Field Excursions

Follow the Barrande’s footsteps

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

A day-long hike to the central part of the Central Bohemian Uplands Protected Landscape Area, including a tour on foot to the top of the highest peak, Milešovka (837 m). Examples of various forms of forest management, examples of revitalised farm land, a visit to the Milešovka National Nature Reserve, a visit to the meteorological observatory with an observation deck atop Milešovka.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

"Barrandium" is the denomination of the stratigraphic succession found in the Basin of Prague (Czech Republic). The sediments preserved here were deposited after the Caledonian orogeny (490-390Ma years ago) and survived the Variscian orogeny (ca. 350-320Ma) without significant deformation or metamorphosis. The Barrandium is named after the French engineer and fossil collector Joachim Barrande (1799-1883). In the year 1833, during fieldwork for a planned horse-railway near the villages of Skryje and Tyrovice, Barrande discovered various fossiliferous sites. These fossils of the Cambrian were at the time the oldest known petrified remains of large organisms. In Skryje village we will visit a regional museum with many fossils from its vicinity and Barrande´s monument at Skryje school building.
After it we will follow a Trilobite route, symbol of trilobite is everywhere here. First site is a classical Luh with many outctops, large trilobite statue and trilobite remains covered by limonite, its orange colour is well-visible on a debris. Fossiliferous shales and greywackes of the Buchava Formation with common findings of large paradoxidid trilobites and other skeletal fauna.
At the end of geological trip we will move to the classical castle Křivoklát. The Protected Landscape Area of Křivoklátsko conceals a castle Křivoklát which, due to its excellent location surrounded by forests full of game, was a favourite of many Czech kings. This royal residence was built in the 13th century as a seat of the ruling Přemyslid dynasty. Vestiges of Czech kings and the splendour of their lifestyle is still evident today at every step.
The moderately strenuous hiking excursion, which is approximately 5 km long and takes hikers approximately 500 metres up, will run along mostly paved trails, but partly also through the free terrain off the trails, through forest and across meadows and pastures with scarce sheltering opportunities in case of rain.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

We recommend that you wear sturdy hiking shoes, small hammer, newspaper for wrapping fossils, warm clothing suitable for the weather conditions at the time and a waterproof poncho in case of rain. There are no shops on the excursion route.

Svatý Jan pod Skalou and Chrustenice mine

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

This excursion will take you to the Czech Karst, wonderful part of Barrandian area with nice valleys, views and fossiliferous dites well known since Barrande’s time. You will visit abandoned Chrustenice mine with tunnels.
Focus: Biodiversity at mining and post-industrial sites, natural restoration and technical reclamation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

The iron ore mine of Chrustenice (1861-1965) ranked to the largest and most important mines of Barrandien – an area to the west of Prague – in its times. It had 84 underground levels reaching down to a depth of 426 m, i.e. 120 meters below sea level. They extracted nearly 8 million tons of ore from it over one hundred years of hard work. The main mined minerals were siderite and chamite, less hematite and magnetite. Iron ore contained up to 40% of iron. After visit of this mine, we will move to one of the most wonderful site in Czech Karst - SVATY JAN POD SKALOU (Saint John under the Cliff) with its abundance of natural scenery and historical landmarks, is one of the most picturesque villages in the Czech Karst natural protected area. The history of the village dates back to the end of the 9th century when, according to legend, the first Czech Christian hermit, Ivan, settled down in a cave under a large cliff. THE SAINT IVAN LEGEND The hermit Ivan, worshipped as a saint, lived in local travertine caves, which have been preserved up to the present day. Above Benedictine monastery we will visit a travertine cascade from Quarternary with preserved petrified leafs and parts of plants. In the end of the village there is a classical very fossiliferous site known from Barrande’s time with very abundant remains of trilobites, shells and other following fauna.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

We recommend that you wear sturdy hiking shoes, newspapers for wrapping fossils, hammer, warm clothing suitable for the weather conditions at the time and a waterproof poncho in case of rain.

Remarkable Trees in the Prague Centre

TENTATIVE TRIP PLAN

The excursion in a way of walk through Prague will present some choice of selected remarkable trees of the town – their history and chances of their being utilized in the process of education. The walk with will take place along the Lesser Town and its adjacent part of Smíchov quarter. The first stop will be made in the Kampa Park (50.0850000N, 14.4083333E) with its monumental platan tree. There will be a possibility of taking a look into the garden of Grand Prior’s Palace where „Beethoven’s Platan” can be found. Participants will also see and pay attention to Vaclav Havel’s linden tree and get to know the famous and outstanding trees of the Seminar’s Garden which can be found at the foot of Petřín hill. Finally we will visit the Kinsky’s Garden – broadly known as European landscape work.

