Korsman Conservancy

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Korsman Conservancy

Citizen conservationists caring for Korsman Bird Sanctuary To read the Objectives and for more information, please visit the website. Please join us as a member!

It was established by Residents and interested parties to supplement council services in restoring and maintaining this jewel of Ekurhuleni for the benefit of nature and for the enjoyment of nature lovers. The Chairperon of Korsman Conservancy is Jane Trembath. Different levels of membership are available: Participating, Observing and Junior membership. Funds are used for furthering the objectives

of the Sanctuary - maintenance and improvements. Full details on http://www.korsmanconservancy.com/

30/03/2026

From all of us at the conservancy, we wish to extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the SA Wetland Society for selecting us as the grand winner of your prestigious photo competition, and for the honour of awarding us complimentary entry to the 2026 National Wetlands Indaba Conference.

We would also like to commend our Chairperson, Jane Trembath, on her outstanding photographic capture. Your dedication, passion, and the consistent care you demonstrate towards the sanctuary are truly commendable and deeply appreciated.

We further acknowledge and applaud the invaluable work undertaken by your organisation in raising awareness and educating the public on the significance of wetlands, biodiversity, and the preservation of our natural environment. Your efforts play a vital role in fostering a greater appreciation for the beauty and importance of nature.

Once again, we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation.

28/02/2026

Last day of the month, when I go out in the pan to download data from the water temperature logger. Research and long-term data collection is part of our work in understanding our wetland. Our temperature data is already being used by University of Johannesburg for greenhouse gas research, and by University of California for the temperature tolerance of Hydra (a small water creature, in the same family as jellyfish).
It's also fun learning more about Korsman! Never happier than when I'm in my waders in the water, being at one with wetlands.
SA Wetland Society
Temperature logger donated by AGFACTS

25/02/2026

Doing my rounds in the pan, monitoring the health of the system for our waterbirds and fish. What a privilege to be in their domain. This is where I feel at one with wetlands.

&WWD2026

21/01/2026

A message from Korsman Conservancy to Johnson Crane marathon runners to PLEASE KEEP OUR AREA CLEAN (30 second video - please watch)

31/12/2025

Dear community

As we come to the close of another year, we would like to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of our conservancy and sanctuary journey.

To our members, your commitment, passion, and ongoing support are the backbone of everything we do. To all the volunteers, donors, and contributors, your time, effort, and generosity have made a real and lasting difference.

To the general public, thank you for your involvement, your care for nature, and for always being willing to lend a hand, share information, and support conservation in so many ways.

Every report, every clean-up, every act of kindness, and every shared concern for our natural spaces helps protect and preserve what we all cherish. Together, you’ve helped make our sanctuary stronger, more resilient, and more hopeful for the future.

And last, but certainly not least, we extend our sincere and heartfelt appreciation to Jane Trembath, our Chairlady, as well as the entire Conservancy Committee.

Jane thank you for your unwavering dedication, tireless commitment, and the constant care shown on a daily basis. Your collective leadership, passion, and genuine love for the pan and its inhabitants are truly inspiring. Without your vision, guidance, and hands-on involvement, the pan and those who depend on it would not thrive as they do today. Your selfless efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for everything you do to protect and nurture this special place.

As we step into the New Year, we wish you and your loved ones happiness, good health, and prosperity. May the year ahead bring renewed energy, unity, and continued success in protecting our beautiful environment.

Thank you for being part of our community we truly couldn’t do this without you. 💚

Here’s to a bright and positive New Year ahead!

Photographs and consent by Flip Mare

16/11/2025

Weeding work parties

Protect. Restore. Grow.

Did you know that a few hours of weeding can make a massive difference to the health of our sanctuary?

Invasive plants spread quickly, outcompete our indigenous species, and threaten the natural balance of our ecosystems. By joining our weeding work parties, you’re not just pulling out plants — you’re helping restore habitats, protect birdlife, and keep our conservancy thriving for generations to come.

