The participants of the 4th National Expedition and Field Gathering of the teams of young zoologists had their practical lessons in Feldman Ecopark on June 13. More than 70 students from children’s out-of-school ecology and biology education institutions from 17 oblasts of our country studied the animal world of Sloboda Ukraine. The all-day programme contained educating workshops and laboratory works in ornithology, entomology and hydrobiology. Moreover, the guests were able to take a closer look at the animals of Feldman Ecopark, watched the performance by the Theatre of Children and Animals, visited the Horse Complex, where they were able to groom its even-toed residents. During the dinner brakes and rests, the visitors from other regions had time to find friends among their local counterparts from the Feldman Ecopark Children’s Ecology and Nature Study Academy.
It should be noted that the National Expedition and Field Gathering is arranged every year by the National Ecology and Nature Students’ Centre in different regions. This year, Kharkiv oblast became the place for the activities, and the Social and Humanitarian Multi-Complex Feldman Ecopark was elected as a main location.
“This year, the National Expedition and Field Gathering is welcomed by Kharkiv Regional House of Children’s and Youth Creativity, and it recommended its partner – Feldman Ecopark – as a place for field lessons,” the methodologist of the ecology and nature conservation department of the National Ecology and Nature Centre Olena Ivasiunko told. “It is a wonderful place: hospitable administration, wonderful nature, rich animal collection, and comfortable conditions for the lessons. I think that all of our participants, both the adults and the children, appreciated this. We will be glad to continue and develop the cooperation!”
It should be reminded that one of Ukraine’s largest non-governmental out-of-school education institutions exists in Feldman Ecopark for 6 years – the Children’s Ecology and Nature Study Academy. The number of its members has already exceeded a thousand. There are more than a dozen of various units and schools here, and the lessons not only broadens children’s outlook, but also give the pleasure of communication with animals. The most popular directions of the Children’s Academy are the Young Biologists’ Club, the Theatre of Children and Animals, Eco-Know-All, Forest School, the Club of Young Cynologists, the Master City, and the Horse Complex. The latter provides the kids with a unique opportunity to master the skills of mild training of horses, donkeys and ponies, and opens the way to the equestrian sport. It is proved by successful results of the Academy’s members at the prestigious riding competitions.
