The theme of local plants conservation in educational activities of Perkalskiy arboretum of Komarov Botanical Institute

Excursions are the main form of ecological education in Perkalskiy Arboretum. For the convenience of visitors, we compiled an annual calendar of events dedicated to the flowering and fruiting of various plant groups. Consequently, such diverse subject matter created the opportunity for repeated visits to the park during the season. Topics related to the wildlife conservation are most fully covered on excursions devoted to early-flowering flora, as well as during a workshop on sowing seeds and a special event on the basis of our naturalistic plantings. This event focuses on the diversity of local plants and their protection. The park's naturalistic plantings are combination of transplanted steppe turf and individual species from similar habitats of different areas of origin and were laid in 2015. Such characteristics illustrated ideas about the necessity to create landscapes that are attractive not only for us, but also useful for other species and ideas about the importance of preserving communities as a whole. Not least important is demonstration of the example of such plantings using environmentally friendly methods in gardening. Such projects give visitors the opportunity to take a fresh look at the landscape surrounding them and think about their personal contribution to the conservation of wildlife. A showing of the ornamental characteristics of local plants, an explanation of the advantages of their use compared to a practically unchanged set of species and varieties grown in the garden is a step in the path, at the end of which local species can take their place not only in botanical gardens, but also in private or public space.