'You praise what is foreign, yet do not know your own!' BioBlitz at the Moravian Gate Arboretum

Do we really know the nature that surrounds us every day? The BioBlitz at the Moravian Gate Arboretum – “You praise what is foreign, yet do not know your own!” invites residents to discover the richness of local biodiversity and explore how many species of plants, animals and fungi can be found within a relatively small forest area.

A BioBlitz is a unique form of a nature observation marathon, during which participants, together with experts, attempt to identify and document as many species as possible within a designated area. At the Moravian Gate Arboretum, selected research plots will enable participants to conduct observations, take photographs and identify organisms living in this ecosystem.

The event is open to everyone – both beginners and those already interested in biodiversity. All observations will be recorded using the iNaturalist application, creating a digital database of findings and allowing for a summary of the number of species identified during the event.

An important part of the programme will be meetings with invited experts and nature enthusiasts. Among the special guests will be Tomasz Sczansny from the Rudy Raciborskie Forest District, a nature photographer and promoter of environmental knowledge, who will lead a guided walk focused on the nocturnal life of the forest. Participants will listen to the sounds of animals and birds and learn how to recognise them in their natural environment.

Throughout the event, an information stand run by an eco-manager will operate at the entrance to the Arboretum, where visitors will be able to obtain information about environmental protection, air quality and regional initiatives supporting nature conservation. Arboretum staff will also provide organisational and expert support to participants conducting field observations.

The collected data will help estimate the biodiversity of the Arboretum and demonstrate the value of local natural heritage. The event highlights that understanding nearby ecosystems is one of the most important steps towards protecting them.

The event is implemented as part of the project 'Silesia. Blue Sky Restored'.

Host: Zuzanna Poprawka, eco-manager of the Racibórz Municipality