Virgin forest Pečka
From Saturday, 30th March to Monday 1st April 2013
Slovenija – Dolenjska – Podturn, Gorenje Vrhpolje, Kostanjevica
Do you want to get closer to nature? Spend a night or two in the largest forest complex on the old continent? And in the three days around those nights, visit three Slovenian virgin forests. All three of them are virgin forests, but they are very different. Rajhenavski gozd, forest reserve with the longest tradition of nature conservation – the heart of Kočevski Rog, Slovenian part of Dinaric forests. Mainly fir and beech on high carst, almost 1000 meters above see level, marked by constant lack of water. Virgin forest in the forest reserve Kobila, which is still struggling for its nature conservation status – a jewel in Gorjanci, cradle of many Slovenian fairy tales. Mostly beech on dolomite with beautiful springs and creeks. Virgin forest in the heart of Krakovski pragozd, the best preserved, but unfortunately also one of the last lowland oak floodplain forests.
If you want to gain knowledge instead of immersing in nature, we will take care of that to. Slovenian virgin forests are a source of knowledge about sustainability, not only for Slovenes but for the whole of central Europe, as well as other countries that have not preserved their virgin forests. In those three days there will be plenty of opportunities to meet with permaculture. Did you know that permaculture knowledge originated from Tasmanian virgin forest; that is where Bill Mollison came across many permaculture principles? Nobody can teach us as much as we can learn ourselves, and one of the best ways of learning is going to places where you can observe nature at work.
We’ll meet on Saturday, March 30 at 10 am at the parking lot of the Slovenian Forest Institute in Podturn (Podturn 73).
PROGRAM
On the first day we’ll visit Rajhenavski gozd – strict nature reserve that was excluded from forest management in 1892. Giant fir and beech trees grow there in their natural rhythm. Despite the long-standing protection, fir trees must struggle to survive. We will stay the night in the forest hut Rdeča luža, and enjoy the silence, or perhaps forest sounds. The next day we will visit the valley, which with its form gives us an opportunity for primal virgin forest experience. Here we can drink natural water from a virgin-stream, then continue our journey to the heart of the valley. After another night in the forest hut, on Monday we will go to Kostanjevica. The program will begin in front of the Žolnir inn, which was also a popular post for forest engineer Ressel – inventor of propeller, who was in charge of those forests in 1820. In his memory, the Ressel path starts here, which takes us past swamps, virgin forest, and the thickest oak in Slovenia.
Please bring your own sandwiches or meals for lunch: in the morning and in the evening vegetarian meals will be provided. Bring your own bedding or sleeping bag.
REGISTRATION
Your contribution for a visit to the most endangered ecosystems in Slovenia is only 90 €. For additional questions or registration please send mail to: janez.bozic@outlook.com or call +386-40-305-306 (Janez).
In order to ensure quality program implementation, we limit the number of participants. So do not hesitate, sign up as soon as possible.
