Natura In Action - Discovering European Nature Reserves With Young People

H5 WIT RA U T A N ILS TRA

NATURA IN ACTION – DISCOVERING EUROPEAN NATURE RESERVES WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

A TEACHING MANUAL

CONTENTS 1: Some Introductory Remarks

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Discovering European Nature Reserves with Young People

2: Natura in Action. The Project.

The Project The Concept of our Trails 3: Behind the scenes Natura 2000 Natura Trails

6 9 13 15

Learn more about the existing trails and how you can use them

4: Nature awaits. Five „Natura in Action“ trails.

18 Pimpinellenberg 19 Ice Age Land 20 Bodanrück 21 Trail of the Huguenots 22 Border View 23 Create your own Natura in Action Trail

5: Do It Yourself. How to Plan Routes for Environmental Education.

Primer on Nature Pedagogy, Environmental Learning and Education for Sustainable Development GPS Education Routes QR-Codes Your Own Natura in Action Trail in 10 Steps 6: Contacts 7: Further Reading and Literary Sources

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1: Some Introductory Remarks Preserving nature and benefiting from nature have always been two sides of the same coin for the Young Nature Friends. To quote from our mission statement: „Among the traditional focus areas of our organization are outdoor sports and experiential learning. Both provide exceptionally intense and healthy ways of enjoying nature. A canoe ride, a bike trip, a hike or free climbing a steep wall, nature is best experienced hands (or feet) on – adventurous, yet gentle. We do not see such activities as avenues for individual excellency, but as a chance to commune with nature as well as fellow human beings.“

5: Selbst loslegen

GPS-Bildungsrouten

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It is in the spirit of these foundations that we introduce our project „Natura in Action“. We would like to show young people that nature is something that they themselves can be part of, rather than some kind of outdoor museum they may marvel at, but please not touch. The best way to practice this approach is to, in fact, get in touch with the great wide open and master its challenges as a group.

Just like in the days of the original Nature Friends movement, „Natura in Action“ is all about leaving the grey cityscape behind and finding new and immediate experiences – sensual, in an unspoilt environment, in touch with peers, an all too rare experience for young people these days.

Our project started with a simple question: How can we offer low-threshold activities to young people, who are as of yet not successfully targeted by the usual methods of outdoor education

and experiential learning? As a result we came up with five routes through European nature preserves, in the course of which we offer a mix of experiential learning, nature education and media pedagogy in order to create a lasting experience. It is no accident that these routes also run across borders, since nature conservation is a task that can only be achieved through international cooperation within Europe and across the whole world.

This booklet is an example of how to put our distinguishing approach towards environmental youth work into practice. We are looking forward to comments and suggestion, both from within our organization as well as from without.

Clara Wengert Tobias Thiele Member of the Deputy Director Executive Committee

Larissa Donges Consultant for Environmental Issues and Sustainability

1: Some Introductory Remarks

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1: Some Introductory Remarks

2: „Natura in Action“

The Project

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2: „Natura in Action“

The Project

Don´t know what Natura 2000 is?

Never heard about the FFH guideline?

Nature conservation sounds like a lot of regulations and prohibitions to you?

Then you will be delighted to learn about „Nature in Action“! Discover the fun in discovering Europe´s greatest natural treasures and learn how to build a Natura Trail yourself.

„Natura in Action“ is a project run by the German Young Nature Friends and funded by the German Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth. Its goal is to establish Natura 2000 areas (European natural reserves, see page 13) as a destination for exciting and sustainable youth tourism and retreats. Sustainable tourism and ecologically responsible outdoor sports have always been key areas of engagement for the Young Nature Friends.

Preserving biodiversity is another pressing concern. At the same time, nature needs to be available to be experienced and comprehended by people of all ages. The pan-European campaign „Natura Trails“ is of special importance here. Its goal is to raise awareness for the Natura 2000 areas, and the positive aspects of the European Network of Nature Preserves for nature as well as humans. „Na-

The Project 2: „Natura in Action“

In the first project phase from April to December 2014, five environmental education routes suitable for young people were build in border regions or across borders through Natura 2000 areas. They are running through the German federal states Brandenburg, Baden­ -Württemberg, Saarland and France. They allow young people to experience nature´s diversity first hand. Playful knowledge transfer comes hand in hand with exercise, community, and fun. Key elements are geocaching and GPS education routes (see page 14). The methods we developed are supposed to give impulses to multipliers from within and with­ out the Young Nature Friends. They should be understood as invitations to the existing routes and come with ideas for your own Natura trails.

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tura Trails“ make use of already existing routes through suitable Natura 2000 areas. They teach about local wildlife and the necessity to preserve native animals, plants and habitats (see page 15). The trails are the foundation for the Natura 2000 project.

This booklet and five flyers are field guides to the trails (http:\\www.eurotrails.eu). A teacher training workshop was held in late 2014 in order to pass on the concept and the methods of Natura 2000 to multipliers.

So what makes a good Natura 200 trail?

