See you in nature? – the city of Oulu launches new activities to encourage citizens to visit local nature
See you in nature? is the city of Oulu’s new initiative and its goal is to encourage citizens of Oulu to visit local nature and utilize the wellbeing effects it offers. The main idea is that local nature is a significant resource which can improve the quality of life of citizens. The goal is to make local nature easily accessible and familiar for citizens of Oulu.
Tell us your thoughts on local nature
The activities are launched with a survey to map out the experiences and thoughts of local nature. The goal of the survey is to figure out where and why citizens of Oulu move in local nature and what factors stop them from going there. At the same time, we want to learn what significance local nature has in the lives of Oulu’s citizens. The answers of the survey will help us to develop the accessibility and diverse utilization of local nature.
In connection with the survey, we want to map out interest in participating in Nature Friend activities that will be launched at a later date. The activities will offer an opportunity to learn and enjoy nature together with others. You can announce your interest in the survey to act as a Nature Friend or your interest in participating in activities offered by Nature Friends.
Workshops and events will be held in connection with Nature Friend activities during which you can familiarize yourself with local nature, learn about biodiversity and its significance as well as find new ways to enjoy nature. Nature Friends will be trained volunteers who will support and guide people in moving in nature and enjoying it.
You may answer the survey here (The survey is in Finnish).
See you in nature? events in September
The city of Oulu organizes three local events in connection with launching the activities. At the events, the citizens of Oulu get to explore local nature and the opportunities it offers.
The first event is Pelasta Perämeri, which is held on August 29 at 14.00–18.00 in Kuusisaari. The event includes discussions of local nature, especially from the perspective of waterways which offers an excellent opportunity to discuss the significance of local nature in protecting water ways and promoting their wellbeing as well as what kind of wellbeing the water ways can produce for us.
The following events are held in Oulunsalo, at Kirkonkylä School on September 18 at 17.00–20.00 and in Toppila, at Meri-Toppilanpuisto Park, at the Paalikatu parking area on September 19 at 17.00–20.00. The event programs include photography workshops lead by nature photographer Eva Kaján where you will learn to photograph nature with your phone camera. Eva Kaján’s workshop offers an opportunity to learn to cherish the beauty of nature at close range. Additionally, the events will include a Red Cross camp kitchen, building communal insect houses and other nature themed activities. The events are free of charge and open to people of all ages.
It is also possible to answer the survey at the events. Six nature tours will be chosen by lot among the people answering the survey at the event. The content of the tours will be planned according to the winners’ wishes.
See you in nature? pilot is a part of the Sitra Lab’s Luonto osaksi arkea program. In the program, local operators develop solutions together that will bring nature closer to people’s everyday life.