home for the Cape Clawless Otter and for Spotted Eagle Owl. The Two Harbours Walk passes over it at its beach section. |
|
Thatch Farm |
|
The St Francis Kromme Trust contributed over R6000 to cover the costs of a feasibility study into the area’s economic potential. A portion of "Block D", an area between St Francis Drive and the Tip and the Sewerage Works, was found suitable to grow thatch- Thamnochortus insignis – used for roof thatching. The farm was founded to provide work for local persons, to give training in bush clearing, chain saw operation, administration, personal finance and safety as well as providing a saleable commodity. |
|
Representatives from St Francis Kromme Trust serve on the committees of the following organizations: |
FOSTER – Friends of St. Francis Nature Areas, is an environmental organization similar to the St Francis Kromme Trust which is active in the Cape St Francis area. |
|
ST FRANCIS CONSERVANCY: Frank Silberbauer |
|
|
|
FOURCADE BOTANICAL GROUP: Godfried Potgieter
The St Francis Kromme Trust is very involved with the Fourcade Botanical Group Juniors
The Fourcade Botanical Group, named after renowned local botanist Henry Fourcade (1865-1948), was formed to increase the awareness of the unique floral heritage of the area for both children and adults. In addition, by way of its involvement with CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers), a SA National Biodiversity initiative, the group undertakes investigative programmes to record plants and their habitats. This research provides vital information for botanists and ecologists, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding development. |
|
Joint River Committee: Bev Howard and Chris Barratt |
|
Kouga Environmental Committee: Jenny Dale and Chris Barratt |