2: „Natura in Action“

The Project

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The trails are best suited for groups of six to eighteen people of fourteen years and up. They are loop courses with Friends-Of-­ Nature Houses as a starting- and end point.

The hostel may also serve as a low-priced accomodation for the group. Activity boxes are placed along the routes. They contain tasks to be solved along the way.

Each of the boxes contains a task from one of the following categories:

team

action

exchange

The team category is all about the group experience. These challenges put social skill to the test, since they can only be solved through cooperation. It will soon be obvious to the participants how important the others are, but also how irreplaceable their contribution is to the group.

The action category sets things in motion and adds momentum when people start dragging their feet a bit.

Challenges with the exchange tag work to broaden the group´s knowledge base. Participants are, however, never reduced to passive consumers of stale facts, instead they will have the chance to find individual inroads to new fields. They are asked to voice their own opinions, come to conclusions in exchange

The Concept of our Trails

Natura in Action trails are designed as interactive routes, which employ methods of nature pedagogy and environmental learning in order to teach the importance of nature conservation and sustainability.

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The Concept of our Trails

2: „Natura in Action“

2: „Natura in Action“

Any individual group´s experience of a given trail is going to be shaped by the specific questions they bring to it. All trails are designed to make a successful completion as easy and barrier-free as possible for both guides as well as participants. A Natura trail is supposed to be a fun group challenge first and foremost.

2: „Natura in Action“

The Concept of our Trails 10

with the rest of the group, and relate information to their day-to-day experience.

Each trail comes with its own ´trail book´, several copies of which are handed to the group at the start. It contains clues to the location

Chapter 4 of this brochure contains more on the handbook and how to make the most of already existing routes to meet you specific needs.

1.

exchange

do the ´exchange´ challenge first read the trail book and follow the clues

find action box

2.

Team team

action

meet other challenges

The Concept of our Trails

Guides may find the handbook for each trail helpful. It contains all the information you need in order to lead a group along a “Natura in action”-trail.

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be found. Combine these numbers and claim a prize from the Friends-Of-Nature House!

2: „Natura in Action“

of the activity boxes, which can be read aloud to the whole group, so that everyone gets involved. In order for the GPS tracking unit that each group is equipped with to lead the way to the next box, riddles have to be solved to discover the coordinates. Maps and further hints from the trail book will help, should a riddle prove too difficult. Even without the help of a GPS tracker, the route can always be completed. At every station, the exchange challenge should be tackled first, followed by one or more other tasks, depending on time and what everyone feels like doing.

Also, at the bottom of each box a number can

xxxx xx

take down numbers from bottom of the box for treasure code

3: Das steht dahinter

Natura 2000 12

3: Behind the scenes

A primer on Natura 2000

Natura 2000 is a centerpiece of the European Union´s environmental policy. It consists of an EU-wide network of reserves. Endangered species and in fact complete ecosystems are being protected in so called FFH areas (named after a body of laws, the ´flora and fauna habitat guideline´). In addition, there are separate reserves for birds in accordance with the bird protection guidelines. They, too, are part of the Natura 2000 network.

These reserves are home to rare species of plants and animals and endangered habitats, mainly, though not exclusively, found in Europe. We Europeans have a special responsibility to not to let these species and habitats go extinct on out planet.

3: Behind the scenes

Natura 2000 – Saving European Nature

© Geert Gratama

http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/#

Will they be locked out? Farmers, rangers and residents fear they may no longer be allowed to work or play in reserves.

Natura 2000 in danger of becoming a playground for financial interests

But not all is well, though. Too many people as of yet have never heard about Natura 2000. Others simply do not like the idea. In many places, inhabitants of rural areas used to exploit natural resources and are now afraid of reserves turned restricted areas with little regard for their traditional way of life.

They could not be more wrong. Unlike the core of natural reserves, Natura 2000 areas may be hiked in, their fields and forests may be cultivated, they may even be built upon – as long as endangered species are not threatened by these measures.

3: Behind the scenes

In the meantime, more than 27 000 of these Natura 2000 reserves have been created.

Taken together, they cover almost a fifth of the land mass within the EU. In case you´re wondering on where to find the reserve closest to you, just look up the „Natura 2000 network viewer“.

© Nina Dietrich

Natura 2000 is a great project for nature and those who love her. In 1992, all the states of the EU agreed on a plan to save the native plants, animals and habitats of Europe from extinction in suitable reserves.

Natura 2000 13

By David Bröderbauer, Naturefriends International

Another conflict is revolving around the question of whether we need reserves like these in the first place. Wouldn´t it be more useful to build roads there, or skiing resorts, and turn nature into good money? Natura 2000 is contested even within the EU. There are lobby groups who would like nothing better than to cut back on the program or get rid of it altogether. Many Natura 2000 areas are endangered by planned construction already.

There is a lot yet to be done in order to make Natura 2000 a success.

© Geert Gratama

Natura 2000 14 3: Behind the scenes

The conflict of interest in the Natura 2000 areas is not just about the question of what´s legal. It´s also about who should be responsible for the reserves. Without constant care, the state of many of these areas is bound to deteriorate rapidly. But due to lack of funding, many reserves have to go without the proper management by experts in nature conservation.

