Nature loses one of its fiercest champions as Janine Stephen dies
Her life partner, Connor Cullinan, announced her passing in a heartfelt tribute, describing her as the driving force.
The conservation community is mourning the loss of Ferncliffe Forest Wilding co-founder Janine Stephen, whose passion for restoring Pietermaritzburg’s indigenous mistbelt forest has left a lasting environmental legacy.
Stephen died on June 19 after a five-year battle with cancer.
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Her life partner, Connor Cullinan, announced her passing in a heartfelt tribute, describing her as the driving force behind the restoration project they founded together.
He described Stephen as “gentle, kind, intelligent and fun-loving”, adding that her greatest strength was her selflessness.
Janine knew that she would never sit in the shade of the trees she planted, but this reality never dampened her passion for the land and the work that meant so much to her.
Ferncliffe Forest Wilding was established in 2021 after Cullinan and Stephen left Cape Town to return to KwaZulu-Natal with a vision of restoring the indigenous mistbelt forest surrounding Glengarriff Farm and the Ferncliffe Nature Reserve.
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The project focuses on removing invasive alien vegetation, restoring indigenous biodiversity and creating a healthier ecosystem for future generations.
A journalist by profession, Stephen turned her energy towards conservation, forging partnerships with local and international environmental organisations while dedicating herself to protecting one of Pietermaritzburg’s most important natural areas.
Cullinan said the project would continue despite her passing.
“Looking to the future, I would like to emphasise the fact that Ferncliffe Forest Wilding will continue its work seeking to restore this beautiful part of the world. The project will keep moving forward: in honour and memory of Janine, and in keeping with the ethos and spirit she played such a vital role in creating.”
Tributes have poured in from across Pietermaritzburg and beyond.
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The Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business described Stephen as someone who had devoted the past five years to restoring the city’s indigenous forest and protecting biodiversity.
The chamber said she had found purpose in removing invasive plants, planting indigenous trees and building partnerships with international conservation organisations, leaving behind a lasting environmental legacy.
Anti-poaching organisation Snare Aware also paid tribute.
“We are so honoured to have worked with Janine and yourself, Connor in the fight for Ferncliffe. We are so happy to hear that you will continue her legacy.”
Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Action Group (KPCA) remembered Stephen as “a forest angel”.
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“We have lost a forest angel. Janine was so supportive of our efforts; she was such a passionate advocate for city trees,” KPCA wrote.
“We send our sincere condolences to her loved ones. May her legacy live on in the beautiful work of Ferncliffe Forest Wilding.”
Tributes flooded the Ferncliffe Forest Wilding Facebook.
Lori Cohen said she had worked with Stephen for years, describing her as a “really beautiful person who wove magic with words.”
She wrote: “May her memory be a blessing.”
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Sam Schwarer commented on Stephen’s legacy, as many others did, stating it would benefit so many, including the work she so passionately carried out.
Sam wrote: “What a heartbreak it is to lose this treasure of a person.”
Stephen is survived by Cullinan, her parents, and her sister.
