On June 24, teachers of the Transcarpathian Regional Ecological and Naturalistic Center for Students Youth, together with youths and children of IDPs, made an educational and informative excursion to one of the most charming corners of the city – Bozdosh Park, which is a park monument of local importance. It’s located within the city, on the Slavyanska embankment (the left bank of the Uzh river). The history of the park is quite old and it was founded in 1954.
Acquaintance with the park began at the informational stand, where the children examined the plan of the park and developed a route they would walk along. Olga Velychkanych, head of the biology department and educational and research work, told about the main tree and shrub species that grow here. The young students learned that among the alleys there is a plane, oak, rose, and thuja alleys. Children walked through the oak alley, but not a common oak, but a red oak. Red oak is used in green construction due to its great decorativeness and resistance to an aggressive environment.
Next, the youth students with the teachers visited the Ginkgo Alley where Oleksandr Gerevych with their grandson Valerian have planted the first seedlings many years ago. After almost 20 years, this tree, like others turned into a beautiful big tree. Everyone knows about its medicinal properties and resistance to air pollution. Young people systematically visit the alley in order to observe the trees and provide assistance. It turned out that the smallest ginkgo seedling needed watering, and the children happily watered it.
There is a rose alley nearby. The aroma and beauty of the flowers impressed everyone with their charm. The children also heard interesting information that the petals of these roses are used to make rose jam. Children also visited the “Lovers’ Bridge”, which is located over the channel and has an important mission. When the Uzh River overflows during floods, the gateways are opened and water is geared here in order to reduce the water level in the river and prevent flooding of the bank areas of the city. On both sides of the alley leading to the pedestrian bridge where nearby is linden alley. Participants said that most of them are treated with linden tea for colds and fevers. Impressed by the natural beauty of their native land, the tour participants decided to create paintings from natural materials., Images of Ukrainian national symbols such as the trident and the flag were created since the national holiday (Constitution Day) is coming.
The final stop was the mineral spring located in the park. Most of the local residents know that there is a mineral spring with healing water in Uzhhorod, so there are many people willing to enjoy the healing water. By the way, Transcarpathia is known for its healing mineral waters throughout Ukraine and abroad. In our region, more than three hundred healing springs have been discovered, which differ in their properties and mineral composition. Participants had the opportunity to enjoy the coolness of the mineral spring. In memory of the excursion, everyone took home some healing mineral water.
The event was held as part of the cooperation of the Transcarpathian Regional Ecological and Naturalistic Center for Students Youth (TRENCSY) with the Interreligious and Environmental Civil Forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF) (head by Alexander Bokotey) in cooperation with the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU Bundesverband NABU International ), and project coordinators Ivan Tymofeiev (NABU), Nataliya Kulya (IRCEF).
Olha Velichkanych, Head of the Biology Department y and Natural Conservation Work of the TRENCSY