The vision of Natura 2000. Everyone joins hands in protecting nature – whether you just love it or need to make a living off it.

Cartoons taken from: SUSKE W., MAURER J., Die Sicht der Anderen, Umweltdachverband, Wien 2014.

Natura Trails 15

Nature Friends inspire to preserve Nature We Nature Friends can help to spread the word about Natura 2000. One way to do so is the Natura Trails Program initiated by Nature Friends International (NFI).

Nature Trails are hiking routes in Natura 2000 areas picked by Nature Friends.

They are an invitation to experience Nature. Signposts and brochures help recreation-seeking guests to learn about local wildlife and habitats.

3: Das steht dahinter

Natura Trails

3: Behind

the scenes

Natura Trails 16

3: Behind the scenes

Natura Trails - Nature Friends Inspire to Preserve Nature

Natura Trails

The Natura Trails Program was founded in 2003. Numerous hiking and biking routes trough Natura 2000 areas were compiled and described in detail for several European countries. In Germany alone, there are more than 100 trails already, and the number keeps growing.

When walking a Natura Trail, please be aware that you are in a reserve. Its purpose is to save species and habitats, who are in danger of extinction. You should refrain from any activities that might run counter to that purpose. Try to learn in advance what the reserve is for and act accordingly.

Rules in Natura 2000 areas are less strict than in other reserves. National Parks and Reserves often ask you to „please leash your dog“, „do not pick flowers“ or „stay on the path“. Certain areas within these reserves may be off-limits altogether. While Natura 2000 areas do not have such a strict code, they may overlap with other, more severely

regulated areas. In this case, the stricter rule always prevails. You should check in advance on the possible intersection of Natura 2000 areas and other reserves. If you apply some common sense and try to be as mindful as you can, you should be on the safe side in most cases, anyway.

In some cases, human intervention is more than welcome in Natura 2000 areas.

Meadows need to be mowed, bushes removed and dry grassland needs to be browsed in order to preserve a diversity of species in the cultured landscape.

As we said, as many people as possible should be made aware of Natura 2000 and the importance of the network. In order to reach out to young people, too, and to give them a chance to experience Nature in an exciting way and inspire them to help preserve it, the Young Nature Friends Germany have developed the „Natura in Action“ trails program.

It builds on already existing Natura Trails. In the next chapter, you will learn about these routes and how to use them.

Natura Trail bro information on

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www.natura-trails.naturfreunde.de is a great additional resource.

Natura Trails

Would you like to build a Natura (in Action) trail in a A focus on nature Natura 2000 area close to you? Make sure to get local citizens on board. Raise awareness and find supporters for your project. You should build on existing routes in order to minimize intrusion. More on building you own routes in chapter 5.

3: Behind the scenes

ochures with n Natura 2000 areas

Do it yourself

4: Nature awaits

4: Nature awaits

Five „Natura in Action“ trails 18

Five „Natura in Action“ trails

Five exemplary trails were built and provided with documentation by the German Young Naturefriends in the „Natura in Action“ project. They run through border regions, since Natura 2000 is a European idea. The five routes were built in order to inspire guides and multipliers from within and without the Young Nature Friends for their own work with groups of young people. They are ideal destinations for trips, retreats and workshops, and may also serve as best-practice examples of how to build your own route.

S

Five „Natura in Action“ trails

This trail leads through the Natura 2000 area at the Pimpinellenberg. The diverse reserve Pimpinellenberg is located close to Oderberg in Brandenburg, bordering on the German/Polish International Park Lower Oder Valley. The Pimpinellenberg is part of a terminal moraine, which was created in the course of the Weichsel glacial epoch about 15 000 years ago. It is home to many rare animal and plant species. Also, the melting of the glaciers created many lakes, small bodies of water and moors, which are characteristic for the region to this day.

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4: „Natura in Action“ Trails

4: Nature awaits

GP

GP

S

4: Nature awaits

Five „Natura in Action“ trails 20

ion“ Trails

This trail leads through the Natura 2000 area 4: „Natura in Act at the Pimpinellenberg. The diverse reserve Ice Age Land is located close to Oderberg in Brandenburg, bordering on the German/Polish International Park Lower Oder Valley. The Pimpinellenberg is part of a terminal moraine, which was created in the course of the Weichsel glacial epoch about 15 000 years ago. It is home to many rare animal and plant species. Also, the melting of the glaciers created many lakes, small bodies of water and moors, which are characteristic for the region to this day.

S

Five „Natura in Action“ trails

This trail leads through the Natura 2000 area „Bodanrück and the Western Bodensee“ Bodanrück in Baden-Württemberg. It is located in the foothills of the Alps bordering Switzerland, forming one of the largest continuous European reserves. The Bodanrück is a land tongue into the Bodensee and part of a moraine landscape shaped by glaciers during the last ice age.

The ice masses created hills and so called dead ice holes and tongue basins, which today appear as lakes. These lakes are important breeding and rest areas for endangered bird species.