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

During the excursion you will be acquainted with some extraordinary trees reviving the history of the town through the narration about sometimes even several-hundred-years old stories. From the point of view of the environmental education such extraordinary trees are a good opportunity for making a relationship of a man to his home place, nature, regions and valuable objects of examination, observation and the source of knowledge. The participants of the excursion will not only be told the history of the trees and interesting stories but also their roles in the green system. The possibilities to take advantage of the trees for student’s education and children’s upbringing will be presented as well the magnificient Prague trees among which we can find the oldest example of this kind in town can can also remind us of very interesting moments of history of this famous Central-European town and its broadly known countrymen and inhabitants.
Key words: memorable trees, urban trees/vegetation, its conservation and potential role in environmental education; historical parks and gardens of Prague

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

The excursion will take place in a way of walking and stopping by some selected remarkable trees and historical parks and gardens in the Lesser Town and the foot of Petřín hill and part of Smíchov quarter. The supposed length of the rout takes 3,5 km.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

We recommend all the participants to wear comfortable shoes and outdoor clothes.

Field trip to Forest Kindergarten

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

Forest kindergartens represent a great example of preschool Education for Sustainable Development in everyday practice. Children experience “simple life with simple means” in a rhythm given by day and nature, strengthening their health and social skills. In the Czech Republic, forest kindergartens are acknowledged by a School Law since 2016, which was a breakthrough of innovative pedagogical approach. Participants are divided in small groups invited to experience the practice, ask and share with new ideas arisen from their observation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

Field trip starts with a short introduction. A group of participants attended by a CZ guide travels to the forest kindergarten venue. On site, participants are first informed about the background of the visited forest kindergarten. Once children set off to the nearby forest, participants are invited to observe and make notes. Inspirational questions will be provided to lead participants towards deeper insight. During breaks, participants can discuss their experience and involve the pedagogues (translation provided). During the lunch, reflection of observed details, extension of pedagogical and organizational outputs (putting practice into theoretical framework, best practice reflection, “aha” moments etc. are shared.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Weather appropriate clothes and waterproof shoes, sitting pad.

Informal Education in Říčany Geopark

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

The excursion will take you to the Říčany Geopark – an interactive educational centre of the Říčany Museum. We will introduce you geological didactic models (based on the Czech landscape) and modern didactic methods, which we use to educate pupils, students and teachers. You will try activities from geological and paleontological programs (for example panning gems, mapping a cave complex, modelling slope movements or discovering fossils). At the end of the day, you will have the opportunity to grind and polish a typical Czech mineral and take it with you as a souvenir.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

Upon arrival you will be acquainted with the Říčany Geopark and its didactic models. During the excursion you will see the advantages of informal education and its connection to the educational policy of the Czech Republic. You will get to know principles of the provided educational programs and their relevance to the Czech curricular documents and key competences. Learning through experience is the main motivation of students for further learning and therefore you will be given a chance to try the activities from different programs. In the block of palaeontology, you will have the opportunity to start a fire with a flint or find fossils in a paleontological site. In the landscape modelling program you will explore the principle of slope movements or the formation of folds. And in the block of „minerals and rocks“ you will try e.g. panning for gems and you will witness a real-time crystallization process. At the end of the day, you will have the opportunity to choose a sample of agate found in the Czech Republic and grind and polish it by yourself.
Because the Říčany Geopark is also a botanical garden, you will enjoy a variety of flowers too, during your visit. There are for example plants typical for limestone subsoil, shade-loving plants or water flora. Root zone water treatment has been built in the pond and there is a roof garden on the laboratory building. The excursion is thus suitable not only for geology lovers but also for a botanical enthusiast.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Outdoor clothing according to current weather.

