Launched earlier this month at Sci-Enza, GreenUP undertook its first project on Saturday, 06 September 2008 with approximately 100 people attending throughout the day.

“Apart from planting trees, we also removed alien vegetation [mainly Wattles]. The function was well attended with several of our affiliates, community members, UP with Science students from schools in Pretoria, and members of the Friends of Groenkloof Nature Reserve, and the Voortrekkers,” says Chairperson of GreenUP, Jackie Brown from the Department of Zoology & Entomology.

According to Brown, the society intends on providing staff, students and the public at large with tangible means of making a difference. It is an attempt to focus on the positive aspects of the environment on campus and proposes functional ways to improve sustainability on campus and within Tshwane.

“We encourage members to become project leaders and take on projects with our support. Some of the proposed projects to be undertaken by our members include the sterilization of feral cats on campus, the reduction of energy wastage [on campus] and a green food fair,” concludes Brown.

GreenUP extends its invitation to members of the community who are adamant about creating environmental awareness by doing something positive. Readers and sponsors should start preparing for the next big work day at Groenkloof on 28 February 2009.

For more information, please e-mail [email protected].

GREEN UP STEPS UP: These are UP with Science students planting trees at the Groenkloof Nature Reserve