Fieldtrips
On Wednesday 10 September, several fieldtrips will be organized for the conference participants. You will have a choice between a range of natural and constructed wetlands.
Tour 1
Nature and Engineering
Invitation to the technical tour no 1: Discovering the Nature 2000 and Engineering of Sobieszewska Island
We are pleased to invite you to a unique technical tour including visits to two remarkable locations on the picturesque Sobieszewska Island in Gdańsk, blending natural beauty with cutting-edge engineering. The details of the trip:
Zielony Południk Housing Estate
A modern stormwater retention system managed by Gdańskie Wody Ltd, integrating nature-based solutions into residential areas. The installation captures and retains rainwater on-site, reducing flood risks and supporting climate-resilient urban development.
Ptasi Raj Nature Reserve
Our first stop will be the Ptasi Raj Nature Reserve on Sobieszewska Island. This beautiful reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, home to 45 species of nesting birds, with over 200 species spotted throughout the year. The sight of thousands of birds on the lakes (Karaś and Ptasi Raj) is truly breathtaking. The reserve, which spans almost 200 hectares, was established in 1959 to protect the habitat of aquatic and marsh birds. We will visit two observation towers located at the edge of the reserve, which provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Launch by the Baltic Sea
After these fascinating visits, we will enjoy a relaxing lunch by the Baltic Sea, offering an opportunity to take in the stunning coastal scenery.
Kazimierz Water Reservoir
Next, we will visit the Kazimierz Water Reservoir, another gem of Sobieszewska Island. This modern water tower is an essential part of the Gdańsk Water Supply System and was put into operation in 2015. Not only does it serve a technical purpose, ensuring appropriate water pressure in the city's network, but it also functions as an educational and tourist attraction. We will explore the tower’s impressive engineering and learn more about its role in water management.
This is an exciting opportunity to combine nature and technology in a single trip. We look forward to having you join us on this unforgettable experience!
This is an exciting opportunity to combine nature and technology in a single trip. We look forward to having you join us on this unforgettable experience!
Tour leader(s):
- Dr. Eng. Grażyna Gałęzowska
- M.Sc. Eng. Radosław Kujawski
Meeting point:
Mercure Hotel Old Town (meeting point: 54.356288, 18.651053)
Start time:
08:30 AM (please be there by 08:20 AM)
Programme:
- 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM - Stormwater retention system at the Zielony Południk residential estate in Gdańsk, managed by Gdańskie Wody (meeting point: 54.301819, 18.614660)
- 09:45 AM - 10:25 AM - Transfer to Ptasi Raj Nature Reserve (meeting point: 54.351513, 18.790124)
- 10:30 AM - Coffee break at Ptasi Raj Marina
- 11:15 AM - 01:10 PM - Guided tour of Ptasi Raj Nature Reserve
- 01:15 PM - Transfer to Hotel Orle (meeting point: 54.345712, 18.875297)
- 01:30 PM - Lunch at Hotel Orle
- 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM - Guided tour of Kazimierz Water Reservoir
- 03:30 PM - Transfer to Gdańsk, Mercure Hotel
End of field trip:
approx. 04:30/05:00 PM (in the same place as the meeting point)
Tour 2
Water Wise City - Green retention in Gdańsk
Invitation to the technical tour no 2: Discovering Green Retention - Nature-based stormwater solutions in Gdańsk
Gdańsk, one of Poland’s oldest and most dynamic cities, is renowned for its rich maritime history and vibrant cultural scene. Situated on the Baltic coast, the city faces significant water management challenges, including heavy rainfall and stormwater runoff. In response, Gdańsk has become a leader in implementing nature-based solutions (NbS) to enhance urban resilience and climate adaptation.
Exploring green retention in Gdańsk
Since 2017, Gdańsk has adopted a forward-thinking approach to stormwater management, prioritizing green retention before grey infrastructure.A key policy requires that all new and redeveloped areas retain at least 30 mm of precipitation within green infrastructure. This approach has led to the widespread implementation of rain gardens, retention ponds, bioswales, and other innovative NbS.
