Ornithological station

Envrionmental protection of Sobieszewo Island

Ornithological Station Museum and Institute of Zoology of Polish Academy of Sciences in Górki Wschodnie is a part of the Sobieszewo Island’s landscape since 1957, when he Institute of Zoology of Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) in Warsaw decided to move the Migrating Birds Research Station to the seaside. The place they choose was not random – the Island is located on the European bird migrations trail and is a popular wintering spot for many of them. What is more, there are two nature reserves: Ptasi Raj and Mewia Łacha, and the area is part of the NATURE 2000 project, with the special rights of the protected landscape status.

The common nature protection program for the Island

The natural values of Sobieszewo Island are most certainly its assets, and that is why it should be appreciated and protected with special care. It is the reason why all environmental actions and efforts undertaken by the local organizations, institutions and others, are of such a paramount importance. One of them is “Protect the Nature on Sobieszewo Island” project, running since 2010. It has been initiated by LOTOS SA with other institutions participating: Ornithological Station PAN, KULING Water Birds Research Group, Friends of Sobieszewo Island Association, Biology Sation of the University of Gdańsk and GAK “Wyspa Skarbów” Culture Institute. Thanks to the LOTOS SA financial support, a variety of actions has been made possible.

Ornithological Station in action

Ornithological Station, being a research agency, according to its statute, conducts ornithological research, including the questions of environment, migrations, placement, numbers and clutching of the birds – with the special care for the protection of the birds’ biodiversity. The Station is a part of the state environment monitoring program, provides environmental consulting and scientific education. On the premises there is also Bird Ringing Center, representing Poland in EURING (European Union organization for bird ringing schemes). The Center conducts trainings for the ringing personnel and gathers information on ringed birds in Poland and the ones who come from abroad.

Scientific education for all ages

As the part of the ‘’Protect nature on Sobieszewo Island’’ program, Ornithological Station is in charge of scientific education. It organizes lectures on ornithology, with the use of its spacious premises, large collection of exhibits and the professional knowledge of the lecturers. The lectures are deisgned mainly for the school audiences. The Station also takes part in other events of the program, such as family picnics, the Island Half marathon, or other regional events like Baltic Science Festival, International Migrating Birds Day and others. The Station is open to all kinds of educational initiatives.

Alicja Bielska

Stacja Ornitologiczna MiIZ PAN

[email protected], www.stornit.gda.pl

English translation by Magdalena Szubstarska