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4: „Natura in Action“ Trails

4: Nature awaits

GP

GP

S

4: Nature awaits

Five „Natura in Action“ trails 22

ion“ Trails

The bike ride starts at the French Nature Friends´ 4: „Natura in Act Hostel Petite Rosselle, continues through the Trail of the largest Natura 2000 area of the Saarland, the Warndt, and ends in Germany. The border region between Germany and France is not only rich in natural resources and the habitat of strictly protected species such as the wildcat. Traces of European religious history can also be found in the settlement area between the Saar and the Rhine.

Huguenots

S 4: „Natura in Action“ Trails

Border

This Trail leads through the largest Natura 2000 area in the Saarland called the Warndt.

View The biking route through the extensive forest area starts in Germany and ends at the French Nature Friends´ Hostel Petite Rosselle. Romans and Franks have left their marks here. Human intervention of a younger date have shaped the landscape, too. But former coal and sand mines are being reclaimed by nature, and a breathtaking view from a height of 80 meters lets you take in the whole of the former mining area.

All of the trails take about four hours on average to complete, including challenges. If you have any further questions or if you are interested in a particular trail, please contact the Executive Committee of the German Young Nature Friends:

Naturfreundejugend Deutschlands Warschauer Str. 59a D-10243 Berlin Telefon: ++49 (0) 30 – 29773270 E-Mail: info@naturfreundejugend.de www.naturfreundejugend.de

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GP

5: Do It Yourself

5: Do It Yourself

und Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung

Was sind Naturpädagogik, Umweltbildung

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How to Plan Routes for Environmental Education

While we would like to encourage you to explore the existing routes we have described so far and spread the word about these, we also want to inspire you to build your own „Natura in Action“ trails. If you design a route of your own, you get to pick the place that is best suited for you and your group. After all, you know best what needs you have to serve – and what age group you have in mind for the challenges along the way, for example.

This chapter is a toolbox for your own activities within the Natura 2000 framework. You will learn the basics of nature pedagogy, environmental learning and education for sustainable development, you will find some thoughts on how to integrate GPS trackers in your learning environments and what´s behind those QR-Codes.

The chapter concludes with a check list you can use to get started into your own adventure – and make sure that you have paied attention to the most important details.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING

The goal of nature pedagogy is to strengthen the relationship between humans and nature and counter alienation between the two. It is all about experiencing nature, getting in touch with nature and be familiar with natural environments. Sensual exercises and integral experiences with nature are among the most prominent methods used here. Nature pedagogy operates under the assumption that an emotional access to nature is best suited to build appreciation and respect. Only those with strong ties to nature can be expected to act in Nature´s best interest.

Environmental learning became popular in the 1970s. Its goal is to promote a res­ ponsible handling of nature and natural resources by enabling humans to act environmentally sound and motivating them to preserve nature and the environment. This is attended by teaching (expert) knowledge and problem-solving capacities. Environmental learning is not limited to ecological topics only, but may include climate protection, responsible consumption, mobility, or nutrition. Environmental learning is often used as an umbrella term for a variety of approaches with similar goals. It is used not only in academic environments, but also in other fields of learning, such as youth work.

Nature Pedagogy: Emotional experiences with nature result in appreciation and respect.

A Primer on Nature Pedagogy, Environmental

NATURE PEDAGOGY

Learning and Education for Sustainable Development

Sometimes it is hard not to get lost in the jungle of terms and concepts: what is nature pedagogy? How is it different from environmental learning and where does sustainable development come in? And how do all these concepts figure into Natura in Action? These may be just a few of the questions you keep asking yourself, and we would like to provide you with a quick attempt at answers to all of them. And of course we are going to show you briefly how these concepts matter to the Young Nature Friends.

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A Primer on Nature Pedagogy, Environmental Learning and Education for Sustainable Development

5: Do It Yourself

5: Do It Yourself

26 A Primer on Nature Pedagogy, Environmental

Learning and Education for Sustainable Development

5: Do It Yourself

Environmental learning: Knowledge and experience as cornerstones of responsible handling of nature and its resources.

EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (ESD)

Sustainability is one of the key terms of our time. Whether it´s food, clothing, traveling, finance or the latest vacuum cleaner, the term keeps cropping up again and again, while the meaning attached to it is not necessarily always the same. In fact, the term originates in the 18th century. It was first used by Hans Carl von Carlowitz in connection with the timber industry. He coined the term in order to denote a way of cultivation, in which the amount of wood extracted from a forest would be matched against the system´s regenerative capabilities. Today, the term´s meaning has been expanded to include all sectors of life, and has, in fact, become a general mission statement. The goal is to ensure the quality of life for every human being alive today as well as future generations – in the three fields of ecology, economy and social relations. Sustainability is all about thinking and acting responsibly and foresightful. Un-

fortunately, it is often hard for humans to assume a long-term perspective, and it takes more time for an insight to go from heart to head to hand than can be afforded in the race to safe our planet.

