The Geopark of Kefalonia - Ithaca is organizing various activities throughout the school year, for students of all grades
In the beginning there are presentations with varied environmental content either at the Geopark's headquarters or the schools.
As far as the content is concerned, the topics are from Aenos National Park, the flora and fauna, our island's wetlands, the lagoon of Koutavos and the wetland of Livadi in Paliki, the avifauna, the environment's pollution and light pollution, educational information about the forest's development, forest fires and other topics of natural environment and biodiversity that may interest teachers and students.
Birdwatching
Children have the opportunity to learn about our island's wetlands and bird species such as cormorants, coots, Great Egrets, Gray Egrets, κλπ, and also about bird migration, the dangers birds face and the ecological value of those areas.
Excursions on the trails of Aenos and contact with the environment of the National Park
Following the last activity, in order for the children to have a better perspective about the things we talked in class or at the Geopark's headquarters, we try to include an experiential part when possible. For instance, when the presentation is about Aenos's flora and fauna, we try to plan an excursion to the trails of Aenos in order to have natural experiences with the environment of the National Park.
Specialized activities (shallow festival, European day of birds etc.)
During the year with the Geopark's initiative, there are thematic activities planned such as shallow festival in spring where pupils build nests for swallows that arrive during the spring or european day of birds in October where pupils have the chance to meet the birds of winter or those that stay for short time in Koutavos lagoon , so they can learn about bird migration in general. With these activites, students have the ability to observe birds while also make constructions.
Pictures from swallow festival and European day of birds
Mockup construction of Koutavos Lagoon.
Placing wooden nests at schools…
The Geopark can place wooden nests at schools to raise the awareness of children regarding avifauna's protection.
Cleaning activites in various places of the island.
Lastly, we try and organize cleaning activities each year in various places of the island that suffer from pollution.
