Blog
World Whale Day 2019 – Giants of the Ocean
Humback Whale Photo credit: Dr. Gwen Penry
Did you know, the largest animal to ever live on earth is the Blue Whale. It is so massive that their tongue alone can weigh as much as an elephant,...
Earthworm day 2019 NO SMALL MATTER!
Earthworm day 2019 NO SMALL MATTER!
by Elelwani Makhuva
Today is Earthworm day! You may be wondering what on earth is Earthworm day and why should you care?
To me earthworm day is about acknowledging...
World Environmental Education Day 2019
In a world that caters to the needs of a constantly growing population, the environment rarely comes first; every day more urban areas arise, and more rural areas are developed. Environmental...
Penguin Awareness Day 2019
With the approach of January 20th, the conservation community is celebrating Penguin Awareness Day. Before I get into penguin awareness, I would like to just explain the importance of all...
From Crawfish to Mosquito fish
After leaving Natures Valley a little over a week ago, I already miss waking up to the sound of birds outside my window, swimming in the estuary, the zebra fudge squares from Nature’s Way...
How the Refuse Movement is The Best Way to Stop Microplastics Getting into The Ocean
Recycling is not a new concept, but it has definitely gained momentum and has also become more mainstream and while of course it's better to recycle than just throw all your waste into a landfill...
Nurdles: not your average ocean plastic
Nurdles are so small that even when you're looking for them they can be hard to see.
Someone with an interest in ocean or coastal conservation may have heard of a nurdle, a common type of...
Microplastic - Small Pieces Causing Large Problems
Our beach here in Nature’s Valley looks pristine and for the most part free of litter, but the closer you look, the more you see. After arriving here 3 weeks ago and walking the beach almost...
Baie Dankie
Although I came to Nature’s Valley to intern as a marine debris analyst, I also felt the need to get away from my home because I felt absolutely consumed by it. Regardless of my reason for...
JUST DO IT!
Attention! To all those considering to volunteer, intern or study at Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT); JUST DO IT! (Shia LaBeouf) This experience has changed my life. I can now call the people I...
A Dream Come True!
Living in Africa has always been one of my biggest dreams, maybe THE dream I knew I would realise one day. I took the opportunity to go to this continent for a 6-month internship which I had to do...
Worth the Travel
About a week ago, I left Nature’s Valley with a new feeling of positivity I had never experienced before. I spent 3 weeks there, surrounded by stunning nature and wonderful people. Although I...
Drop the Mic!
To those who are heading out to Natures Valley tomorrow, next week or in a few weeks: I am SO flipping excited for you. You are honestly about to endure a TOTAL adventure; so many things you have...
Keeping Nature’s Valley Natural
At first I hear it only in the distance, but the footsteps get louder and louder as they pass right by my bedroom window. I open my city-accustomed eyes, marveling again at the quiet, pitch...
I’ll think about you
This time my words won’t be poetic. All I can say is that I think about you. I realise I have been thinking about you nearly every day of my life. Throughout the year I long for your warm beauty...