Open Days
In 2023, our Faculty organized Open Days on two dates. The first took place in January (two-day; Friday, Saturday) and the second in March (one-day; Friday). According to the completed questionnaires, 232 people interested in studying visited the Open Days. Applicants could go and look at the Faculty facilities, get information about studies, see individual departments, and listen to the sounds of hunting music. They tried out a harvester simulator, virtual reality in the forest, the work of an arborist, a laser shooting range, saw taxidermy demonstrations, and the dendrochronological and genetics laboratory. Individual activities of Faculty student associations were also presented to the applicants, including a demonstration of hunting raptors. Lectures on studies were always followed by a tour of the campus.
Summer school in Austria and Slovenia
Our Faculty organized a summer school for FLD students from 23rd February to 2nd March. The main goal was to introduce students to the woodworking industry in Austria and Slovenia. In this way, students expanded their theoretical knowledge with practical experience from companies and research workplaces. The programme included a visit to research institutes and universities focused on wood sciences (Wood K Plus, University of Ljubljana, Technical University Graz), where students attended expert lectures on research activities and were subsequently shown around laboratories with examples of experiments. Part of the summer school programme was a visit to woodworking companies, including primary wood processing (Mayr-Melnhof sawmill), paper production (Mondi paper mill), and I-beams and formwork (Doka company), as well as a visit to window production (M Sora) and a tour of wooden buildings. The weekend programme included a visit to interesting wooden structures, including the highest wooden observation tower – Pyramidenkogel.
Arborist conference
In March, the Arborist Academy of the Czech Union for Nature Conservation, in cooperation with the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences of CZU in Prague, organized an annual winter arboricultural conference on the topic, „I planted a tree – what next?“. As part of the conference, a number of lectures were prepared with current topics in the field of post-planting tree care. The lectures were led by experts from the academic sphere, from the field of self-government and state administration, as well as practical arborists. A moderated discussion was part of the programme.
Cooperation with Adler workshop practice
Wood is a suitable material for use in furniture, flooring, and construction. However, it is necessary to protect wood, for example by means of wood surface treatment systems. Based on this issue, cooperation was established between ADLER Česko s.r.o. and our Faculty. ADLER is an Austrian manufacturer of paints and varnishes with a long tradition. The cooperation focuses mainly on exterior surface treatment systems. In recent years, it has also focused in particular on water-based materials, which ADLER itself develops and which represent an important future in this field. As part of the cooperation at our Faculty, training and testing of selected surface treatment systems are taking place, including their modifications according to the standard for natural aging EN 927-3 and also according to the standard for artificial accelerated aging EN 927-6. The company also provides paint materials used in student final theses. Some results have also already been published in professional journals of the Web of Science database.
Trips to secondary schools
Some of our employees and students participated in the recruitment of future students at various secondary schools not only in the Czech Republic, but also in Slovakia. Forestry schools, as well as some woodworking schools, responded positively to our offer of a presentation about study opportunities at our Faculty. We visited SLŠ Hranice, ČLA Trutnov, SLŠ Žlutice, SLŠ Šluknov, SLŠ Písek, SOŠLaD Liptovský Hrádok, and SOŠL Prešov. An excursion was also held our Faculty premises for students of the Wood and furniture production field from the secondary school in Česká Třebová.
MOST Sokrates Fair
In February, representatives of our Faculty went to the 15th year of the SOCRATES 2 Fair of universities and higher vocational schools in Most, which was attended by many secondary school students from the Ústí na Labem region. FLD, together with representatives of other faculties, prepared a presentation of current study programmes and introduced potential applicants to study life at the Czech University of Life Sciences.
Student driven hunt
At the beginning of 2023, a joint student hunting event took place in the forest stands of CZU Forests in Kostelec nad Černými lesy. A few hours spent in the beautiful forests made the students slow down their thoughts about the exam period and get energy and new strength for the next semester. The event was attended by students from various secondary schools and universities, not only from the Czech Republic, but also from Slovakia and Poland. The ending of the hunt took place in the courtyard of the castle to the sound of a horn fanfare.
Student associations balls
Over the past three months, several events of the student associations of our Faculty took place. As examples, we can list the traditional freshers welcoming (Student Interest Association at FLD) and hunting evening (Hunting Association at FLD CZU in Prague). Students, staff, and guests were treated to a raffle, lots of fun, prize auctions, guessing competitions, and a lot of dancing.
FOR WOOD trade fair
From 9th to 11th February, our Faculty, as usual, participated in the FOR WOOD trade fair in Letňany, Prague; we mainly presented wood science study programmes to those interested in studying. The stand also included a presentation of wooden shelter designs prepared by our students as part of the Railway Administration competition. The stand also included an exhibition of various wood samples and a microscope demonstration of the structure of some timber species. Many visitors who were interested in studying at our Faculty visited the stand.
Mini symposium
In February, Dr. Amit Roy organized a small symposium for agricultural university students from India. In the first part, students attended four specialized lectures by our scientists. In the second part, they had the opportunity to visit the laboratories in High-tech Pavilion and the Pavilion of Wood Sciences. This was followed by a professional discussion and the closing ceremony of the symposium.
Foreign scientist course
In mid-March, an intensive four-day course took place by a foreign professor called „Promoting and evaluating social innovation models in forestry“. The aim of the course was to introduce students to the area of social innovation in the forestry sector. Social forestry is a discipline concerned with the management and conservation of forests and afforestation of deforested land with the aim of facilitating environmental, social, and rural development and providing benefits to local communities to the greatest extent possible. A foreign professor visited us from the University of Bologna and broadened the students‘ horizons in a new direction and also in the English terminology of forestry. A total of 16 students completed the course and they highly praised the course.
A unique wooden monument from the 14th century came to FLD
The mysterious Madonna from Havraň, a medieval wooden sculpture from the National Gallery collections, underwent research at our Faculty. This very rare and unique work of art was taken to the High-tech Pavilion for one day to be scanned with a CT scanner. The restoration of this very rare and closely watched work of art is currently underway, and then the Madonna will be exhibited in the Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia, where it will enrich the long-term exhibition of medieval art. The CT scanner used X-rays to illuminate the examined object, and the images taken will be used in the analysis and evaluation of the state of the statue. Simultaneously, the dimensions and shape were taken so that this data could be saved and possibly used in the future when creating a replica. The whole event aroused great interest in the media; reports from it appeared, for example, on Czech Television and Czech Radio.
Open Day
Our Faculty participated together with the university in the Open Day Fair in Prague. The event was intended for secondary schools that teach in English. The FLD representative promoted our English study programmes. She focused in particular on the new master‘s study programme Forest Science In Global Change. The main goal of this new study programme is for students to acquire the knowledge needed to develop a modern forestry concept based on the adaptation of forests and forestry to ongoing global changes and their consequences. Students‘ study obligations also include a one-semester study abroad at a partner university.
International academic competition in hunting horns and deer luring 2023
At the turn of March and April 2023, the fourteenth year of a unique competition took place of students of secondary and higher forestry schools from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and also from Poland, who competed in the field of hunting horns and luring deer. As usual, the picturesque premises of CZU Forests and the castle in Kostelec nad Černými lesy provided pleasant premises for the event. This year was unique in many ways; we were very pleased not only by the considerable number of participants, but also by the significant representation of foreign competitors. As usual, the participants had the opportunity to compete in several categories – Fuerst Pless horn soloists, parforce horn soloists, ensembles in B, beginner luring, and advanced luring. Our student horn players did very well. Lukáš Zelenka won the Fuerst Pless Horn soloist category, Vojtěch Myška won the parforce horn soloist category. The first place in the ensemble category was narrowly missed by our ensemble Už troubějí. The whole competition day ended with a social evening full of fun and celebration of achievements. Many thanks to all participants and we look forward to seeing you at the next year.
Listy z lesa: latest issue of the Faculty magazine
At the beginning of May, we published the second issue of the Faculty magazine Listy z lesa, whose aim is to present to the general public how modern as well as attractive the field of forestry and wood sciences is. We believe that every reader across all age categories with different professional orientations will find a part of this magazine that will interest them, broaden their horizons, or at least entertain them. The second issue of Listy z lesa presents new scientific knowledge in a popular-science format, such as the use of caffeine in wood protection, and presents the working environment of our students and employees, including the Faculty‘s Laboratory of Biomaterials Processing. It also features interviews with our students and alumni, several pages of entertainment for children, and game recipes. You will learn about a new application helping to map habitat trees, a new film about forests on Czech TV, and new episodes of the podcast focused on the use of drones in forestry and the results of telemetry monitoring of wildlife. The magazine is available on our website and in a printed version at the FLD Marketing Department.
Student shooting competition
The „Dean‘s Cup“ student shooting competition took place on 12th May 2023 at SSK Vlašim Shooting Range. The shooting competition was intended for all secondary school and university students. Each competitor took part in two shooting disciplines: trap (25 targets) and hunting round (20 targets). Refreshments and valuable prizes for the winners from our sponsors were provided during the day. Congratulations to the winners and we look forward to next year.
Forest Week
In the third week of May, in cooperation with Lesy hl. m. Prahy (Prague Forests company), we organized Forest Week for Prague schools. The event took place all week in different locations: Klánovický les, Ďáblický háj, and Chuchelský háj. The Faculty stand was focused on forest management. Children tried working with an altimeter, callipers, and found out what a vegetation map looks like and what it is used for. As part of the Forest Week, it was also possible to participate in the Virtual Run for wheelchair users. Being in the green countryside affects both our physical and mental health. A Finnish study showed positive effects only after three to four walks in the countryside in one week. As part of this year‘s Forest Week, forest educators therefore encouraged people to go for a walk or run in the forest. If they recorded this activity, for example using a watch or a mobile application on your phone, they could donate health from the forest to people in wheelchairs. The main event of this year‘s Forest Week was a virtual charity run (walk), whose proceeds went to wheelchair users for a multi-day cycling trip to the forest. Wheelchair users set out on a trip on special bikes that they control only with their hands, so-called handbikes.
FOREXT meeting
To start with, representatives of the organizations associated with the FOREXT – the European Network of Forest Extension Organisations – gathered at the FLD. It is a network that brings together 21 organizations from 16 European countries and its aim is to support consulting in forestry and the transfer of research results to forestry practice. It was a regular six-monthly meeting, where we evaluated the activities to date and at the same time started preparations for the Horizon Europe project focused specifically on the field of consulting. In addition to the standard work programme, the FLD representatives also prepared an excursion to the research areas in Kostelec nad Černými lesy. The next meeting will take place in autumn at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
CZU Sports Day
On Thursday 11th May, CZU employees‘ sports day took place in the premises of Department of Physical Education (KTV). Teams from the faculties (FAFNR, FLD, FTA, FZP, FEM, FE) participated in the sports day, supplemented by the team of the Rectorate and Lesy ČZU (CZU Forests). The employees could compete in football, volleyball, netball, tennis, table tennis, swimming, and pétanque. They could also take part in a walking and a cycling trip. The employees of our Faculty put together teams in all competitive disciplines and also took part in the walking trip. Participation was high and a total of 83 people represented our Faculty. Our Faculty achieved the best result in netball, where we managed to take second place. We didn‘t do so well in the other disciplines, so we ended up in fourth place overall. The winner was the Faculty of Engineering, second was the Faculty of Economics and Management, and third was the Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources. To conclude the special day, there was a party in Club C. Thanks to everyone for their participation and we look forward to next year!
Tick App press conference
On Wednesday 17th June, a press conference for the Tick App (Klíšťapka) was held in the Atrium of the Faculty of Economics and Management; it was created with the support of the Forests of the Czech Republic by the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences of CZU, Faculty of Economics and Management of CZU, Faculty of Science of the Palacký University Olomouc, National Institute of Public Health, Czech Forestry Society, and Forestry and Game Management Research Institute. The Tick App provides the public with information about the occurrence of ticks in forest stands and can serve as a prevention of Lyme disease infection. Media interest in the new app was enormous; we were visited by reporters from TV Prima, TV Nova, Czech TV, Czech Radio, Radio Impuls, the newspaper Mladá Fronta Dnes, and many others.
Křivoklát Forest Park Day
The Faculty stand was also present at Křivoklát Forest Park Day, which was, as usual, organized for the general public at Emilovna Hunting Lodge. Forest pedagogy was prepared for children: identifying furs, antlers, and horns. They could also try the tactile trail. For adults, there was a demonstration of the new science and research outputs of our Faculty.
Natura Viva
The Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences took part in the 28th year of Natura Viva – the international exhibition of hunting, fishing, beekeeping, and being outdoors – which took place on 25-28th May at Lysá nad Labem exhibition grounds. The stand mainly presented the study programmes of Game Management and Wildlife Conservation and Conservation of Natural Objects and Taxidermy. Children could try out a touchscreen game, where they recognized mammals, birds, insects, and animal tracks. Demonstrations of a deer heart plastination, 3D printing of a badger skull, a telemetry collar, a drone, samples of red deer jaws, and much more were prepared for other visitors.
Spring Open Day at FLD Arboretum
The Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences CZU in Kostelec nad Černými lesy held its annual spring open days for the general public on 27-28th May. Several hundred people who attended the event could see a collection of over a thousand species of woody plants from all over the world. Excursions guided by dendrologists of our Faculty started in the central part from the cottage of Prof. Pravdomil Svoboda. Visitors saw the picturesque corners of our arboretum and learned many interesting facts about trees during the one-hour walk. In addition to the tours, the visitors could attend wood sculpturing with Petr Moravec, a Forest Therapy seminar, and ornithological lecture with bird ringing. The next open days, this time in autumn colours, are planned for 7-8th October 2023.
Kralupy Safety Day
As part of the Kralupy Days celebrations, the annual Safety Day was held on the right bank of the Vltava in Kralupy nad Vltavou on 31st May. This year, our Faculty also took part in it. We presented outputs from the field of forest fires and their prevention to visitors from local primary schools.
YPEF National Round
On the 5-6th June, the campus of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences of the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague and Lesy ČZU became the venue for the finals of the 13th annual Young People in European Forests international competition. On the first day, the contestants did a written test in English about European forestry and presented their ideas on the topic „Life without wood“; on the second day, they were subjected to practical tasks in the field. In the end, even bad weather did not interrupt the continuity of the competition, so the participants could gradually perform tasks from the field of forest protection, silviculture, botany, dendrometry, dendrology, logging, hunting, and woodworking. The winners were officially announced in the presence of representatives of the competition‘s partners. In the category of younger pupils (up to 15 years old), the team from Starý Jičín Primary School won, consisting of: Jana Adamcová, Martina Adamcová, and Terezie Michalíková. In the category of older pupils (16-20 years old), the team from Gymnázium nad Alejí triumphed, represented by Terezá Vávrová, Ondřej Šverma, and Šimon Hájek. This team was also the overall winner of the competition.
Letňany Science Fair
We took part in the Science Fair in Letňany from 8-10th June. It is the largest educational event in the Czech Republic, which is organized annually by the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. It deals with science in all its forms and offers its visitors the best of the field of natural sciences, technology, humanities, and social sciences. At our Faculty stand, visitors could try working with stereo microscope and thus distinguish the spruce bark beetle from spruce wood engraver. A telemetry collar was also presented with an explanation of what we use it for and how it helps us in science.
Czech Forestry Days in Trutnov
The Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences took part in the first year of the Czech Forestry Days event, which was organized by the Czech Forestry Academy in Trutnov on 9-10th June in Horní Staré Město. The aim was to present forestry machinery and equipment related to forestry and hunting. Friday was reserved for the professional public and schools, during which Associate Professor Tomáš Kušta gave a lecture on the topic of game telemetry. The second day was intended for the general public. Forest pedagogy was prepared for small children and demonstrations of science and research outputs at FLD for the general public. We look forward to next year.
CZU Garden Party
On Saturday 10th June, the University‘s Garden Party took place for the sixth year, intended for graduates, employees, students, and the general public. Our Faculty had two stands at this event. The first was a shop where various FLD promotional materials could be purchased. At the second stand, visitors could learn about our new scientific outputs and get information about study. At the same time, there were two guided tours of the Faculty buildings, which were attended by several dozen people.
Approval of third stage of FLD building reconstruction
In June, there was a successful approval procedure for the third stage of the reconstruction of the Faculty original building. Subsequently, the installation of furniture and AV equipment took place, and the move to the new premises is gradually proceeding during August. The new semester will thus begin in the fully functional, newly renovated FLD building. We thank the employees for their cooperation during the move. We believe that the new modern premises will provide our students and employees with comfortable facilities for study and work.
VědaFest in Dejvice
FLD participated in the 11th year of science festival „VědaFest“ in Dejvice. It is the largest outdoor educational event in the Czech Republic; it is a joint project of universities, academic workplaces, and institutions organizing free-time activities. The all-day event took place at Vítězné náměstí in Dejvice. Visitors could encounter various forms of science presented in a fun way. FLD prepared demonstrations from science and research at their stand. There was great interest in the the Tick App and Forest Diversity App. A demonstration of forest pedagogy was prepared for small children.
Summer school in Arizona
FLD continues to develop internationalization with a focus on American universities. Northern Arizona University (NAU), located in Flagstaff, Arizona, appears to be a very promising partner, which offered to organize a summer school for 10 FLD students focused on forestry in Arizona. At the end of June 2023, the Dean Marušák and Vice-dean Rinn, together with 10 selected students across grades and study programmes, set out for Flagstaff. The teachers of the NAU School of Forestry prepared a very varied programme for them, whose recurring topic was the role of fire in forestry management. The students had a unique opportunity to gain a completely different perspective on forestry. The established cooperation will continue with other activities in the field of education and science and research. The plan is, for example, to organize a similar event next year in the Czech Republic.
Meeting of the Dean with Faculty partners in Vráž
On 14th June, the second annual meeting of the FLD Dean with the Faculty partners and friends took place at the shooting range in Vráž u Benešova. In the morning, there was a shooting competition in parkour. Many thanks to the Night Pearl, E-lovec, and Bohemialov companies for donating prizes for the competition. After the end of the shooting event, there was a joint meeting with refreshments. Thanks to everyone for creating a pleasant atmosphere throughout the day.
CZU Forests Day, Jevany
The Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences took part in the Open Day event, which was organized by Lesy ČZU at the forest administration in Jevany. The goal of the event was to show the general public the activities of Lesy ČZU (CZU Forests). A forest trail with stands focused on various fields of forestry was prepared for the participants.
Graduation ceremonies
This year‘s graduation ceremony of the students of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences was an unforgettable event that brought together hundreds of graduates, their families and teachers in a unique moment of celebration and success. The ceremonies took place in the picturesque setting of the university campus, which provided a fitting backdrop for this momentous occasion. Part of the graduation ceremony at the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences was also the presentation of the Minister of Agriculture‘s award for the best diploma thesis. This part of the ceremony brought even more prestige and significance to the whole event. For our Faculty, Forest engineering graduate Ing. Libor Mikolášek got an award for his work on the ratio of alpha-pinene enantiomers as a possible sign for the identification of Norway spruce (Picea abies) individuals with greater resistance to attack by the spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) under the supervision of Ing Anna Jirošová, PhD.
UNECE/FAO meeting
On 20-22nd June 2023, the international meeting of the UNECE/FAO Forest Communicators‘ Network was held at the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences in Prague (FLD). This is a team of specialists who work with the public in the forestry sector. The workshop was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture and with the cooperation of ÚHÚL and FLD. In addition to the presentation of specific activities in individual countries, including the Czech Republic, part of the workshop was devoted to practical training. As part of it, the participants tried, for example, to record a podcast, try virtual reality, and even practically involve artificial intelligence for the design of a communication campaign for the International Day of Forests in 2024, whose theme will be „Forests and Innovation“. Lesy hlavního města Prahy company prepared an excursion for the participants to Stromovka Royal Game Reserve.
FAO International Workshop
On 20-22nd June 2023, ÚHÚL in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences of CZU in Prague (FLD), and the regional office of FAO in Budapest participated in the implementation of a workshop on the topic of sustainable forest management and the use of remote sensing in forestry. The workshop was focused on the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. As part of Tuesday‘s programme, ÚHÚL presented more detail of the National Forest Inventory (NFI), Regional Forest Development Plans, the system of forest management planning in the Czech Republic, the use of NFI data in combination with remote sensing for comprehensive forest mapping, and the potential of time series of satellite observations for the study of longterm and short-term trends in forest health. On Wednesday, FLD presented the results of its current research in the field of the use of remote sensing in forestry; in the afternoon, ÚHÚL presented a foreign development cooperation project, which aims to implement sustainable forestry in the protected area of Aragvi (Georgia). On the last day of the workshop, an outdoor excursion took place, during which the participants got acquainted with the instrumentation and data collection procedure of NFI in the field.
HUNTOUR meeting
The final meeting of the HUNTOUR project, focused on the creation of an educational material in the field of hunting tourism, represented the highlights of cooperation and efforts of project partners from Serbia, Hungary, Finland, and the Czech Republic. This event took place at our Faculty, which held the role of project coordinator for three years and, at the end of the project, hosted the last joint meeting. During the meeting, the partners got acquainted with the results of the project, shared their experience, and reflected on the progress achieved. The implementation of proposed strategies to support hunting tourism in individual countries and the possibilities of further cooperation in the field of sustainable development of this industry were discussed. Subsequently, there was a three-day workshop entitled „Professional training in hunting tourism for further education“. A total of twenty experts and representatives from partner countries participated in the workshop, whose main goal was to present specific results and tools developed within the project and explain their practical use for teaching students and other experts in the field of hunting tourism. Presentations, interactive discussions, and practical demonstrations were organized during the workshop, which enabled the participants to better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with the development of hunting tourism. This workshop not only enabled the transfer of knowledge and skills between the partner countries, but also strengthened the sustainable growth and professional approach in the field of hunting tourism. Overall, the final project meeting and the subsequent workshop can be considered key moments that brought specific results and direction for the further development of hunting tourism and its inclusion in professional teaching and practice.
WOODEMA Conference
Our Faculty hosted an international conference on „Current Trends and Challenges for Forest-Based Sector: Carbon Neutrality and Bioeconomy“. This was already the 16th year of the conference, prepared in cooperation with the WoodEMA international association (more about the conference at https://www.woodema.org). At the FLD premises, the conference took place for the second time, this year on 13-16th June. Thanks for the successful conference go not only to the participants from nine countries, but also to the organizers from the Department of Forestry and Wood Economics, employees of the Faculty Marketing Department, representatives of the Forest Bioeconomy Team, and other FLD colleagues who participated in the event. The conference also included a visit to the operations of Mondi Štětí company. Special thanks go to the employees of the Wood & Paper company (Ing. Tomáš Pařík and Marek Dítě) for their help in organizing the excursion.
ISIMIP-PROCLIAS 2023 Intersectoral Seminar
On 5-8th June 2023, the intersectoral ISIMIP- -PROCLIAS seminar was held at our Faculty, attended by more than 100 participants from abroad in person and 187 participants online. During this joint COST Action PROCLIAS and Inter-sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP) event, a wide range of plenary sessions and parallel meetings took place: from the presentation of ISIMIP3 and PROCLIAS task force updates to discussions on the right way to manage key risks (IPCC), and from sector kick-off meetings to poster presentations and young scientist meetings. The seminar was financed from the resources of Cost Action CA19139, where the grant holder is the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) headed by the principal investigator Dr. Christopher Rey, and the vice-president of this Cost Action CA19139 is our colleague Dr. Laura Dobor from the team of Prof. Tomáš Hlásny.
Final meeting of the FRAME project
The first week of August was dedicated to the final meeting of the three-year FRAME project, organized by the partner Kasetsart University in Phuket, Thailand. The aim of the FRAME project, with the support of two European universities (University of Helsinki and CZU), is to strengthen university education in the field of forestry at two Lao and two Thai universities based on the priority topics of sustainable forest management and forest restoration and rural livelihoods with crosscutting topics of mitigating the effects of climate change and adapting to this change. The first days of the meeting were mainly focused on the presentation and evaluation of project results, implemented activities, and preparation of the final report for the European Commission. In addition to the project partners, the meeting was attended by external independent evaluators, and the project administrator from EACEA (European Education and Culture Executive Agency) joined online. At the end of the programme, the participants also visited two locations where forest cover is being restored on the sites of former tin mines, and a site of restoration of a mangrove forest destroyed by the tsunami in 2004.
Seminar in the Chamber of Deputies
On 4th May 2023, the seminar „Why are we building Wooden Schools?“ was held in the premises of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, which was also attended by members of the Department of Wood Processing and Biomaterials. The Finnish delegation was represented by representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Finland in the Czech Republic, as well as representatives of the wood processing industry. The aim of the seminar was to share experience with public buildings in Finland and the use of wood as a building material. Wood can be used for the main load-bearing structures, non-load-bearing elements of the building, and as cladding material, while meeting fire regulations at the same time. The use of wood has a positive effect on reducing the carbon footprint and creating a pleasant environment in the building.
Země živitelka
As every year, our Faculty took part at the ‘Země Živitelka’ exhibition, which took place in České Budějovice on 24–29 August 2023. As part of the exhibition, Dr. Zdeněk Vacek presented the newly created mobile Tick App, which predicts the activity of ticks, their abundance, and the risk of Lyme disease infection based on the classification of forest stands, habitat, and weather. Forest pedagogy was also prepared for the children at the stand. We look forward to next year.
Meeting with teachers
Before the start of the semester, a meeting of all teachers took place. The main topic of the meeting was the conditions for the start of the semester, the academic year schedule, changes in the conditions of study for students, and the possibility of recognizing subjects. The results of the admission procedure and state final exams were presented. New subjects created for students (preparatory courses, courses in English) and other possibilities for internationalization within the study programmes were introduced. The teachers were also informed about the approach to the use of artificial intelligence in teaching. More information can be found on the shared disk – CZU data repository (X) – FLD – Shared – Recordings of lectures.
FLD Forestry Day
As every year, we organized FLD Forestry Day, whose aim was to present selected results of FLD research to representatives of practice. Although the attendance was not the highest, the Faculty‘s employees presented very interesting results that aroused quite a lot of interest. Let‘s hope that the practice will be more aware of such events in the future, so that thanks to them we can better spread our results.
Tree Day with Prague City Forests
In September, Tree Day was held in cooperation with the Prague City Forests. The event took place in Kunratický les; in the morning part the event was dedicated mainly to children from primary schools and in the afternoon to the general public. Activities at the FLD stand focused on explaining the principles of measuring trees in the forest. Furthermore, the Lesodiverzita application was introduced, which enables the involvement of the general public in the mapping of habitat trees.
Matriculation
Before the start of the semester, the traditional matriculation of students took place, which was attended by more than 450 full-time bachelor‘s students. After the ceremony, there was an Introduction to Study and Health and Safety, in which students were introduced to the system of university education and found out about their rights and obligations based on the CZU Study and Examination Regulations, as well as the principles and possibilities of their studies.
Info Day for international students
As every year, we welcomed foreign students to our university who came for the winter semester 2023/2024 or for the whole academic year. Colleagues from the Rectorate’s international department enrolled the students in the UIS study system and performed other necessary administrative steps. On 27 September 2023, at 1 p.m., registration took place of foreign students who came to the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences for study stays as part of the Erasmus+ programme or with another form of student mobility. 11 students from 8 countries came to register: Spain, France, Finland, Sweden, Italy, South Korea, the USA, and Slovenia. We welcomed the students to the Faculty; our Erasmus+ coordinator and the study advisor introduced themselves. Students received information regarding the choice of subjects, enrolment of subjects in the study system, and creation of schedules. They were also informed about how to deal with possible changes in the choice of subjects, if their chosen subjects were running simultaneously or were not open for the relevant semester. Furthermore, students were told how they can log in to the MOODLE platform, how to use MS TEAMS, how to get an ISIC card and what benefits it provides. They also received a link to the university student organization ESN CULS Prague, which helps foreign students integrate into our university, provides meetings with other students that can help them make new friends, and organizes interesting events. There was also time for students to ask questions about their upcoming studies. The study advisor told the students about the possibility of consultations regarding their possible study or personal issues.
FACE International Conference
The Czech-Moravian Hunting Union, in cooperation with our Faculty, organized the FACE (European Federation for Hunting and Conservation) international conference in the CZU Assembly Hall on the topic „Large carnivores, Delivering FACE‘s strategic goals for 2027“. Dr. Miloš Ježek from the Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology had a presentation on the topic of the wolf. Part of the accompanying programme of the conference was also a tour of the High-tech Pavilion of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences (FLD) of the CZU in Prague. The participants were shown around modern laboratories serving teaching and research in the field of game management and taxidermy. They visited a plastination laboratory, a laboratory with CT scanning equipment, and an ergonomics laboratory with a digital shooting range. The discussion at the end of the tour, which was also attended by the FLD Dean, Professor Róbert Marušák, showed the great interest of the conference participants in modern technologies in the field of wildlife management and environmental care.
World Road Congress in Prague
From 2–6 October, the Czech Republic hosted the World Road Congress at the Congress Centre in Prague. The theme of the congress was „Prague 2023 – together on the road again“. The Congress was attended by approximately 4,000 delegates, mostly from abroad, and the latest trends and technologies in the road transport sector were presented. The Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, together with the Faculty of Technology, had a stand in the education, science, and research section. Secondary school students from all over the Czech Republic visited our stand; they came to see a global overview of current procedures and future trends in the field of road infrastructure and road mobility. An excursion focused on forest paths in CZU Forests was also organized for the Congress participants. As part of the World Road Congress, we prepared a video on the topic of forest roads in the Czech Republic, which you can watch on our YouTube channel.
You cannot run away from the Dean, or Forestry 15
Our Faculty, together with CZU Forests, organized the second year of the „You cannot run away from the Dean, or Forestry 15“ running race. The race took place on 28 September in the forest stands in Kostelec nad Černými lesy. There were two tracks to choose from and races were held in several categories. The competitors went through all stages of development of the forest – from fresh clearings to mature stands. The track was mainly a forest surface (tourist trail, clearing, collection road...) and gravel forest path. On the 15 km track, the total elevation gain was 195 metres, and on the 7 km one, the total elevation gain was 80 m. New for this year was the children‘s category, at 250 m, 600 m, and 1200 m. On the sunny day, 95 competitors crossed the finish line, where they all received commemorative medal. After the race, light refreshments were prepared for the participants. Congratulations to all the competitors and we hope to see you again next year in full force on the track.
Forests of the Future film was awarded at the Agrofilm festival
The documentary film Forests of the Future, directed by Jana Škopková and voiced by actor Aleš Háma, won the Rector‘s Award of the Technical University in Zvolen at the 39th Agrofilm International Film Festival. We thus managed to prevail in the competition of 90 documentaries from 22 countries around the world. We appreciate the award very much and thank the festival organizers and the evaluation committee. The film was created in cooperation with the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences of CZU in Prague, Czech Television, Hradec Králové Municipal Forests, Olomouc Archbishop‘s Forests and Estates, CZU Forests, and the Wood for Life Foundation.
Night of Scientists
On Friday, 6 October, the annual science popularization event Night of Scientists was held, which took place throughout the country. In the spirit of this year‘s theme of Secrets, the campus of the Czech University of Life Sciences was transformed into one large laboratory. All six faculties participated in the programme for children and adults. Our Faculty had a lot of interesting lectures (Lesodiverzita application; Tick App), guided tours (Plants as you have never seen them before; The secret of hand-made paper; What the eye cannot see during woodworking; Secret of movement in the crown of a tree) and quizzes (forest trail). A record number of 1,156 participants visited the Night of Scientists at CZU.
Day with Hunters
On 14 October, the third year of the Day with Hunters took place at the Stříbrný rybník camp site of the Hradec Králové Municipal Forests. The organizers offered an interesting programme on stage, accompanying programme, culinary specialties, and a musical programme at the end. Our Faculty prepared a stand with examples of FLD science and research for visitors. The most interesting for them was the display of ticks. Visitors could take a look in the binoculars, where there were different types of ticks that are found in our country. Despite the very changeable weather, the event was a success and was visited by thousands of people.
Wildlife tourism in EU countries
In October, an intensive course was held by foreign professors Milosava Matejević and Vladimir Marković from the University of Novi Sad from Serbia. The course entitled Wildlife tourism in EU countries was aimed at teaching bachelor students and a total of 31 students took part in it. The course took place over three days and its aim was to familiarize students with the area of tourism, where wildlife is the main motive for travel. An important part was for students of Czech study programmes to try classes in English and be motivated to go abroad.
Beer with the Dean
In the early evening of 24 October, the student event Beer with the Dean took place in the CZU Circle Hall, organized by the FLD Student Interest Association. Students could ask questions not only the Dean, but also other Faculty Management members. They could ask questions directly or via an anonymous questionnaire. The evening was presented by the students of the association, Zlatica Melichová and Tereza Hüttnerová. In the course of the evening, questions were asked mainly about study, the Faculty‘s equipment, and the reconstruction of the original Faculty building. However, there were also more personal questions – the Dean‘s favourite beer, his secondary school studies, and his native dialect. The members of the Association also prepared an interesting online quiz for the participants of the event with a wide range of questions, from forestry to beer. The winner got the new Faculty board game called Lesohra.
CZU Rector‘s Cup
On 7 November, the shooting competition „CZU Rector‘s Cup“ was held at the Mělník - Chloumek shooting range, organized by the Student Association of Hunters at CZU FLD, the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences at CZU, and the Czech University of Life Sciences. A record 70 shooters were accompanied by beautiful sunny weather all day. There was competition in the trap and Compak Sporting shotgun disciplines. The event was very successful, with the winners of individual categories taking home valuable prizes. A big thank you goes to the partners of the event, companies Olomouc Archbishop‘s Forests and Estates, Jihozápadní dřevařská, and Wood & Paper. We also thank the Rector of the Czech University of Life Sciences, Prof. Petr Sklenička, for his support. We look forward to next year.