Excursion to the Royal park Stromovka

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

History and present of park Stromovka; coexistence of animals and people in the park
The excursion is focused on the largest park in Prague. Visitors will learn what the administration and maintenance of the park entails. What plants, bushes and trees are in it and how we take care of them. Furthermore, the complex of ponds, which are located here, is introduced. The excursion will also take you to Rudolf's stole, which is considered a technical cultural monument.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

The excursion begins at the Šlechtova restaurant, where participants are introduced to the history and present of this largest Prague park. Then the excursion continues to Rudolf's stole, where its construction is described. After looking into the Rudolf's stole, the group will also visit the adjacent water house. Then we will focus on the complex of ponds, which are an integral part of the Royal park Stromovka and was built on the former bottom of Rudolf's Pond. Moving to the former island of Rudolf's Pond (Oak Hill), where the oldest trees in the park are located. Furthemore, we will mention of the local flora and an approach to the importance of the flowery meadow. Explanation of the procedure of maintenance, protection and planting of greenery. Subsequent end of the excursion at the pond called Srpeček.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Sturdy shoes, clothes suitable for the outdoor, clothing suitable for the weather conditions at the time and a waterproof clothes in case of rain.

Sustainable visit to Bohemian Paradise

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

At this excursion we will learn about sustainability in tourism in the region with the oldest protected landscape area in Czechia: Bohemian Paradise, est. 1955. A visitor management at the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic (NCA CR) will be presented. Bohemian Paradise is a sandstone region with rock labyrinths and viewpoints, where tourism started at the end of 19th Century. Various types of forest and grasslands are protected in a Natura 2000 site with intensively visited rocks. Pictoresque Dry Rocks made of white sandstone are protected as a national nature monument, although serving for rock climbing as well. Bohemian Paradise House of Nature started to serve visitors in 2016 from initiative of NCA CR and is run by the Ecocentre Oldrichov v Hajich NGO.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

We will use underground from the Congress centre and a public train that will take us to Mala Skala. Approximately 10 km long hike will lead us through forests and rocks and will be interrupted by lunch in a restaurant. From Mala Skala we will ride rented scooters (self-powered, kick-bikes) to Dolanky (8 km along the Jizera river). In Dolanky we will visit a visitor centre – the Bohemian Paradise House of Nature. A direct train will take us back to Praha. The excursion will be led by the NCA CR employee and a volunteer wildlife ranger Ondrej Vitek.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Hiking boots or sport shoes, warm clothing and a raincoat are recommended.

Ecoeducation in the Blanik PLA

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

At this excursion we will learn about cooperation between the state and an NGO in the region with the smallest protected landscape area in Czechia: Blanik, 40 km2. The system of nature conservation in Czechia will be presented focusing on ecoeducative activities. Ecocentre in Vlasim is one of the most developed Czech ecocentres run by the Czech Nature Conservation Union (CNCU). Lookout tower on the top of Velky Blanik (638 MASL) provides a 360° view at the central Bohemian landscape. Beech forest on scree slopes is protected in the Velky Blanik nature reserve. Blanik House of nature started to serve visitors in 2015 from initiative of NCA CR and is run by CNCU.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

A small bus will take us to the city of Vlasim. The director of the ecocentre will present their activities and approaches as well as the building accompanied with a small „ParaZOO“ with handicapped wild animals. We will hike educative path through a nature reserve to the top of mystic hill Velky Blanik and watch the region from a lookout tower. Below the hill we will visit a visitor centre – the Blanik House of Nature. The excursion will be led by the NCA CR employee and a volunteer wildlife ranger Ondrej Vitek.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Hiking shoes/boots, warm clothing and a raincoat are recommended.

The landscape of České středohoří

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

A day-long hike to the central part of the Central Bohemian Uplands Protected Landscape Area, including a tour on foot to the top of the highest peak, Milešovka (837 m). Examples of various forms of forest management, examples of revitalised farm land, a visit to the Milešovka National Nature Reserve, a visit to the meteorological observatory with an observation deck atop Milešovka.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