Education is the key for sustainable development. UNESCO has called a “decade of education for sustainability” for the years 2004 -2014, during which national education plans were supposed to include the principle of sustainability in every subject. The goal was not primarily to pass on knowledge, but to make „tools“ available and further competencies which would enable students to self-dependently and actively shape the future („buidling competence“).

Education for sustainable development: Acquire tools and competencies let you act responsibly today and develop a long-termperspective in order to create a socially and ecologically balanced future.

Jugendreisen mit Respekt Handbuch für Teamer*innen

Naturfreund*innen reisen mit Respekt.

Wir respektieren zukünftige Generationen, indem wir mit unseren Jugendreisen nicht achtlos Naturräume zerstören, Ressourcen verschwenden oder zum Klimawandel beitragen.

Wir respektieren die Menschen im Reiseland, indem wir in den Austausch treten und offen für interkulturelle Erfahrungen sind.

Wir respektieren die Mitreisenden, indem wir sie in ihrer Vielfalt anerkennen und gemeinsam an einem positiven Gruppenerlebnis mitwirken.

„Jugendreisen mit Respekt“ wurde gefördert vom Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend.

jung. bunt. aktiv. www.naturfreundejugend.de

A Primer on Nature Pedagogy, Environmental

Learning and Education for Sustainable Development

But as grave as the topic may be, we will always find a way to make learning fun. Only when we, together with others, literally grasp the cornucopia of nature can we truly estimate and be motivated to save it. This is exactly where „Natura in Action“ comes in, when it turns Natura 2000 areas into exciting destinations for sustainable Youth Travel and retreats. German speakers may find more information on sustainable youth travel in our brochure for team guides „Jugendreisen mit Respekt – Handbuch für Teamer*innen.“

5: Do It Yourself

Our work is based in our mission statement.

The cornerstones of this statement and the most important guiding principles for our work are sustainability, education, fun and experimentation. As Young Nature Friends we are concerned with giving access to nature and letting people of all ages and walks of life experience the wealth of nature to its fullest.

Along the way, we would like to raise awareness for the dangers that the environment is faced with and enable our participants to become active for sustainable development.

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ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY AT YOUNG NATURE FRIENDS

Jugendreisen mit Respekt

It´s important to realize that perspectives on how these approaches are interrelated differ vastly. Some say that ESD is a kind of umbrella term or overarching goal, under which environmental learning can be subsumed.

Nature pedagogy, in this perspective, is really no more than a part of of environmental learning, like Waldorf pedagogy. Many who endorse nature pedagogy, of course, struggle with this definition. In their opinion, nature pedagogy is a concept that can (and should) stand wholly on its own, since it predates the idea of education for sustainable development by a considerable margin. To them, nature pedagogy and related approaches are the foundation that ESD rests upon.

For planning a Natura trail, it is always good to keep a variety of approaches handy, since their methods really have to go hand in hand here. It is equally important to help people establish an emotional connection to nature through sensory exercises than it is to get participants thinking and give them impulses to change their day-to-day behavior to be more ecologically responsible. All of the approaches mentioned here have always been part of the Young Nature Friends‘ general orientation.

GPS Education Routes

The already established „Natura in Action“ trails allow for the use of GPS trackers in order to find the action boxes with the challenges. The trails are purposefully designed in a way that does not make the use of that particular technology mandatory. It is supposed to give an impulse, not to create an unnecessary barrier. If, however, you would like to build your trail as a so-called GPS education route, this chapter is for you.

5: Do It Yourself

GPS Education Routes 28

5: Do It Yourself

by North/East-coordinates. The boxes often contain riddles, the solution of which reveals the next coordinates. At the end, a „treasure chest“ awaits, containing some kind of small reward (which you are expected to replace with a treat for the next person using the route) and a logbook, which list everyone who ever walked that particular trail. There are many ways to build a cache: simple trials with only one destination, ´multicaches´ with several stations, or night caches.

More on geocaching and plenty of caches to try can be found at portals such as www. geocoaching.de or www.opencaching.de.

USE THE DIGITAL WORLD TO ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF NATURE

Think of geocaching as a modern-day treasure hunt or scavenger hunt. It has become a popular past time over the last few years.

People hide small boxes in exciting or interesting spots. The exact position is described

GPS education routes take the concept one step further. They are themed geocaches designed to provide a learning experience through interactive tasks. They have become a popular method in social and ecological education (and in education for sustainable development accordingly), because they can be a great way to link environmental education, nature pedagogy and media pedagogy. Also, they offer the possibility of using a GPS device as a learning instrument, which may help to

PRO

Florian, 18: It´s exciting t about nature a GPS device in cess. I can find on my own and n´t get boring.

