Nearly 30 students of the University of the Third Age in Bolesławiec attended a presentation held at the headquarters of Nadleśnictwo Bolesławiec. The lecture about wolves and beavers was given by Sergiusz Rzatkiewa, a supervision engineer.
“The last beaver in our area was shot in the 18th century. After that, there were none here at all,” says forest district manager Władysław Nowak. “At our request, they were brought to Bolesławiec in 2004–2005. Their current stronghold is Brzeźnik, and they are doing very well.”
Sergiusz Rzatkiewa spoke, among other things, about the fact that wolves do not attack people. He told an anecdote by Dr Sabina Pierużek-Nowak, president of the Association for Nature “Wolf.” One day, the head of the organization was secretly observing these magnificent predators. At one point, she noticed a man who had arrived by bicycle to pick mushrooms. The mushroom picker left his vehicle under a tree and… walked right into the middle of a wolf pack. The animals sniffed him, but did not move from the spot. The man—completely unaware of where he was—picked a few mushrooms, got back on his bicycle and rode away.
The Bolesławiec University of the Third Age, operating at Wrocław University of Economics, was established in 2007. The University’s varied programme is tailored to the expectations and needs of its students. In July 2011, this interesting programme helped it receive a Self-Accreditation Certificate from the Foundation for the Jagiellonian University.
Students have the opportunity to learn foreign languages and the basics of computer use. They co-create a vocal ensemble and discover their artistic side during painting classes. They enthusiastically take part in classes aimed at improving overall physical fitness, as well as learning oriental and contemporary dance, practising yoga and walking with poles.
The presentation at Nadleśnictwo Bolesławiec was held on the initiative of Wiesława Olczyk, who runs the University of the Third Age in Bolesławiec.
(information: UTW/ii)
See also
Grażyna Hanaf’s feature about wolves in the Bolesławiec area