The whole-day excursion will be routed to the central part of the Central Bohemian Uplands Protected Landscape Area. This area, one of the best known Czech regions, consists of tertiary volcanites which penetrated through Cretaceous sea sediments to create a basis for the formation of a scientifically remarkable and geomorphologically diverse natural-cultural landscape. The historical landscape, which has been settled by humans since the Middle Ages, has formed an impressive mosaic of forests, meadows, fields, gardens and small farmsteads. However, a number of major changes to the landscape occurred there during the second half of the 20th century. Due to the expulsion of the originally mostly German-speaking population after World War II and resettlement of the area by Czech population from other regions, combined with the parallel forced collectivisation of agriculture, the bonds of the local communities to the landscape they lived in disintegrated. The proximity of industrial sources of pollution in the North Bohemian brown coal mining basin created an enormous burden to the area, with emissions of sulphur oxides and other pollutants which took a toll on the health of the forests and other natural habitats. As part of efforts to intensify agricultural production, the balks were ploughed up, old gardens were destroyed and water was drained off from the farm land. Low-yield soil was abandoned and became subject to natural environmental succession. Only since the mid-1990s, could a turn for the better be seen in the region. The desulphurisation of coal-fired power plants and abatement of heavy industries have resulted in appreciable air quality improvements, and many mushroom and plant species (such as forest orchids) have been coming back to the site. More and more efforts have been made to revitalise the farm land and forests. At some sites, gardens and wetland have been restored and the structure and variety of the forest species have also been improving.
The excursion to the Central Bohemian Uplands will show the participants the various phases of history of this rich and varied culturally important natural landscape. Examples of culturally less valuable forests will be shown in contrast to the existing fragments of precious old beech and oak forests within the Milešovka National Nature Reserve. The participants will be familiarised with the revitalisation measures on farm land in the surroundings of Černčice and Bílka. The formerly abandoned arable land is being transformed into pastures. Also, pools, wetland and small shrub and bosk areas providing shelter to animals have been restored during the last two decades, while some solitary self-seeded trees and shrubs have been left intact at some sites. The region is gradually changing in appearance, and the formerly degraded land is becoming richer and more varied from the environmentalist's point of view while also being used agriculturally The excursion will include a tour on foot to the top of Milešovka (837 m), the tallest mountain in the Central Bohemian Uplands, and a visit to the weather station with a lookout tower at the top of the peak.
The moderately strenuous hiking excursion, which is approximately 10 km long and takes hikers approximately 500 metres up, will run along mostly paved trails, but partly also through the free terrain off the trails, through forest and across meadows and pastures with scarce sheltering opportunities in case of rain.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

We recommend that you wear sturdy hiking shoes, warm clothing suitable for the weather conditions at the time and a waterproof poncho in case of rain. There are no shops on the excursion route.

Brown coal mining area

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

This excursion will take you to the Most basin, an area of past and present brown coal mining. You will visit both active and reclaimed brown coal quarries and see how nature is making efforts to counteract the mining activities. You will visit both reclaimed areas as well as places where the landscape has been restoring itself spontaneously.
Focus: Biodiversity at mining and post-industrial sites, natural restoration and technical reclamation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

First, view of the large Vršany mine from a vantage point along the road. You can see the already reclaimed areas in contrast with areas where mining is still practised. Then you will travel by coach to the foothills of the Ore Mountains. There you will take a hike along areas disturbed by mining and view the area designed to augment the adjacent Jezerka National Nature Reserve. After lunch, the participants will be transferred to the Most lake by coach. There they will have the opportunity to view the area again from a vantage point or to take a short hike (depending on whether the area will have been made open to the public). Subsequently they will visit the adjacent Růžodol landfill, which has been only partially reclaimed. We recommend that you wear sturdy hiking shoes, warm clothing suitable for the weather conditions at the time and a waterproof poncho in case of rain.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

We recommend that you wear sturdy hiking shoes, warm clothing suitable for the weather conditions at the time and a waterproof poncho in case of rain.

Šumava – Czech National Park

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

This excursion will take you into the middle of the Šumava National Park, a largest national park in the Czech Republic. It is mostly covered by extensive forest (Bohemian forest), somewhere with natural composition, somewhere changed by spruce plantations. The bark beetle (Ips typographus) outbreak had heavily impacted the forests, which led to wide discussion about nature conservation and the role of National parks. We will discuss the conflict between different types of forest restoration in the scenery of Šumava mountains. We will also see the peat-bogs, another characteristic biotope of the Bohemian forest.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

The bus will take the participants from Prague to Horská Kvilda (160 km, 2.5 h drive). The participants will be allowed to accommodate the Center of Environmental Education Horská Kvilda (https://www.npsumava.cz/navstivte-sumavu/ekologicka-vychova/sev-horska-kvilda/) and have a lunch. After lunch (1 p.m.), we will have hiking excursion along the Hamerský potok creek and back to the Horská Kvilda (cca 10 km, 3 – 4 hours). Dinner at Horská Kvilda will be followed by a discussion on Šumava National park and nature conservation. Next day, after the breakfast, we will look around the Center of Environmental education and listen about Environmental education in Bohemian forest. Then we will go to peat-bog Chalupská slat and see the largest peat lake of the Czech Republic. After a lunch at Nové Hutě we will continue to Prague.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Hiking shoes, warm clothing waterproof poncho / raincoat, daily needs.