CONTRA

Linda, 14: In some place back on the des we were given map rather tha the GPS tracke n´t want to ju at the display a out on the s dings.

es I fell scription and the an using er. I didust stare and miss surroun-

Examples: N53°34.318’ (53 degrees, 34 minutes, 318 decimal minutes, Northern latitude) E009°59.731’ (9 degrees, 59 minutes, 731 decimal minutes, Eastern longitude)

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GPS is short for Global Positioning System, a world-wide navigation system running through satellites. It was developed during the 1970s by the U.S. Ministry of Defense, and opened to the public in 2000. Satellites orbit the earth and emit radio signals, which enables you to determine your position on the surface by picking up these signals with a GPS tracker. A GPS tracker can also help you find certain coordinates by comparing your present position with that of the satellites. Coordinates are made up of a North value (the latitude) and an East value (the longitude).

GPS Education Routes

However, it is important to also be aware of this approach´s limitations. The technology should be used purposefully and sparingly in order to prevent fiddling with a GPS tracker to become the main purpose of the activity instead of experiencing nature.

WHAT´S A GPS TRACKER AND WHERE CAN I GET ONE?

5: Do It Yourself

to learn and use a the prothe way d it does-

attract otherwise more technology-inclined youths and simply helps to make teaching more diverse. The action boxes get participants actively involved – stepping up to the challenges requires good communication skills and teamwork.

5: Do It Yourself

GPS Education Routes 30

A GPS device will usually offer the following functions: set a waypoint (determine your position) enter coordinates and navigate measure your speed measure distances The handling is a little different depending on the specific device that you have; best read the manual to find out about that, of course.

Which device is the right one for you depends on the range of features you need. Devices from a huge variety of producers come in all sizes and shapes. Prices start at about 90 Euros. Maybe it´s a good idea not to buy a tracker right away – borrow one to try out if you can. The German Young Nature Friends´ headquarters, some local chapters of the DLG youth and of the BUNDjugend already offer this possibility.

Also try other youth organizations or friends. Many cell phones/smart phones offer GPS functionality, too, which, however, may be limited, so make sure that determining a position works with sufficient precision.

Under ideal circumstances (no interferences through nearby buildings, outside of dense forest areas, etc.) GPS devices should give your position with an error margin of less than five meters.

Be consid respectfu

When pl using a GP route, be s the environment first and forem mind the following guidelines:

Don´t hide boxes in hazardou as highways, train tracks, buildings close to collapse o explosions are likely to happe

Don´t hide boxes on private pr

In nature reserves, stay on the se to roads and don´t use se such as reed zones. They are for endangered species and disturbed or damaged. Treeho are out of bounds, too. They bats and endangered bird spe

Think first, then turn on your GP enjoy nature responsibly.

us spots such power lines, or sites where en!

roperty!

e roads or cloensitive areas e safe spaces must not be oles and caves y are home to ecies.

PS device and

Bestimmt gibt es bei dir in der Nähe ein Natura 2000 Gebiet und dort vielleicht

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If you want to walk the extra mile, use QRCodes on your route in order to encode challenges, hints or riddles („QR“ is for „quick response“). (Free) smart phone apps can scan and decode these little graphics and turn them into text. This is a great way to encode internet addresses, too. Keep in mind that including online elements this way may cost participants money for using their mobile internet, and that connectivity may be poor to nonexistent in remote areas.

How to Use QR-Codes

lanning and PS education safe and mind most. Keep in

How to Use QR-Codes

5: Do It Yourself

derate and ul

5: Do It Yourself

5: Selbst loslegen

GPS-Bildungsrouten 32

Your Own Natura in Action Trail in 10 Steps Possibly, there´s a Natura 2000 area close to you with a Natura trail already in place. How about using that to construct your very own Natura in Action trail suited for young visitors? The following checklist is intended as a guideline to lead you through the process without any major glitches.

All items come with a short explanation.

CHECKLIST YOU HAVE …

3. … thought about a topic your route is going to be focused on.

4. … come up with a frame story, ideally.

5. … thought about the exact routing sequence.

6. … found the right spots for the action boxes with the challenges inside.

7. … designed tasks and actions to be solved and performed at these stations.

8. … picked a small treasure or surprise for the end of the trail.

9. … documented the trail to make it easy and fun to navigate.

10. … let others know about the trail and spread the news about it.

www.natura-trails.naturfreunde.de provides information on which Natura 2000 area already has a Natura trail, whose route sequence you might use as a foundation. The respective documentation can be found online in the form of a brochure.

Look for loop rounds beginning and ending with a Friends-Of-Nature House you can use as meeting point and/or accomodation. Go to http://www.naturfreunde-haeuser.net/ for an overview. Pick areas with good accessibility via public transport – you want to travel environment-friendly, of course.

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Find out about Natura 2000 areas via the „Natura 2000 network viewer“ at http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/#.

Your Own Natura in Action Trail in 10 Steps

2. … determined a target group your route will be tailored for.

NATURA 200 AREA

5: Do It Yourself

1. … picked a Natura 2000 area and decided on a place in which to locate your route.

Your Own Natura in Action Trail in 10 Steps 34 5: Do It Yourself

TARGET GROUP

FRAME STORY

Think about which group you would like to see on your trail. Is it going to be school classes or other kinds of youth groups? How old will they be? Give this one some thought, since it´s going to have some impact on how you design the challenges and activities along the trail.

