How can we introduce children to the topic of biodiversity conservation? Our answer lies in education in nature, which not only stimulates curiosity but also allows children to develop an emotional connection with the environment! In this context, let’s briefly recall the background of the VERA project. The agricultural biodiversity of Puglia and Dalmatia is insufficiently researched and protected. The dominance of monocultures, intensive agriculture, and urbanization has led to the disappearance of traditional fruit tree varieties, which has a detrimental impact on our ecosystems. This problem is further exacerbated by the increasing disconnect from nature, especially among younger generations. Therefore, through the VERA project—Sustainable Agricultural Models for Biodiversity Preservation, we developed an educational program for students of Ostrog Primary School and Lećevica Branch School, in collaboration with the students of Braća Radić Secondary School and teacher Marijana Bjeliš.
Learning about nature in nature, in Croatia’s only school botanical garden
The Ostrog Primary School Botanical Garden is a protected monument of park horticulture, the only one of its kind in Croatia. Naturally, the garden must be maintained, with dried trees and branches removed, and new plants planted in carefully chosen locations. It was the perfect place to conduct our educational activities with children.
The educational program consisted of three activities: planting plants, creating a composting area, and making an insect hotel, carried out over two workshops on October 9 and 16, 2024.
In consultation with Iskra Mara Zubčić Svalina, the manager of the School Botanical Garden, we selected new planting spots for plants missing from the garden’s collection, such as castor bean (Ricinus communis), spotted laurel (Aucuba japonica variegata), Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica), and coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli).
When little hands come together: planting, composting, and caring for insects
Although planting may seem like a small act, it has a much deeper impact on children’s development. Direct contact with nature fosters emotional connections with the environment and a sense of responsibility towards it. Children learn about plant growth and sustainable practices, gaining important skills and knowledge about natural processes. Additionally, working in the garden promotes collaboration, creativity, and physical activity, strengthening their love for nature and sustainable principles. During the workshop, students and teacher Marijana Bjeliš from 3rd grade at Braća Radić Secondary School demonstrated proper planting techniques to 2nd grade students of Ostrog Primary School:
– We need a deep enough hole, good tools, soil that’s not too dry or too wet, proper soil tamping, watering, and a little luck, – explained teacher Marijana Bjeliš.
On the other hand, the 2nd-grade students, with teacher Marijana Sudar, collected household bio-waste (fruit and vegetable peels), while the necessary branches and dry leaves were gathered from the gardens of both schools. For composting, it is crucial to fill it with 50% green and 50% brown substrate, aerate it periodically, and water as needed.
During the second workshop, students from the environmental group of Lećevica Branch School, led by teacher Sandra Tuta, joined us. Together, we created and installed an insect hotel. These “hotels” play a key role in preserving biodiversity by providing shelter for many beneficial insects, such as bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. All the materials for the project were prepared by representatives from Braća Radić Secondary School.
Iskra Mara Zubčić Svalina, the manager of the Ostrog Primary School Botanical Garden, also conducted a guided tour of the garden for the students of the Lećevica Branch School’s environmental group, offering them a deeper insight into the secret world of plant species, some of which they were seeing for the first time.
Enriched school gardens and empowered children
Osim što smo obogatili školske vrtove, nismo ni učenike ostavili praznih ruku. Projektom smo nabavili knjige za djecu ekološke tematike Velika knjiga cvijeća, Kukci, Sadi i Sunce za doručak kako bi pričama o prirodi, djeca naučila o važnosti očuvanja okoliša i razvila osjećaj odgovornosti prema planetu. Nadamo se da će učenici pod vodstvom svojih učiteljica nastaviti provoditi ekološke aktivnosti u školskim vrtovima, a i saznati još više o različitim vrstama cvijeća i kukcima.
Not only did we enrich the school gardens, but we also made sure the students didn’t leave empty-handed. Through the project, we provided children with environmental-themed books like The Big Book of Flowers, Insects, Plant, and Sun for Breakfast to help them learn about the importance of preserving the environment and develop a sense of responsibility for the planet. We hope that the students, guided by their teachers, will continue to engage in ecological activities in the school gardens and learn even more about different flower and insect species.
Finally, we conducted a quick evaluation of our activities and are proud to report that we received almost all top marks!
Get Involved in Activities That Connect Children with Nature! Whether you’re a teacher, educator, or parent, encourage children to explore the world around them, learn about different species of plants and animals, and develop a love for nature so that together we can preserve the biodiversity of Dalmatia!