Guided tour of Zoo (Safari Express ride)

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

We will guide you through our zoo, part of the tour will be a Safari express ride. Then refresh yourself in the newly built restaurant Dřevák on the alum lake, from where we will take you by train Amalka to visit the open-air museum in Stará Ves.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

As soon as you arrive at the car park in the zoo, we will take you to a short visit to noctuarium.
There will be prepared refreshments in the exhibition hall. After that, a tour of the zoo park will start, which will take place along the main routes, where we will look at donkeys, fields of European bison and deer Bukhara. We will see a few Carpathian lynxes who share an enclosure with macaques and ibex. Bellow them we stop at the paddock with yellow-throated marten and red pandas. We will come to the Safari Expres stop and take the Eurosafari ride to the Stará Ves open-air museum in the course of one hour. You can look forward to see a herd of Scottish Highland cattle, a herd of mouflons, but above all a group of European bison. After the visit of Stará Ves, we will take you for lunch to newly opened restaurant Dřevák on the alum lake.
There will be waiting train Amalka after lunch, which will take you to closer inspection of open-air museum Stará Ves. There are examples of the most important crafts, such beekeeping, herbalism, lace-making, farming and weaving, in a timbered cottage moved from nearby village. The construction of the farm is an example of the construction of a typical dwelling for a so-called middle farmer, traditionally U-shaped, where we can see a black kitchen, an old school and a craft workshop. At the end of the program, we will look at the secrets of the windmill, which is the dominant feature of Stará Ves. You will get refreshment in the barn before leaving to the car park.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

We recommend comfortable shoes, warmer clothes that will be able to the outdoors even in bad weather.

Two-day trip to the Zoo in the Ore Mountains

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

We will take you to Zoopark Chomutov by train, you will refresh yourself in the newly built restaurant Dřevák on the alum lake, from where we will take you by train Amalka to visit the open-air museum in Stará Ves. You will sleep there and you will experience a pleasant evening with fire and guitar.
After the breakfast we will take you on Safari express ride. Then refresh yourself in the newly built restaurant Dřevák on the alum lake. Last part of the trip will be tour of the animals in Zoopark. The way back will be by train.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

7^th October 2021 (Thursday)
Our decison to take you by train to the zoo is because of the beauty of the nature surrounding the train path. Upon arrival in Chomutov we will take you for lunch to newly opened restaurant Dřevák on the alum lake. (20 minutes by walk) After that, train Amalka will take us to the open-air museum Stará Ves. There are examples of the most important crafts, such beekeeping, herbalism, lace-making, farming and weaving, in a timbered cottage moved from nearby village. The construction of the farm is an example of the construction of a typical dwelling for a so-called middle farmer, traditionally U-shaped, where we can see a black kitchen, an old school and a craft workshop. At the end of the program, we will look at the secrets of the windmill, which is the dominant feature of Stará Ves. You will accommodate in room you choose. There will be possibillity to sleep in open-air museum, timbered house or at the secrets of the windmill. (There is possibility of a trip carriage with horses.) We will prepare the fire an barbecue in the barn (depend on weather), you can enjoy a local band making your evening more enjoyable.

8^th October 2021 (Friday)
We will bring you breakfast in the morning. At 10am there will be prepared Eurosafari ride for you to take you to the herd of Scottish Highland cattle a herd of muflons, etc.
Then refresh yourself in restaurant Dřevák on the alum lake. Last part of the trip will be tour of the animals in Zoopark. The way back will be by train.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

We recommend comfortable shoes, warmer clothes that will be able to the outdoors even in bad weather.

Geological past of the Prokop Valley

EXCURSION ANNOTATION

geological history, protected area, locally anchored learning
The visitor of the excursion has a chance to get to know Prague as one of the world's unique geological localities. They will learn about the geological history of our planet and the history of the formation of Prague rocks. The walk will reveal the geological history of the Prokop Valley. The excursion includes involvement of participants in practical geological tasks.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION

The geological excursion through the Prokop Valley will focus on the development of Prague from the time when only the sea and volcanoes were located in its place. Visitors to this geologically important European site will be able to observe not only rocks with a unique way of origin, but also to find their own fossil. The excursion will lead part of the Prokop valley from Jinonice, where we will visit the remains of a volcano and we can admire the unique folds. Furthermore, the route will lead to Opatřilka - Red quarry, where practical demonstrations and geological activities will take place (everyone will try them). The end of the excursion is in the same place as the beginning.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Sturdy shoes, clothes suitable for the forest, clothing suitable for the weather conditions at the time and a waterproof clothes in case of rain.