In celebration of National Arbor Month and Tourism Month, Kouga Municipality launched the unique Kouga Milkwood Trail in Jeffreys Bay on Friday, 22 September 2023. Pictured are (from left) Daniel Benson (Community Services Portfolio Councillor), Hattingh Bornman (Kouga Executive Mayor), Nomvelo Siwela (Kouga Environmental Specialist), and Fanie Heystek (Ward 11 Councillor).
JEFFREYS BAY – In celebration of National Arbor Month and Tourism Month, Kouga Municipality launched the unique Kouga Milkwood Trail in Jeffreys Bay on Friday, 22 September 2023 – honouring the extraordinary Milkwood Tree (Sideroxylon inerme), while keeping the region green.
A year-long dream coming true.
It has been a dream of a group of nature-loving friends – who constructed the labyrinth out of more than 1 000 spekboom on the corner of Noorsekloof Road and Dogwood Road in Jeffreys Bay – to establish an interactive Milkwood Trail in Kouga, and, in doing so, showcasing all the beautiful area has to offer.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said that they could not do it all on their own and asked the municipality, private individuals and businesses to join hands to turn the dream into a reality.
Discussions between the two parties began earlier this year, and research has been done to determine the best areas with easy access to plant additional trees – adding to the existing trees.
Milkwood Trail
“The trail encompasses twelve thoughtfully chosen sites, inviting residents and visitors to delve into the fascinating history, intriguing science, and essential conservation initiatives surrounding this iconic tree species,” said Bornman.
“Additionally, the trail offers and opportunity to explore the natural marvels of Jeffreys Bay.”
The 12 Milkwood Tree locations are:
- Jeffreys Bay Tourism Office
- Elza van Lingen Library
- O.T.H. Park
- Noorsekloof Nature Reserve
- Da Gama Road (opposite Jeffreys Bay SuperSpar)
- Flame Crescent
- Supertubes
- Kabeljauws Street
- Kabeljauws Lagoon
- Poplar Park
- Labyrinth (Noorsekloof Road)
According to Bornman, a comprehensive informational guide has been meticulously crafted to serve as a valuable resource for those wanting to explore the trail, equipping them with a route map and the knowledge to identify these majestic trees.
“The successful execution of this trail would not have been possible without private individual participation and funding,” said Bornman. “It required proper planning, brainstorming, funding, and passion. A heartfelt thank you to each and everyone who contributed towards this worthy project.
“Let us unite in discovering and safeguarding the splendour of our remarkable Milkwood trees.
“Furthermore, as a municipality, we challenge residents to plant indigenous trees as a concrete and symbolic act of sustainable environmental management – and in doing so, also helping to keep Kouga green.”
More information
For more information about the Kouga Milkwood Trail, visit the Kouga Municipality Facebook Page or website at www.kouga.gov.za.
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