Forest Cultivation Workshop Scheduled at Orzesze-Zgon Senior Citizens' Club on July 22, 2025
Seniors Create "Forests in Jars" in Orzesze-Zgon as Part of Green Pulse of Silesia Initiative
On a sunny day in July 2025, 13 seniors gathered at the Senior Citizens' Club in Orzesze-Zgon for a unique environmental workshop. Organized by the local branch of the Polish Social Welfare Committee and program partner Stellantis, in cooperation with the One More Tree Foundation, the workshop was part of the Green Pulse of Silesia initiative.
The goal of the project is to build environmental awareness among Silesian residents and activate local communities. For many of the seniors, it was their first experience of this kind, providing a great opportunity to get in touch with nature.
The workshop saw the creation of 13 unique, closed ecosystems, known as "classes in jars". These miniature ecosystems, referred to as "Forests in jars", were both aesthetically pleasing and durable decorations. Each "Forest in a jar" consisted of layers of soil, mosses, plants, and natural ornaments, with each participant bringing a unique element to her project, including her own idea, aesthetics, and sensitivity.
Creating a composition required focus, precision, patience, and attentive listening to nature. Engaging in such activities is beneficial for mental and emotional well-being, particularly for seniors. The "classes in jars" are symbolic of the balance that can be achieved in one's relationship with nature.
These "Forests in jars" are practical tools for environmental education, fostering personal connection to nature and environmental stewardship. The diversity of the compositions reflected the diversity of the participants themselves, making for a vibrant and engaging display.
The Green Pulse of Silesia initiative is a long-term environmental education and social project, promoting environmental awareness through interactive events and workshops. By combining education with hands-on ecological activities, the Green Pulse of Silesia encourages sustainable behavior and a deeper understanding of environmental issues among Silesian residents, contributing to long-term ecological consciousness in the region.
[1] One More Tree Foundation: https://onemoretree.org.pl/ [2] Stellantis: https://www.stellantis.com/ [3] Green Pulse of Silesia: https://greenpulseofsilesia.pl/
- The miniature ecosystems, "Forests in jars", created by the seniors during the workshop, not only served as decorative items but also functioned as practical tools for environmental education, encouraging a personal connection to nature and promoting environmental stewardship in the realm of their lifestyle, home-and-garden, and, more broadly, in environmental-science.
- Engaging in the creation of "Forests in jars" was not only educational and beneficial for the seniors' mental and emotional well-being, contributing to their lifestyle, but also symbolized the balance that can be achieved in one's relationship with nature, thereby fostering an increased awareness and understanding of the importance of science and the environment.
