Introduction
The Elsieskraal Power Walk Series of geocaches has been prepared as an educational initiative to introduce young people to two things: types of geocache hides that they will encounter in an urban environment as they start geocache activity; and to some interesting facets of Pineland history encountered along the walk. It may assist Cubs and Scouts in obtaining their geocaching badge and may be suitable as a small-group youth activity: either school of faith based.
The Power Walk is a circular trail of just under 6 km along the walkway that goes along both sides of the canal. For its entire length the walk is in a proclaimed green recreational zone.
The walk can be started at any point and the caches don't need to be found in any particular order. There are many convenient parking spots on the roads that run adjacent to the canal.
The Elsieskraal Green Zone and Recreational Area
Southwesterly view across the Elsieskraal Canal towards Table Mountain and Devils Peak
showing the Green Zone and Recreational Area
Renew the Elsieskraal Initiative
A group of Pinelands residents have started an initiative to improve both the surrounds and the quality of the river itself. They have embarked on projects to plant indigenous vegetation, trees, shrubs and ground cover, on the banks adjacent to the canal and along the walkways on either side. The initiative has gained the support of local faith communities, the Scouts, and local businesses.
The purpose of the Renew the Elsieskraal River project is to increase biodiversity along the banks of the Elsieskraal river canal in Pinelands, to reduce the amount of pollution entering the ocean via the Elsieskraal river, and to increase environmental awareness among community members and youth living in Pinelands. To achieve this, litter traps have been installed and maintained, and community engaged clean-ups and planting days are being conducted throughout the year. For more info on this organisation visit their Facebook page.
A litter trap installed in the Elsieskraal Canal