A frame story that connects the stations on the trail helps to engage and excite participants. It works like a red thread running through the activities and supports thematic coherence. Keep in mind the age group you´re working with, or it might get too challenging or too childish. Look at how the Natura in Action trail in the Saarland starts out:

PICKING A TOPIC

Spring has sprung, there´s no denying. The weather forecast for the weekend is promising, and so James is eager to finally go on a bike tour with his buddies again. When he combs the attic for the new tires he got himself in winter, he stumbles upon the crates his parents salvaged from his recently deceased grandmother´s house a couple of weeks ago.

A diary on top catches his attention, and he starts to read. His grandmother, who witnessed World War 2 as a young girl, writes about the allied troops occupying her home town of Völkingen, at the French and German border, in 1945, and how the town came under French administration subsequently. The nearby Warndt forest range and the floodplains of the Bist brook are also mentioned, since the young girl loves to play there. Follow in the footsteps of James´s grandmother, hop on you

Depending on the specific site, its features and history, certain topics may come to mind instantly. It makes sense to center a trail around one or two of these. Use the stations to teach about Natura 2000 and the wildlife typical for this particular region. Maybe an area has an interesting history or can be introduced as an example for topics such as water consumption, waste prevention, energy generation/consumption or sustainable outdoor sports.

bike and look for the action boxes, and find out what makes this reserve so unique ‌

ROUTING SEQUENCE

mpinellenberg

Loop round Pi

5: Do It Yourself

Now think about which points exactly you would like your route to pass. Do you want it to run from one Friends-Of-Nature House to another? Or is going to be a loop? Think about how long you want the trail to be. If you intend for it to be used on foot, a few kilometers is enough. Dealing with the challenges along the way can easily make even a short trail last hours. Bike tours can be longer; 10-20 kilometers sounds about right.

SPOTS FOR ACTION BOXES

Chose three to five spots for action boxes along the route, depending on how long it is. Ideally, these places should fit your theme and should be well suited as hiding places.

Determine the spots´ positions with a GPS device in order to be able to give exact coordinates. You should additionally take a photo of the hiding place and describe in writing

Loop ro

Your Own Natura in Action Trail in 10 Steps

35

Of course, this is just one of many possible approaches. A criminal case to be solved along the trail may also be a great idea!

und Bo

rder Vie

w

Your Own Natura in Action Trail in 10 Steps 36 5: Do It Yourself

where the box can be found. Put the route and the boxes´ positions down on a map, so that you´ll be able to reconstruct everything from afar.

TASKS AND ACTIVITIES

Now it´s time for some imagination. Think about how you can wrap the theme(s) of your trail in exciting tasks and activities. „Natura in Action“ trails traditionally have something to offer from out each of the three categories mentioned earlier (exchange, team, action).

That´s not mandatory, however, it´s also fine to come up with just one task for each station. A good task gets everyone involved and calls for the whole team to work together in order to find a solution. It´s always a possibility to have the coordinates of the next station be the solution.

For example, the last three digits of the coordinates may come up as the solution to a thematically fitting riddle. German speakers may find ideas for activities in the handbook „Jugendreisen mit Respekt – Handbuch für Teamer*innen der Naturfreundejugend“ (available from German Young Naturefriends).

Of course, the internet offers plenty of collections of team games and fun exercises.

Be considerate and respectful

When planning and using a GPS education route, be safe and mind the environment first and foremost. Keep in mind the following guidelines: Don´t hide boxes in hazardous spots such as highways, train tracks, power lines, buildings close to collapse or sites where explosions are likely to happen!

Don´t hide boxes on private property!

In nature reserves, stay on the roads or close to roads and don´t use sensitive areas such as reed zones. They are safe spaces for endangered species and must not be disturbed or damaged. Treeholes and caves are out of bounds, too. They are home to bats and endangered bird species.

THE FINAL TOUCH

A small suprise at the end is what turns a good natura trail into a great one. We always hide a little treasure chest at the end of each Natura in Action trail, which can be opened by a secret code. The code may be pieced together from the correct solutions to all the challenges along the trail. The chest contains buttons and stickers, which the participants may keep as a reminder of the adventure they

a thrilling ending for your frame story postcards to be sent to friends an invitation to another great Natura in Action adventure …

37 Your Own Natura in Action Trail in 10 Steps

Decide where to put the descriptions for the activities and whether they are going to permanently stay there or have to be hidden in advance by team guides each time a group walks the trail. We suggest using waterproof clip-and-close boxes with an activity on a card inside. You may also laminate the cards to make them more durable. If you would like to stash the boxes in a Friends-Of-Nature House, get in touch with the owners in advance and explain what you´re doing and what „Natura in Action“ is about.

faced together. What would you like to present your participants with? Ideas for a good ending include

5: Do It Yourself

The BUNDjugend offers a handbook called „Natur als Schatz. Nachhaltig lernen mit GPS Bildungsrouten zum Thema „Wasser“ (also in German).

