Take a break from the heat in the shade of an exhibit at Skradinski buk waterfall

Take a break from the heat in the shade of an exhibit at Skradinski buk waterfall
Another exhibit with motifs of the forest, our natural ally for combatting the summer heat, has been opened at Skradinski buk waterfall as a result of cooperation between the Public Institute of Krka National Park, the Knin Photo Club, and the Šibenik Photo Club

The Public Institute of Krka National Park has joined in the European campaign called “Growing Together” that aims to plant 3 billion trees on the Old Continent by 2030, for the purpose of combatting climate change. On Labour Day this year, 1000 saplings of strawberry tree and laurel were handed out to park visitors to plant in their yards and gardens. As a reminder of this important campaign and the importance of forests, a traditional exhibit of works of the members of two photo clubs has been put on.

In addition to being good for the climate, trees also improve air quality, help in purifying water, preserving biodiversity and lowering the air temperature by shading the ground from the sun. Trees are also important for human health: spending time near trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood. For centuries, trees were a natural cooling method. Our elders planted them in the fields and around their homes, to give shade and a place to rest after a long day of work. It seems as though people today have forgot that despite all our technology, trees are the simplest tool for maintaining our living areas liveable.

Visitors to Krka National Park can view this exhibit near the Church of St. Nicholas. The exhibit includes 11 photographs with forest motifs, captured by the lenses of members of the Šibenik Photo Club and Knin Photo Club. These are enthusiasts who have been involved in their clubs and working for years to popularise the photographic arts. Every photograph shows the magnificence of trees: green forests around Visovac Island, magical trees reflected in the water, and massive winter branches when the trees lose their leaves to survive the winter, with regrowth every spring. Two thermometers are placed next to the exhibition, one in the sun, one in the shade, so the difference in temperature can be clearly compared.

In Krka National Park, the forests do not cover a large surface area, but they give a particular ambiance to the area. Above all, they are home to countless plants and animals. The most common forest community in Krka National Park is the community of pubescent oak and Oriental hornbeam. A typical forest of this type is found at the Stinice locality on the left bank of the Krka River. Though small in area, covering just 8 hectares, this is one of the most valuable stands of its kind in the Mediterranean.

The exhibit can be viewed here