Introduction
...
"Mons Mensa" ... as every field or nature guide
knows, is the Latin name of a star constellation meaning "Table
Mountain" situated near the Large Magellanic Cloud, a neighbouring galaxy.
The constellation was named by a French scientific observer
of the stars, Abbe Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, in the early 1750's from his
observatory in Strand Street, Cape Town. He is credited with having named 15 of
the 88 constellations and Mons Mensa is the only one which represents a
geological formation.
The Mons Mensa Centre for Nature Studies provides
educational programs aligned to the National Qualification Framework. Its courses are structured
on a modular format and are run over weekends in the winter months at times best suited to its adult learners. The
syllabus for Nature Site Guide, TGD/NSGd/2/0029 is extensive
& comprehensive and includes a variety of topics such as bush skills, field
craft, weather & climate, astronomy, geology, ecology, botany, insects,
reptiles, birds, mammals, marine, ethology and cultural heritage. The course incorporates
interactive lecture room learning and field excursions.
The
nature programs are presented by accredited Field Guides and are run in
association with Johan Fourie of The
Nature College; a highly
reputable learning institution with full
THETA accreditation.
The Mons Mensa
Centre for Nature Studies is the Cape Town branch of The
Nature College.
What is a Field or Nature Guide? It is a person who leads
people into the natural areas of the environment. Does this definition apply to
you?
