Nkonka Valley Rehabilitation Project Multi-Cache

The indigenous KwaZulu-Natal sandstone sourveld (KZN SS) grassland is highly endemic and species-rich, yet critically endangered and poorly conserved. Ecological threats to this grassland are further exacerbated by the occurrence of woody plant encroachment, a form of degradation that has severe negative environmental and economic consequences. In this regard, understanding the distribution of the KZN SS fragments is critical for implementing conservation and management strategies.Over a period of about a decade the residents of Park Crescent got together every second year to burn the grassland on the south slope of the Nkonka valley. These hair raising adventures sometimes had unintended consequences but were effective in limiting the spread of invader plants, protecting the grassland from forest encroachment and building relationships within the community.

There had been an earlier attempt at clearing gum trees but in 2015 we resolved to make a more concerted effort to return the valley habitat to its natural condition. Over an 18 month period we cleared invasive plants from much of the the south slope grassland. In 2017 a forestry contractor, Guy de Charmoy, was contracted to clear an extensive section of gum tree forest on the north slope. Following the clearance, we are focusing on controlling regrowth from the gum stumps and combating invader shrubs such as lantana and bugweed. We have also planted 60 indigenous trees in appropriate areas.

The project is endorsed and supported by the Kloof Conservancy. 

The length of the valley is from waypoint 1 to the final more or less but you can't walk there it is private property between waypoints 1 and 2. You will have to drive around.

Your goal is to find the coordinates at waypoint 1 and 2 using your eyes only, there is no physical container. Once you have both coordinates you're ready to go.