During this technical tour, organized in collaboration with Gdańskie Wody Ltd, we will explore a selection of these nature-based stormwater management features. Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Visit exemplary rain gardens integrated into urban landscapes, which enhance biodiversity and improve water infiltration.
- Discover retention reservoirs that mitigate flood risks and support sustainable urban drainage.
- Engage with experts from Gdańskie Wody Ltd, who will share insights into the planning, implementation, and maintenance of green infrastructure.
This tour will provide an in-depth understanding of how nature-based solutions contribute to climate adaptation, urban water resilience, and sustainable city planning. Gdańsk’s approach serves as a valuable case study for cities seeking to integrate ecological principles into municipal services and infrastructure.
Tour leader(s):
- Dr. Eng. Katarzyna Kołecka, prof.
- M.Sc. Eng. Alicja Kupczyk
Meeting point:
Mercure Hotel Old Town (meeting point: 54.356288, 18.651053)
Start time:
09:00 AM (please be there by 08:50 AM)
Programme:
- 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM - Rainwater retention system at the Zielony Południk housing estate, managed by Gdańskie Wody (meeting point: 54.301819, 18.614660)
- 10:00 AM - Transfer to the headquarters of Gdańskie Wody Ltd, Kaczeńce 31, 80-603 Gdańsk (coffee break and restrooms available)
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Visit to the first rain garden in Gdańsk and presentation of the eMOCja 2 type of rain gardens
- 12:00 PM - Transfer back to the city centre
- 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM - Mokra Fosa retention pond with floating islands (meeting point: 54.351955, 18.637435)
- 01:15 PM - Lunch at Jungla (meeting point: 54.350286, 18.644509).
- 02:15 PM - 03:00 PM - Rain garden at 3 Maja Street.
End of field trip:
approx. 04:00 PM (in the same place as the meeting point)
Tour 3
Hybrid Treatment Wetland in Bure Misie
Invitation to the technical tour no 3: Discovering the newly constructed and innovative Hybrid Treatment Wetland in Bure Misie
The opportunity to explore the newly constructed wastewater treatment plant in the Burego Misia settlement, located in the picturesque Kaszuby region (c.a 1h drive by bus one way).
The treatment plant, built in 2024, operates using the innovative Hybrid Treatment Wetland technology. This cutting-edge facility is one of the key actions undertaken by the Bogdan Jański Community Foundation in the Nursecoast-II Project, where the Foundation plays a key role as a Pilot Partner. In the future, the new plant will allow for the partial reuse of treated wastewater, such as for irrigation of green areas.
The facility features a two-stage treatment wetland, which provides biological treatment after the mechanical purification process. It effectively processes household wastewater and wastewater from local food production, such as dairy, bakery, and fruit-vegetable products. Importantly, the system is designed to accommodate variable flow rates, particularly during the summer months when the region experiences an influx of tourists and hosts various camps and "green school" activities.
Following the visit to the wastewater treatment plant, we will head to the Educational and Promotion Centre of the Kaszuby Region in Szymbark. This unique location will give us the chance to learn about the rich history of Kaszuby and Poland, with a traditional lunch to follow.
Tour leader(s):
- Prof. Magdalena Gajewska
- Dr. Eng. Magda Kasprzyk
- M.Sc. Eng. Irina Pitropova
Meeting point:
Mercure Hotel Old Town (meeting point: 54.356288, 18.651053)
Start time:
08:30 AM (please be there by 08:20 AM)
Programme:
- 08:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Bure Misie Settlement, Kaszuby (Wastewater Treatment Plant, 54.136150, 18.032995)
- On the way - Urban street retention system Kielnieńska St. (54.428431, 18.482259)
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Bure Misie Settlement, Kaszuby (visiting the place and hybrid treatment wetland, 2024)
- 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM - transfer to Location 2: Educational and Promotion Centre in Szymbark (54.206428, 18.108102)
- 12:30 PM - 12:30 PM - Lunch and visiting the place
- 02:30 PM - Transfer back to Gdańsk
End of field trip:
approx. 04:00 PM/04:30 PM (in the same place as the meeting point)
