Keeping It Wild 2025
Despite facing chilly weather, over 100 resilient guests came together in early May at Driehoek Tourist Farm for the “Keeping it Wild” gathering. Hosted in collaboration with Love Our Trails, the event celebrated the spirit of conservation in the rugged Cederberg Mountains.
Braving the cold, attendees showed their commitment by engaging in meaningful conversations, shared learning, and community-building focused on preserving this extraordinary wilderness.
Voices for the Wild
The weekend began on a heartfelt note on Friday, 9 May, as guests gathered in the barn for an evocative opening led by Hugh Corder. With excerpts from In These Mountains by the late Stephen Watson, Hugh wove together poetry, memory, and friendship in a tribute that stirred something deep in all of us.
From there, the energy shifted into a dynamic and thought-provoking panel, expertly guided by Blake Dyason of Love Our Trails. Joined by Edmund February, Monique Ruthenberg, Dawie Burger, and Pieter du Toit, the conversation spanned everything from trail sustainability to inclusive access and the shared responsibility of those who walk these paths.
Saturday
Saturday dawned with fierce winds and relentless rain. With the weather keeping us indoors, the room buzzed with energy as conservation changemakers and tech pioneers shared bold ideas—from leopard protection and VR experiences to drones, freshwater ecosystems, and reforesting the Cederberg with real impact.
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible conservationists who turned a rainy day into a rich and inspiring experience. Your stories, insights, and energy kept spirits high and hearts engaged, no matter the weather:
- Naas van Jaarsveld and Jeannie Hayward: Cape Leopard Trust
- Steven Wessels: Left us in awe with his virtual reality experience
- Evan Kortje: CapeNature – Discussing the ecological significance of the Cederberg's wild landscapes and the pressing conservation challenges they face
- Andries Louw: NCO2 (Negative Carbon Solutions) – Presented innovative drone-based restoration technologies being applied in the Cederberg
- Dawie Burger: Founder of Sustainable Ceder, shared exciting developments regarding the organisation's conservation efforts in the Cederberg region
- David Mayson: Presents the Driehoek Property initiative (DCBD), introducing the opportunity for interested parties to invest in or purchase the property.
Patrick Hanekom from the Pebbles Project ensured that children from the local community were included in the day’s activities, allowing them to fully participate in the experience and enjoy the day’s events.
Giving Thanks to Our Conservation Legends
Saturday evening added a powerful layer of inspiration to the weekend, as five remarkable conservationists took the stage to share their knowledge, passion, and vision for protecting our wild spaces.
The esteemed speaker line-up included:
- Galeo Saintz: Co-Founder of Rim of Africa and Chairperson of the World of Trails Network, Trails and Conservation Task Team
- Dr Charlene Janion-Scheepers: Terrestrial Ecologist and Invertebrate Physiologist / University of Cape Town – Highlighting the critical ecological role of ants in mountain ecosystems, emphasising their importance as key contributors to soil health, seed dispersal, and overall biodiversity
- Dr Chris Broeckhoven: Evolutionary Biologist / Biodiversity & Bio-inspiration Research / Co-Founder, BiorteX – Research on the Armadillo Girdled Lizard
- Dr Jasper Slingsby: Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cape Town and a Research Associate at the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) – Provided an insightful overview of his involvement in NASA’s biodiversity survey
- Dr Jeremy Shelton: Freshwater Conservation Biologist / Freshwater Research Centre – Delivered an in-depth exploration of freshwater ecosystems, highlighting the challenges posed by invasive species and their impact on ecological balance
From Talk to Action
Sunday morning greeted us with clear skies and sunshine, setting the scene for a beautiful day. Volunteers arrived with great energy and were split into three groups to begin the day’s activities:
- Alien Clearing – Led by CapeNature & Liz Mayson (The Sugarbird Trust)
- Cedar Tree Planting – Led by Steven Bekker (International Volunteer)
- Trail Cleaning at the Arch – Led by Evan Kortje (CapeNature)
With Sincere Appreciation
Our deepest appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this weekend. From the dedicated volunteers to the inspiring speakers—and everyone in between—your contributions were truly invaluable.
Special thanks to Love Our Trails for hosting the event, Gone.Outdoor Store, Gonzo Runs and everyone that donated shoes and old gear, Cederberg Wines, Driehoek Wines & Guest Farm, Cederberg Brewery, Culture Lab Kombucha, CapeNature, Cape Leopard Trust, Steven Wessels, and Scuttle for sponsoring gazebos to keep us dry when the rain came pouring down.
Thank you to the photographers Juliette Bisset (@sondercontent), Raydon Barrett (@barry_socks), Jay Caboz (@jaycabozlandscapes), and Skyla (@skylahaley) for capturing the spirit of the event so beautifully.
It’s been an unforgettable experience—thank you for being part of it. See you next year!
