Get hands-on with habitats at Prague's newly opened nature center

A new environmental education center called the Well of Knowledge (U studánky in Czech) has opened its doors to students and the public in Prague.

Located on a quiet street just a few dozen meters from Stromovka Park, the center seeks to "awaken a positive relationship with nature and inspire its protection," according to director Kristýna Nováková of the Czech Coalition for Biodiversity Conservation (CCBC), the nonprofit organization behind the center.

The modern, eco-friendly building offers different activity spaces, including a "jungle-themed dressing room" and a studio for large meetings. But the front garden may be students' favorite spot,  Nováková said, as they can learn practical skills like hydroponics, aquaponics, and organic cultivation.

"Science comes alive here as biology, chemistry, and physics connect to our planet," she said.

Mornings are reserved for field trips from schools across the Czech Republic. After-school programs include nature art clubs and a "Young Zookeepers" group. Popular evening talks bring conservationists face-to-face with visitors.

"We're so lucky to meet the real protector, not just textbooks," Nováková said. "People who really save elephants in Congo or sea turtles in Indonesia."

Speakers like Arthur Sniegon of Save the Elephants and Adéla Hemelíková of the Lestari Project will share their experiences, alongside zoologists and a wetlands expert.

"Transferring our knowledge and passion is key to conservation," said David Nejedlo, chairman of CCBC and director of Liberec Zoo, one of several partner zoos supporting the center.

The Well of Knowledge is open to students, families, and residents hoping to cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards. As Nováková said: "Our visions of inspiring nature appreciation are the same."