On the 28 and 29 April 2023 Milnerton Racecourse Conservation Area (MRCA) participated in the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge. A number of surrounding community members as well as certain individual who are interested in biodiversity occurring in MRCA joined the event. More than 12 visited the reserve for the challenge. MRCA is a section of Table Bay Nature Reserve. The reserve is rich in biodiversity, mostly Cape Flats Sand Fynbos which is considered a critically endangered vegetation type. This was an opportunity for MRCA to showcase some of its biodiversity to the world. Observations were conducted in both the northern and southern section of the reserve. Many plant species, insects and birds were captured on camera and loaded as sightings onto the iNaturalist App. Lachenalia reflexa, a plant species listed at vulnerable on IUCN Red List was found during the challenge. The reserve is home to 12 plant species on the Red List.

Ms Sally Hey came with her family to participate in the challenge. She is very knowledgeable and fascinated with plants. She participated in the challenge in 2021 so she was familiar with the site. It was a great pleasure to host them in the reserve.

The City Nature challenge is always a special time to showcase the MRCA. 2023 was no exception, and we look forward to affording more people the opportunity to enjoy the biodiversity on their doorstep, hosting such as Spring and Night Walks later in this year.

Images of plants and insects recorded during the challenge this year: