Continuing the education on the necessity of peatland conservation, we organized a nature walk at Bagno Całowanie, one of the largest peatlands in the Mazovian Voivodeship. The walk, which took place on May 13, 2023, provided not only an excellent opportunity to relax in nature but also to discover the unique wildlife harbored within the largest peatland in Mazovia. Participants had the chance to admire and learn about various bird species, butterflies, and plants, many of which are under strict protection. The walk was led by ornithologists Paweł Pstrokoński and Łukasz Kozub from the Wetland Conservation Center. These two excellent guides and naturalists provided insightful knowledge, sharing fascinating information about the ecological value of the peatland and its role in climate protection.
Peatlands, such as Bagno Całowanie, accumulate large amounts of organic plant material. When healthy and undisturbed, peatlands serve as carbon stores, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. By protecting and preserving peatlands, we contribute to the fight against climate change. Although peatlands cover only 5% of the Earth’s surface, research shows that they store a greater amount of CO2 than all the forests combined. When peatlands are maintained in good condition, they act as carbon reservoirs with continuous carbon absorption capacity. It is estimated that one hectare of peatland accumulates over a ton of CO2 annually. Destruction of peatlands, mainly through drainage, leads to the rapid release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.