✨ Why it’s beneficial:
🌱 Helps our indigenous plants flourish
🦜 Supports the birds and wildlife that rely on these plants
🌻 Prevents invasive species from taking over
🤝 Builds community spirit and teamwork
💪 A great way to get outdoors, get active, and make a real impact
❤️ Every little bit truly counts!

Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or a complete beginner, we’d love to have you join us. Keep your eyes peeled for the next work party announcement right here on our page! 👀🌿

Let’s work together to keep our conservancy healthy, beautiful, and full of life. 🌞💚

04/09/2025

Meet the Master Builder of the Bird World – The Southern Masked Weaver!

If there was ever an avian architect who deserved their own reality show, it’s this little guy. The southern masked weaver spends hours weaving intricate nests from grass and reeds, think of it as a luxury “bachelor pad in the branches.” 😅

Fun Facts:
• Males are the decorators, they build multiple nests to impress the ladies. If she’s not impressed, she simply tears it down. (Talk about tough clients!)

• Their bright yellow feathers and black mask make them stand out like they’re wearing tuxedos at a garden party.

• They’re found across Southern Africa, often near water, where colonies can turn a tree into a noisy construction site.

So next time you hear rustling in the trees at the sanctuary, it might just be a masked weaver working overtime proving once again that in nature (just like in real estate), location, location, location matters.

Photography and consent by Flip Mare.

01/09/2025

Dear community

Tomorrow morning Korsman conservancy will conduct our final controlled ecological burn of the season, in the area marked in blue. The weather will be safe for burning tomorrow as the weather forecast predicts an increase in relative humidity in the morning. The wind should keep the smoke within the Sanctuary, however it may temporarily drift over the road.

16/08/2025

The Black-Winged Kite – Our Feathered Helicopter!

If you spot a little bird of prey hovering perfectly still in the sky above Korsman, don’t worry it’s not a drone spying on you, it’s the Black-Winged Kite showing off its incredible skills!

These striking raptors are known for their red eyes (always on the lookout for lunch) and their unique “hover-hunting” style hanging in the air like a mini helicopter before swooping down on unsuspecting rodents.

Despite their serious hunting business, they’ve got a touch of style too with sleek grey feathers, black wing patches, and a piercing stare that says, “Yes, I’m fabulous, and yes, I see that mouse.”

So next time you’re walking around the sanctuary, look up! You might just catch our very own airborne acrobat giving nature’s airshow.

Photographs and consent by Cathy Price.

09/08/2025

Annual Controlled Ecological Burn – A Community Effort

On the 1st of August, we kicked off our annual controlled ecological burn, an important part of maintaining the health of our grassland habitat and encouraging biodiversity. Volunteers from our community gathered to assist in monitoring the burn, ensuring that the process was carried out safely and effectively.

Our second burn took place on the 8th of August, and once again, the enthusiasm and dedication from everyone involved was truly inspiring. It was not only a vital ecological task but also a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community.

We were delighted to welcome guests from Homestead Helpers on both days. Their interest and positive energy were greatly appreciated. Controlled burns play a crucial role in reducing invasive vegetation, promoting the growth of indigenous species, and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

A heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers, supporters, and guests who contributed their time and effort. Your participation helps ensure that our sanctuary remains a safe haven for wildlife and a thriving natural space for future generations.

07/08/2025

Good evening.

Korsman Conservancy plans to burn this section of grassland tomorrow morning. The smoke should drift over the pan according to the wind forecast. The site has been prepared with firebreaks and will be conducted by several volunteers.

31/07/2025

Good evening community.

Tomorrow morning Korsman Conservancy volunteers will be conducting a controlled ecological burn of the section near Sanctuary Lane. The wind is forecast to be from the south to carry the smoke over pan. We have prepared the area with fire breaks and there will be a number of volunteers attending the burn. The Fire Department has been notified.

See this video if you would like more info on how and why we burn:

https://youtu.be/MQYeo6vlRB0?si=dEXEfD2kHcrH-yJV

Address

The Drive, Westdene
Benoni
1501

Website

http://www.korsmanconservancy.com/

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