In an era where technology reins, the outdoors is often shunned by youngsters to make way for gaming consoles and social media. Cellphones and computers an escape from routine.
Yet, there are children who embrace the outdoors. Learning essential skills that will help them in later life. These children belong to the Scouts. An organisation that combines adventure and values, to help youth create a better world.
On August 23, 3rd Newcastle Scouts embarked on an excursion to Cycads for Pleasure. Troop Scouter Warren Seegers explained that once a month, the scouts held a meeting outside the Scout Hall. “Every month, we take the children out, whether it is hiking or where they can learn something new.”
At Cycads for Pleasure, the Scouts were given an educational talk by Hugh Robb about cycads and indigenous flora in South Africa.
Hugh’s discussion on cycads captivated the Scouts, especially when it was discovered the plants were over 200 million years old. It is because of cycads history and exquisite beauty, they are a protected plant species. Especially with the plant being on the endangered species list.
“It takes a cycad approximately 20 to 30 years to seed. But, cycads can’t pollinate by themselves as there are male and female plants,” Hugh explains.
Which is where a major problem comes in, as plants are often poached in the wild. Because either a male or female plant is stolen, cycads often struggle to breed in the wild.
Hugh claims wildlife organisations are now microchipping cycad colonies, in an attempt to minimise cycad poaching.
“If a person is caught illegally with a cycad, they can go to court and face hefty fines. Which is why it is important to acquire them from authorised nurseries.”
Educated on cycads, 3rd Newcastle Scouts is looking forward to putting their knowledge to the test during their next hiking excursion.
