This National Arbor Month, Engen is celebrating employees who are making a difference. Passionate environmentalist Heidi Russell, one of Engen’s in-house graphic designers, is making a significant contribution to environmental preservation.

Through Engen’s Employee Community Partnership Programme (ECPP), Heidi has extended her support to The Sugarbird Project, a non-profit organisation collaborating with SANParks to protect the environment.

Engen’s ECPP awards R5,000 to beneficiaries in which Engen employees are actively involved, aiming to create meaningful partnerships between Engenites and their local communities, fostering a caring company ethos.

Heidi, who resides in Sea Point, believes that by connecting with nature, people can develop a love for it and become more motivated to protect and value it.

Her involvement with The Sugarbird Project began with her love for hiking and her interest in learning about local plants.

Later she joined the Rhodes Memorial Hacking Group, which is dedicated to removing invasive species, meeting the Sugarbirds and participating in their efforts on the Vredehoek side of Table Mountain National Park.

Engen’s ECPP grant will help The Sugarbird Project employ more teams and cover a wider area, extending their positive impact.

Heidi says she chose to support the project when she realised that invasive plants grow faster than indigenous ones and require consistent removal to ensure they don’t overpower local flora.

“I’ve always been passionate about the environment because it’s a vital part of our lives and our future,” explains Heidi. “I especially cherish places like a stream bustling with bird activity.”

Witnessing such areas become quiet after invasive plants took over following a fire motivated her to take action to help restore habitats, enabling birds and other wildlife to thrive.

“Invasive plants spread quickly, fuel fires and consume excessive water, posing a significant threat to ecosystems,” says Heidi.

“Seeing areas restored and wildlife returning brings me immense joy, and it’s rewarding to know that my efforts, alongside those of The Sugarbird Project, are making a tangible difference.”

Beyond her work with The Sugarbird Project, Heidi is committed to various environmental conservation activities.

She uses a bokashi bin for vegetable scraps, which she drops off at Oranjezicht City Farm, and maintains a worm bin for composting suitable scraps.

Heidi is also conscious of her purchases, prioritising local products to minimise her ecological footprint and reduce chemical pollution.

“I also recycle and place value on natural water resources, as a way of integrating additional sustainable practices into my daily life.”

The Sugarbird Trust’s Maya Nauman hails Heidi’s contribution and Engen’s support as invaluable to their mission to help safeguard and restore the Cape Floral Kingdom's unique biodiversity by removing invasive alien plants.

“Their efforts have enabled us to extend our reach and make a significant difference in protecting the Cape Floral Kingdom. We are deeply grateful for Heidi’s dedication and Engen’s support.”

The Sugarbird Project operates in collaboration with SANParks, focusing on areas within Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park.

Funded entirely by public donations, Sugarbird relies on volunteers for oversight and administration, and is driven by a shared love for forests and fynbos.

“By bringing together like-minded individuals, the project aims to make a significant impact in protecting the Cape Floral Kingdom,” adds Maya.

Engen’s CSI Manager, Olwethu Mdabula says Engen is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates.

"As a caring company with 'heart,' we are proud to support The Sugarbird Project and commend Heidi for her active community contribution in helping preserve our natural heritage.”

#EngenCares