The primary purpose of the MATIČNJAK NURSERY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THREATHENED TREE SPECIES OF PRLEKIJA project is to preserve the genetic material of indigenous tree species that Prlekija is losing for these and future generations. A “nursery” of indigenous tree species has been planted (partially endangered) on the rehabilitated plot of the former landfill in Boreci in the Municipality of Križevci. There are boards with descriptions by the trees (sorb tree, black poplar, etc.). In doing so, we aim to contribute to the protection of natural resources and the maintenance of the biodiversity of indigenous tree species and to the enhancement of sustainable management of the natural resources of our area.

The project enables the enrichment of learning contents, as the contents of the project include educational content and excursions for primary schools. First graders of Križevci Elementary School will plant a new tree every year. Roughly, the idea is to make the tree part of the curriculum so that a storybook or a fairy tale is prepared for first graders about the indigenous tree, which later (when they learn more about trees in the upper elementary school) continues into one school hour of educational content on the importance of preserving indigenous Slovenian tree species.

The project is co-financed under the LEADER programme, LAS Prlekija 2013 Implementation Plan, LEADER programme (MKO). The total value of the project is EUR 19,708.00, of which the amount of LEADER funds is EUR 15,184.99 (85% of the eligible project costs). Project coordinator Municipality of Križevci and a partner Skupina Fabrika provide their own stake in the amount of EUR 4,523.01.