The Overberg Crane Group showcased Blue Crane conservation at the Caledon Country Fair on 6 and 7 September 2013. The OCG representative, Gretha Louw, manned our stand at the Fair, educating young and old alike on the importance of taking care of our cranes.
The Blue Crane is South Africa’s national bird, but numbers dwindled in the past, with experts suggesting only some 25,000 Blue Cranes remain today. It is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red Data List of Threatened Species.
As such, the Crane Group works to help inform and educate where necessary those who deal with Blue Cranes – including land users and farm workers. At the Caledon Country Fair, Gretha also spent time with school children, giving interactive talks on Blue Crane conservation.
She said, “As seen at the Country Fair, the farm owners and public are aware of the importance of the Blue Cranes to the Overberg, and are proud to be part of the conservation effort.”
The Blue Crane quilt, which is currently being quilted by the ladies of the Riviersonderend Quilters Guild, was also showcased at the Fair. The quilt is being used to raise funding for the Overberg Crane Group through a raffle. Gretha will also be a guest speaker at the Guild’s monthly meeting later in September.