Unveiling of the monument to doc. Liebich
On the occasion of the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the beginning of forestry education at Prague Polytechnic and the completion of the extensive reconstruction of the original FLD building, the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences CZU, in cooperation with CZU Forests, restored the monument to doc. Ing. Krištof Liebich. The ceremonial unveiling of the monument took place on 31 October in the forest stand of the NNR Voděradské bučiny, near Jevany. Part of this unique place is also an information board about him, explaining more about the life and work of this important figure in forestry education. To mark the unveiling of the monument, each of those present also received a reproduction of the historical Rosa Bohemica map, the original of which from 1668 is in the collections of the National Technical Museum in Prague.
Fishing Vyžlovský pond
At the beginning of November, Vyžlovský pond was fished. The event was organized for the general public. There were fishing tours and demonstrations of fishing traditions. People had the opportunity to buy fresh fish and taste fish and game specialties. There was also programme for children. The FLD stand was there too, presenting outputs from science and research. A traditional brass band played throughout the fishing.
Open Day
On Friday 10 November, the regular Open Day took place. Those interested in studying had the opportunity to see the Faculty premises, talk to the department representatives, see the laboratories, and visit the woodworking workshop. They could also see examples of taxidermy and arboriculture. The programme also included lectures on studies, which were followed by a guided tour of the campus. FLD student associations also participated in the programme. A record 153 study applicants visited the Open Day.
Forestry seminar
On 19 October 2023, another of the professional seminars commemorating the approaching anniversary of the creation of the Teresian forest orders and the birth of their author, forester Rang, took place in the riding stables of Karlova koruna castle in Chlumec nad Cidlinou. This time the seminar was focused on current political-legislative changes at the EU level, as well as changes in society‘s expectations of forests and foresters. The authors of the contributions tried to answer the question of whether it still makes sense to actively manage forests today, and if so, how. The seminar was attended by 30 forest owners and their representatives or professional managers. Despite the often heated discussions, the seminar was conducted in a very friendly spirit and we hope that seminars with a similar focus will continue in the future.
Climate, water, and soil conference
The Platform for the Bioeconomy of the Czech Republic organized a conference on 21 November 2023, in cooperation with CZU and with the financial support of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, entitled Climate, water, soil – selected pillars of the bioeconomy. The conference took place in the CZU Assembly Hall, but participants could also join online. In the opening block, the speakers were CZU Vice-rector, Prof. Marek Turčáni, the Chairman of the Platform for Bioeconomy of the Czech Republic, Associate Professor Miroslav Hájek, the head of the BOKU Bioeconomy Centre in Vienna Dr. Martin Greimel, a representative of Warsaw University of Life Sciences Professor Nina Drejerska, and the representative of the University of Agriculture in Nitra Dr. Danka Moravčíková. Subsequently, there were three specialist blocks dedicated to climate, water, and healthy soil.
Prague Science Film Fest at CZU
The international popular science film festival Prague Science Film Fest, which took place from 16 to 19 October 2023 at the campus of the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, knows its winners. The student jury awarded the film Planeta Praha. The jury of the international competition, composed of representatives of the CZU faculties and management, was most interested in the documentary Planet Soil. The CZU Rector gave a special award to the documentary film True Places Never Are. The main festival award, the Grand Prize with a financial premium of USD 10,000, awarded by the Prague Science Film Fest together with its partner festival Academia Film Olomouc, was won by the film Arc of Oblivion. Our Faculty joined the festival programme by screening the non-competitive film Forests of the Future. With the theme Forest Pharmacy and Lesodiverzita Application, we also participated in Five Infinite Inspirations, an accompanying programme of personalities from the world of film and science, who tried to attract the audience with an inspiring presentation of their unique topic.
Toulcův dvůr
Those who were not put away by the bad weather forecast could enjoy the Tree Day celebrations on Thursday, 19 October at Toulcův dvůr farm in Prague. Visitors immersed themselves in the life stories of trees, found out what strategies trees choose to send their seeds into the world, what they need to grow and thrive, and how useful they can be long after their death. The representative of our Faculty, Dr. Petr Karlík, talked about what the wood of a tree can tell us about the past with a little help from science.
Futures of European Forest Bioeconomy
At the end of November, another off-semester intensive course was held, intended for master‘s degree students. The course was led by professor Nataša Lovrić from the University of Eastern Finland. A total of 12 students took part in the course. The course took place over three days and its aim was for the students to be able to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different methods used in the analysis of forest bioeconomy and to be able to establish criteria for the selection of methods depending on the specific case. This course develops students‘ general skills in digitization, ethics, leadership and development, sustainability and responsibility, critical thinking, identification and development of expertise, and interaction and communication with a focus on the bioeconomy.