Your Own Natura in Action Trail in 10 Steps 38 5: Do It Yourself

DOCUMENTATION

SPREADING THE WORD

For providing the information needed for groups to walk your trail, you have to map out, what to expect and how the trail is structured. There really is no best way to document your trail. It depends on how you designed the route, whether you would like to give directions, including a map, or whether the stations may only be discovered via GPS. We suggest using a „trail book“ as a documentation.

After you´ve put all that effort into the development of your route, it´s important to let people know about it. Maybe there´s a special occasion you designed the route for (such as a retreat or a project day at school), and that´s a great opportunity to spread the news. You should also contact your local and national chapter of the Young Nature Friends as well as other youth organizations and let them know about the route. And of course spread the news among your friends!

It contains all the vital information, such as an introduction to the overarching topic, the length of the trail and a description of all the stations. A master copy of a trail book (in German) is available online via German Young Nature Friends.

Naturfreundejugend Internationale (IYNF)

Warschauer Str. 59a 10243 Berlin Germany Telefon: +49 (0) 30 – 29773270 E-Mail: info@naturfreundejugend.de www.naturfreundejugend.de

Senovazne nam. 24 110 00 Prague Czech Republic Telefon: +42 (0) 234621573 E-Mail: iynf@iynf.org www.iynf.org

NaturFreunde Deutschlands (NF)

The BUNDjugend has worked with GPS education routes (focused on the topic of water consumption) in their project WASsERLEBNIS”

Warschauer Straße 58a/59a 10243 Berlin Germany Telefon: +49 (0) 30 – 29773260 E-Mail: info@naturfreunde.de www.naturfreunde.de Naturefriends International (NFI) Diefenbachgasse 36 1150 Wien Austria Telefon: +43 (0) 1892 -3877 E-Mail: office@nf-int.org www.nfi.at

Jugend im Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUNDjugend) Am Köllnischen Park 1a 10179 Berlin Germany Telefon: +49 (0) 30 - 2758650 E-Mail: info@bundjugend.de www.bundjugend.de

6: Contacts

Naturfreundejugend Deutschlands (NFJD)

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6: Contacts

7: Further Reading and Literary Sources 40

7: Further Reading and Literary Sources

Bundesamt für Naturschutz (Hrsg.) (2010): Natura 2000 - Kooperation von Naturschutz und Nutzern.

Naturfreundejugend Deutschlands (Hrsg.)

(2014): Jugendreisen mit Respekt – Handbuch für Teamer*innen.

Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherung (Hrsg.) (2010):

Michel, U.; Siegmund, A.; Ehlers, M.; Jahn, M.; Bittner, A. (Hrsg.) (2014): Digitale Medien in der Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung – Potenziale und Grenzen. oekom, München.

Natura 2000 in Deutschland - Edelsteine der Natur.

Cornell, J. (2006): Mit Cornell die Natur erleben. Verlag an der Ruhr, Mühlheim an der Ruhr.

Michelsen, G.; Rode, H.; Wendler, M.; Bittner, A. (2013): Außerschulische Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung. Methoden, Praxis, Perspektiven. oekom, München.

Forkel-Schubert, J. (2010): GPS in der Umweltbildung. Geocaching frisst Naturerleben. In: ökopädNEWS Nr. 211, www.umweltbildung.de/5831.html.

Vogl, R. & Dachs, C. (2011): Geocaching in der Umweltbildung. Ergebnisse einer quantitativen Studie in Bayern. In: umwelt & bildung, landauf – landab, Heft 2, S. 13-15.

Jugend im Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschlands e.V. (BUNDjugend) (2011): Natur als Schatz. Nachhaltigkeit lernen mit GPS-Bildungsrouten zum Thema „Wasser“ – Ein Praxishandbuch.

IMPRINT

Published and edited by Naturfreundejugend Deutschlands Warschauer Str. 59a |10243 Berlin Telefon: 0 30 – 29 77 32 70 Telefax: 0 30 – 29 77 32 80 E-Mail: info@naturfreundejugend.de Internet: www.naturfreundejugend.de Concept and editor: Larissa Donges (NFJD), Tobias Thiele (NFJD) Written by: Larissa Donges (NFJD), Tobias Thiele (NFJD), David Bröderbauer (NFI) Pictures by: NFJ/Sebastian Bozada (S. 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 20, 22, 24, 34, 36, 40, 42, 44), NFJ/Larissa Donges (S. 7, 8, 12, 16, 19, 26, 28, 31, 33), Naturfreundejugend Deutschlands (S. 31, 32), openstreetmap (Karten) Print: Druckerei Lokay Graphic design: Nicole Jaecke, fija.de ISBN: 978-3-921381-56-4 The editors claim sole responsibility for the content of this work. „Natura in Action“ is sponsored by the German Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Familien, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend)

Preserving nature and getting in touch with it have always been two sides of the same coin for the Young Nature Friends.

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We want young people to feel that they are a part of nature, instead of merely admiring it from a safe distance. A hands-on experience of nature in groups of peers is what we are striving for – and “Natura in Action” is a great program to get started.