Workshop on creating forests in jars at the Senior Citizens’ Club in Orzesze-Zgon on 22 July 2025
Workshop on creating forests in jars at the Senior Citizens’ Club in Orzesze-Zgon on 22 July 2025
On 22 July 2025 a unique environmental workshop organised by the One More Tree Foundation in cooperation with the local branch of the Polish Social Welfare Committee and program partner Stellantis took place at the Senior Citizens’ Club in Orzesze-Zgon. The meeting was part of the Green Pulse of Silesia initiative – a long-term educational and social project aimed at building environmental awareness among Silesian residents and activating local communities.
On that day, 13 Seniors created 13 unique, closed ecosystems – so-called classes in jars. They are not only aesthetically pleasing and durable decorations, but also practical tools for environmental education and a symbol of the balance that can be achieved in one’s relationship with nature.
Greenery enclosed in glass – nature that teaches attentiveness
Forests in jars are miniature ecosystems – composed of layers of soil, mosses, plants and natural ornaments. The compositions created during the workshop were as diverse as the participants themselves – each of them brought a piece of herself, her own idea, aesthetics and sensitivity to her project.
Creating such a composition required focus, precision, patience and attentive listening to nature. For many of the Seniors, it was the first experience of its kind and at the same time a great opportunity to get in touch with nature, which – especially in senior age – is extremely important for mental and emotional well-being.
Ecology in practice – up close and personal
During the workshop, the presenters actively supported the participants at every stage of their work – from the preparation of the soil layers to the selection of plants and the fine-tuning of the composition in glass. In an accessible way, they talked about how a closed ecosystem works, why it is worth observing nature and how with small changes you can also take care of the environment at home.
Together, they reflected on the impact of everyday choices on the planet: from reducing plastic, to watering plants responsibly, to the role of greenery in improving air quality. It was ecology in action – close, understandable and accessible, conveyed in an atmosphere of kindness and mutual support.
Workshops that activate and integrate
For many Seniors, taking part in the workshop was more than just a way to spend an afternoon. It was a moment of mindfulness, relaxation and creative activity that positively impacted wellbeing, exercised manual dexterity and fostered creativity. Planting plants together, selecting moss, conversations around the table – all created a safe, welcoming space to meet and share experiences.
From the organisers’ perspective, the social dimension of the event was also equally important – breaking down loneliness, creating intergenerational bridges and restoring a sense of agency. Each participant finished the workshop with her own forest in a jar, but also with a smile and the conviction that she had done something good – for herself and for the planet.
The Green Pulse of Silesia – a programme with a mission
The workshop in Orzesze-Zgon is one of many activities carried out as part of the Green Pulse of Silesia programme, which will visit over a dozen towns and cities in Silesia from spring 2025 to spring 2026. The aim of the programme is environmental education, fostering sustainable attitudes and strengthening social ties through activities close to the people – workshops, planting trees, creating together.
The One More Tree Foundation and its partner Stellantis show that change starts locally – with one meeting, one gesture, one… jar of moss.
Thank you for working together
The One More Tree Foundation would like to thank all the participants of the workshop in Orzesze-Zgon for their commitment, attentiveness and enthusiasm.
We would like to thank the Polish Social Welfare Committee for their cooperation and openness to green initiatives. It is through such partnerships that it is possible to create activities that connect people, educate and have a real impact on the world around us.
