Entrepreneurship Programme Success Stories
At Grootbos Foundation, we are proud to share the inspiring progress of entrepreneurs in our programme.
Recently, Grootbos had the privilege of hosting Dr. Alan Fryday, a renowned expert in the study of lichens, who travelled all the way from Michigan, USA, to spend a month surveying the incredible lichen diversity found on the reserve. His extensive knowledge has been invaluable, and his visit sparked great excitement among researchers and interns alike.
Lichen enthusiasts from all over the country gathered to learn from Dr. Fryday, who is affectionately referred to as the “godfather” of lichen studies. His fieldwork at Grootbos has offered a rare opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of these unique organisms, which are often overlooked yet play a critical role in many ecosystems.
The fieldwork was a hands-on experience, with participants immersing themselves in identifying various lichen species. Among the highlights was Grootbos entomology intern Happiness Baloyi’s discovery. She was overjoyed when she successfully created a beautiful cross-section of jelly lichen (Leptogium) under the microscope, using Dr. Fryday’s guidance to identify it by the visible lichen spores. Her excitement was contagious, and it underscored the passion shared by everyone involved.
Fellow intern Marelise Faul was also hard at work, concentrating on achieving the thinnest cross-section of lichen possible for her microscope analysis. These moments of discovery and learning have highlighted the intricate world of lichens and the importance of continued research in this field.
This month of lichen study at Grootbos has truly been a rewarding experience, thanks to the expertise of Dr. Fryday and the enthusiasm of everyone who took part in this collaborative effort.
Grootbos Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation in Gansbaai committed to conserving the Cape Floral Kingdom and uplifting the communities that reside within it. The foundation protects more than 22,200ha of fynbos landscape and biodiversity on Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and the Walk...
View ProfileXplorio is your local connection allowing you to find anything and everything about a town.
Read MoreAt Grootbos Foundation, we are proud to share the inspiring progress of entrepreneurs in our programme.
Our female rugby team had an exciting week of training, where they had the incredible opportunity to meet John McGuigan.
Our Grootbos Foundation Conservation Research Team recently captured this incredible shot of a pollen wasp under the microscope!
Sunday, 6 October 2024 marked the final day of Chelsea Flowers in Stanford.
The Chelsea Flowers in Stanford installation has been a breathtaking success for Grootbos.
Our dedicated sports coaches hosted a morning filled with fun and physical indigenous games on the Stanford Village Green during the school holidays.