A charity Nature Picnic, along with a fundraiser for Franek, who is battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy, was held was held in Łagiewnicki Forest on 28 June 2025. The programme included a series of workshops, walks as well as thematic lectures, during which specialists from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection and partner institutions introduced visitors to the secrets of nature.
Our excellent students from the "Anthropophagy," "Chloris," "Animal Ecology," and "Invertebrate Zoology" student science clubs provided tremendous support. The programme included stories about:
- amazing insects and surprising fungi,
- domestic and foreign fish species,
- diatoms that help solve crimes,
- the ocean depths and what they hide.
The picnic was a great opportunity to walk with ornithologists and botanists, learn about native tree species, peek into a beehive and see insects trapped millions of years ago in amber. Visitors could also see how much truth there is in crime series in the context of real anthropological research. After dark, they could participate in bloodless catches of nocturnal insects and listen, using specialised equipment, to the sounds of feeding bats. Additionally, garden enthusiasts could win seedlings of old fruit tree varieties.
The picnic was a resounding success, not only contributing financially to the sick boy but also drawing attention to this cruel disease, whose treatment requires astronomical sums. You can also support Frank online today, especially since it's his ninth birthday.
Another Picnic coming soon!
It should be noted that just one day after the event, the decision was made to organise another charity event: the Picnic of the University of Lodz and Friends, scheduled for 4 October of the current year at the historic Biedermann’s Palace and Gardens in Lodz.
The Honorary Patronage of the first Nature Picnic was assumed by:
- Rector of the University of Lodz,
- Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection
- Director Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Lodz
- Director of the Landscape Parks Complex of the Lodz Voivodeship
- Polish Mycological Society
- Polish Entomological Society
- Polish Society for the Protection of Birds
Organisers/Partners of the event included:
- Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection
- Landscape Parks Complex of the Lodz Voivodeship
- Lodz Tree Map
- Zielona Łódź – Zarząd Zieleni Miejskiej
- Biodiversitatis Foundation
- Polish Society for the Protection of Birds – Lodz Group
- Jaś i Małgosia Bakery and Confectionery
Text: Dr Radomir Jaskuła (the main organiser), Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz
Photos: Dr Radomir Jaskuła, dr hab. Agnieszka Soszyńska, Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz
Edit: Kamila Knol-Michałowska, Promotion Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz
