A Celebration of Nature in Novo Mesto

October 2024

On October 17, our Slovenian Pilot site, the Novo Mesto Olympic Centre, hosted a social cultural event titled “When the Forest Comes Alive,” designed to raise awareness on the benefits of nature for both body and spirit. The event was supported by our Pilot City the Novo Mesto Municipality and featured three workshops that catered to participants of all ages! The workshops were led by Marija Komatar, a dedicated herbalist and aromatherapist.

A Morning Immersion in Nature

The day’s activities commenced at 9:30 with a workshop tailored for nature enthusiasts (particularly retirees who appreciated the early start!) Participants embarked on a guided forest trail led by Marija Komatar, who shared insights on medicinal plants and their wellness benefits. The guided promenade followed the newly created trail developed as part of Visionary Solution 2.

Forest Immersion Workshop: “Inhale the Forest”

The event’s highlight was the “Inhale the Forest” workshop, which began early in the afternoon. This experience allowed participants to connect with the forest for two hours, helping them escape the stresses of daily life, surrounded by trees and the natural beauty of the Pilot site.

An Afternoon of Learning and Family Fun

Later in the afternoon participants enjoyed an educational walk along the Olympic Centre’s trim track (developed as part of Visionary Solution 2), where the newly planted trees provided an engaging backdrop. Armed with informative cards, children and parents alike discovered more about the local flora.

Culinary Delights and Community Connections

The workshops were complemented by sweet and savory treats from the Trškogorska srce Association!

The Municipality of Novo Mesto looks forward to future events that will continue to foster inter-generational connections and promote awareness of nature’s significance for health and well-being!

Discover more about Novo Mesto’s Pilot on their Pilot page.