On an educational trip to the village of Nevytske, experts from IRCEF organized engaging activities for schoolchildren from Uzhhorod. They successfully blended environmental education, research, and hands-on experience right in the heart of nature. The main aim of this event was to introduce children to the forest-forming species and the diverse birdlife in the vicinity of Nevytsky Castle. Oksana Kremin, the IRCEF expert, shared the history of the authentic Nevytsky Castle, a nationally significant architectural monument dating back to the 13th century, and regaled the children with its intriguing legends. As the children ambled along the path, they keenly observed their surroundings and eagerly named the various plants they encountered along the way: impatiens, periwinkle, geraniums, ivy, blackberry, common hazel, elderberry, acacias, and more.
The youngsters happily participated in search activities, methodically gathering leaves from forest tree species based on specified templates, guided by handouts. The youngsters saw the presence of forest beech, as well as common oak, sycamore maple, small-leaved linden, and common hornbeam while evaluating the primary forest-forming species in this forest. These young naturalists made their way down to the Uzh River’s banks where they noted the presence of invasive species including Sosnowsky’s hogweed and common ragweed that had established themselves in significant thickets along the riverbanks.
Throughout the excursion, the children observed the avian and insect life. The young participants were captivated by the crane, its melodious calls resonating in the azure sky. “The cranes are heading to warmer lands,” Yulia, one of the excursion-goers, remarked with a tinge of sadness. They also had the opportunity to spot bush crickets, mole crickets, ants, and mosquitoes. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the mantis, which they closely examined through a special magnifying glass provided by the Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies (IERS) for the outing. In the end, the forest excursion proved to be an engaging and action-packed adventure. The children were thrilled by what they had witnessed and captured numerous photographs while observing the natural wonders of the autumn season.
The event was held within the framework of cooperation between the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF) headed by Olexander Bokotey) and the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU Bundesverband, NABU International), project coordinators Ivan Tymofeiev (NABU), and Nataliya Kulya (IRCEF).
Oksana Kremin,
Head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection at PADIUN and IERS expert
