Education is one of the major objectives of the Učka Nature Park Public Institution. It is a means to protect the park, because appropriate education about the biological and cultural assets of the protected area affects the consciousness and behaviour of visitors, which contributes to nature conservation. The objectives of the educational programmes that are carried out in Učka Nature Park are to develop the sense of responsibility, to raise awareness about nature and the environment, and to encourage ways of protecting and respecting nature. An educational programme run by the public institution for pre-school and school-age children is aimed at acquiring and improving their knowledge and skills about nature and society, which are necessary in everyday life. In addition, this programme should give children the opportunity to experience nature in a more direct way and help them develop better awareness about protected areas. Education for children is available through two programmes: “Learn about Učka through play” and “Let’s learn more about Učka Nature Park”. The programmes can include theoretical and practical training or just practice, depending on the interest of the group. These educational programmes are suitable for all age groups of pre-school and school-age children, with teaching methods being adapted to the age. The programmes are carried out by the park’s experts and rangers in agreement with the school or kindergarten teachers.

RULES OF BEHAVIOUR IN NATURE

Enjoy the nature but bear in mind that for its conservation it is important to obey the following rules of behaviour:
Do not throw litter in nature. Bring your own trash bag and take the litter back with you!
Do not harass or disturb the animals!
Do not destroy or damage the plants and mushrooms!
Avoid making noise, rather enjoy the sounds of nature!
Do not light fire – you could easily cause one!
Ride your bike only on roads and marked bike trails!
Do not camp in the Park in order to avoid endangering plant and animal habitats!
Do not damage or remove any fossils, minerals, stalactites or stalagmites from the caves!

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NATURE TRIP

CLOTHES AND FOOTWEAR

Hiking boots or sneakers – shoes should have solid soles and be waterproof (in order to prevent the ingress of water, it’s best to additionally impregnate the skin with a spray)
Jacket
Spare socks
Long trousers
Short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirt
Hat (summer)
Cap, scarf and gloves (winter)
Raincoat or umbrella
Backpack
Something to protect you from mosquitoes, ticks and the sun
Plastic bag – for the garbage that we’ll take to the nearest trashcan

FOOD AND WATER

Bottle of water or other refreshing drink
Sandwich
Sweets (chocolate)

Guidance and education

Did you know?

The griffon vulture feeding site

…that griffon vultures, endangered in Croatia, are often flying over Učka in search for food? Once they were nesting here, but today their northern-Adriatic population is decreasing and in order to help in their preservation, a feeding site was build in Učka Nature Park, popularly called 'griffon vulture restaurants'.

The „Two towers“ trail

…that in 2018 a trail named „Two towers“ was established, which connects the town tower in Lovran with the Vojak tower on Učka? The trail goes through the existing hiking trail, and alongside there are educational boards that inform visitors on the flora and fauna of Učka.

The Roman cheese

…that it is traditional on Učka to produce the „molded“ sheep cheese of distinctive taste since the Roman Empire time? Its production was standardized due to its use in the nutrition of the Roman legions, while today's cheese made on Učka doesn't differ much from its antique ancestor.

Slavic mythology

…that the Mošćenička Draga's canyon used to be the scenery of sacred beliefs for the first Slavic settlers on the Kvarner area? The local toponyms like Perun, Babin grob and Voloski kuk witness about the old Slavic cult of Perun.