GB No. 4(23)/96
During this year's holidays I took part in a programm of protecting the white stork and its habitats. Out of the many possible activities available within the framework of this programme I chose two: check-up of storks' nests and propagation of the programme ideas.
Our readers might ask why we devote so much space and attention to storks which are quite numerous in Poland. You are right to some extent, as there are about 30 thousand pairs of storks in Poland; almost a fourth of the whole world's population.
In order to make you aware of the possible dangers to storks, I would like to tell you a few words about the sad fate of the Danish storks. Out of 4,000 pairs only 7 were left.
The reasons were complex. Among the most important ones: ploughing meadows, destruction of nests, growing popularity of chemical fertilizers. What is frightening is the fact that the same may happen in Poland in the future. We may become a country without storks, which for centuries have been a symbol of Polish villages. And that is why I decided to join the programme.
I started the check-up of storks' nests on Sunday, 7th June. On a sunny afternoon I cycled around the surrounding area. Before starting the inventory I had some doubts. I was most afraid of people's negative attitude towards my activities. I am happy to admit that no such thing happened. People greeted me very warmly. While performing check-ups I had the opportunity to do some ecological teaching. I was surprised by the fact that many farmers really did understand the necessity of environmental protection.
After the first day of the check-up I was very satisfied with what I had done; so I decided to perform a check-up of nests in two more parishes.
During the check-up many farmers I spoke to showed their interest in ecological activities. All those interested in the protection of the environment, 10 people alltogether, were given the address of the organizer and coordinator of the stork programme; namely the Society of the Friends of Nature - "pro Natura" in Wrocław.
I would also like to write a few words about how I was received in parish councils. I was most heartily welcomed in the parish council of Zapolice, where its chairman, Mr. Janusz Kocherski, gave me much precious information concerning the sites of storks' nests. I am very grateful for that. I am also grateful to parish councils in Zduńska Wola and Sędziejowice.
While performing a check-up I reached a very important conclusion. I think that the most important factor in all in talking with local farmers is to have a positive personal attitude and politeness. With such behaviour, a person creates a positive attitude towards themself, environmental protection and ecology.
My participation in the programme of protecting the white stork and its nests was, for me, both a good teaching lesson and an excellent adventure. I hope that with my article I managed to arouse the readers' interest. Maybe next year some of you will join the stork programme. Let us remember that while protecting the environment we protect ourselves.
Piotr Nowacki,
ul. Ogrodowa 22/7,
98-220 Zduńska Wola
Organizer and coordinator of the Stork Programme:
Polskie Towarzystwo Przyjaciół Przyrody
"pro Natura",
ul. Podwale 75,
50 - 449 Wrocław
reprinted from Zielone Brygady Sept. '96