Sala: “Careful, Mandi, this isn’t just a pond. It’s a real underwater city. Below the surface live fish, mussels, aquatic larvae, turtles…”
Mandi: “Are there underwater salamanders too? Because once I tried to swim like a fish – but I fell off the pier… headfirst… into the grass.”
Sala: “You’re probably the only salamander who jumped into the water… and stayed dry.”
CHALLENGE: SENSORY PIER MEDITATION
Sit on the edge of the pier or on a bench. Don’t touch the water with your feet – just listen.
Close your eyes and tune in: splashing, birds, wind, distant sounds…
How many can you count?
Then, with your hand, feel:
the wood of the pier (is it cold? warm? rough?)
a stone along the path (heavy? smooth?)
your own heartbeat
Finally, find:
something that moves
something that smells
something that isn’t natural (or has become part of nature – try to explain how!)
Did you know?
Partovec Pond is home to pike, carp, rudd, rare freshwater mussels, and even the European pond turtle – the only native turtle species in Slovenia.
Experts occasionally conduct monitoring catches here to check the health of the aquatic ecosystem.
Sala: “Well done, traveler! You’ve walked a path that’s not just about steps – it’s about respect, observation, and listening to nature.”
Mandi: “And jumping over stumps! And laughing. And… slightly wet pants. But it was all totally worth it!”
Sala: “Now that you know Partovec, you can give something back. It doesn’t take much – just stay kind to nature.”
Mandi: “I can write it a poem! Like: ‘Partovec dear, with you I hid beneath the… manure’... hmm… maybe better under moss?”
Sala: (laughing) “Better under moss, Mandi. And thank you for being here. You’ve truly become a guardian of nature.”
CHALLENGE: BECOME A GUARDIAN OF NATURE
Close your eyes for a few moments. In your mind, walk back along the path you took today.
Which part will you remember the most?
Gather 3 thoughts:
What did I see today?
What did I learn?
What can I do to help nature stay this beautiful tomorrow?
If you like, leave a small message or drawing for nature – on a leaf, a stone, or within a natural frame.
At home, become a messenger of nature – not just in the forest, but among people too.
Congratulations – you’ve completed all the challenges!
Sala and Mandi proudly grant you the title: GUARDIAN OF PARTOVEC NATURE.
