Volunteers from the “Everyone Can Help” volunteer center organized a field trip to a perlite quarry, recognized for its role in supporting the growth of flora and wildlife in the Berehovo district, to introduce local children to the rich array of plants and animals in this area. Their adventure began with a visit to the “Mustang” horse farm, where the youngsters were treated to some delightful treats. Following this, they checked on a nest box that had been set up earlier in the nesting season to see if a little owl had taken up residence. While they didn’t manage to catch a glimpse of the owl, they came across numerous owl pellets scattered about. These pellets contained compressed, undigested remnants of animal food, including bones, wool, feathers, and insect chitin, all regurgitated by owls in the form of small, rounded lumps. On the journey to the perlite quarry, the group had the chance to spot various bird species, including a buzzard, a gray heron, and a flock of jays. They also took the opportunity to gather fruits from dog rose (Rosa canina) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa).
Visitors were caught away by the perlite quarry’s magnificent beauty and magnificence, and they approached the observation of its biodiversity with considerable attention. Children and adults alike enjoyed the stunning surroundings and entire experience, obtaining vital insights into Transcarpathia’s flora and animals through the compelling narration of the outing’s professional ornithologist, Leonid Pokrytyuk.
For instance, Mr. Pokrytyuk shared intriguing information, highlighting how the quarry’s soft walls serve as a nesting and burrowing ground for birds during the warmer seasons, hosting species like the Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) and the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster). He also described an interesting experience he had in the vicinity, where he witnessed a fight between a European mantis (Mantis religiosa) and a predatory bush cricket (Saga pedo), both of which are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, the Red Book of Ukraine (with a conservation status of VU), and Appendix II of the Bern Convention. Mr. Pokrytyuk noted that the perlite quarry provides intriguing experiences throughout the year and invited fellow tourists to return in the spring.
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).
Informational Service of IRCEF
(NABU), Nataliya Kulya (IRCEF).
