A series of field lessons for schoolchildren is behind us!

Almost 150 pupils and teachers from primary schools from the Orawa-Nowy Targ communes have visited the Czerwone bog woodland with us.

As part of the classes, we talked about what makes peat bogs special and why they are important – both to nature and to us.

Later, we went to the project site, where we conducted observations and research of the natural environment elements together. We performed water measurements – we measured its pH, temperature, transparency and dissolved oxygen content – as well as a dendrological study showing age and annual growth of the trees. We studied these elements in the bog and outside of it (for comparative purposes). In addition, from the observation tower in the reserve, we made observations of the sky, types of clouds, sky cover and weather conditions.

During the classes children:

• learned how to conduct research using scientific methods and draw conclusions, as well as how to work in a group;
• developed the habit of observing and analyzing nature;
• learned about the characteristics of peat bogs and their uniqueness;
• learned to work with a map.

All of this year's classes are behind us. Next ones will take place in spring!

The trip to the peat bog took place on the basis of a relevant consent and was supervised by a forest officer from the Nowy Targ State Forestry Authority.

Photos: Piotr Mikołajczyk, UNEP/GRID–Warsaw