Biodiversity Day program May 26
The three IVN chapters in the Land van Cuijk are organizing Biodiversity Day on Sunday, May 26, in the UNESCO site De Maasheggen.
They are thus following up on the United Nations' initiative to once a year reflect on the importance of everything that crawls, flies, grows and flourishes in our environment.
The Biodiversity Day starts at 11 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. Gasterij Onder de Panne in Beugen is the base for many interesting activities.
Experience for yourself how unique the area is
Take a walk along seven counting stations around the nature reserve De Vilt. How many different species of plants, animals and fungi can you find? The IVN-volunteers are ready with landing nets, search cards and magnifying glasses and record the species found at each station. This research and counting of all species provides a wealth of information about the biodiversity in De Vilt. Children can also participate. They receive an activity booklet at the start to write down all discoveries. Recognizing a tree by its leaves, discovering where the caterpillars are and seeing which favorite plants grow, it is all possible during the 2 kilometer long walking route. At the pond you can investigate marine life and at 't Ham there is a chance to observe the water birds and listen to which birds are hiding in the reeds. With a telescope you can watch the storks.
Further on, tracking insects takes center stage. And those who want to know which flowering herbs love the wetlands can investigate on the Marsh Lane. Most mammals don't show themselves during the day. But even tracks betray their presence!
Out and about with the forester
Scattered throughout the day, staff from Brabants Landschap and other naturalists give an excursion. This route differs from the walking route and starts at the corner of Moerbaan and Laag Werveld. Excursion times are posted at Gasterij Onder de Panne. Registration is not necessary.
Marius Grutters knows the area like the back of his hand and shows why De Vilt is so unique. Who wants to see the tree frog can go on the road with Jeroen van Leeuwen, advocate for the reintroduction of this bright green frog.
Information market at Onder de Panne
An information market will be held at Gasterij Onder de Panne. IVN has found some 20 green organizations and people, who are voluntarily or professionally engaged in strengthening biodiversity, willing to attend.
Anette van Berkel of the Butterfly Foundation provides commentary on her videos of butterflies and dragonflies. Stijn Heijs, authority on food forests, talks about this other way of farming. Farmer Job Albers of the An't Hoag farm on the Walsert in Rijkevoort shows how circular agriculture works. Furthermore, employees of Brabants Landschap tell how they maintain and restore the habitat of plants and animals in nature reserves. Outside, forester Gijs Looijen is present to tell about the origins of De Vilt and the special species of plants and animals you will find. Staatsbosbeheer and Slabox tell about their work in De Maasheggen.
Taste and turn the wheel of knowledge
You can also taste the products produced by the Maasheggen area. Taste herbal tea or buy a Maasheggen package to try out various regional products. Learn more about the life of butterflies and bees from Gerard Sonnemans, author of two beautifully illustrated books.
Want to test your personal knowledge about biodiversity? You can do that at the so-called biodiversity wheel. Turn this wheel and you get a question about the plant and animal species you may encounter at De Vilt or in the Maasheggengebied. IVN volunteers will help you find the right answer.
Children can also turn the biodiversity wheel and then get a question that suits them. Children who want to do crafts can make a little beehive. Furthermore, numerous nature games are offered.
At the IVN booth you can get information about apps that help with nature exploration and nature recognition.
Results of the counts
Antoinette Maas, alderman for sustainability, nature and mobility of the municipality Land van Cuijk, announced at the end of the afternoon the results of the counts, which took place during Biodiversity Day.
Entrance = free
The Biodiversity Day will take place on Sunday, May 26, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Gasterij Onder de Panne, Oeffeltseweg 26 in Beugen. Entrance is free. Please do come by bike as much as possible, there is no parking at the location.
