Progress Report: Installing Squirrel Houses for the \"Lend a Hand to Nature\" Project

As part of the "Lend a Hand to Nature" project, 15 new squirrel houses were successfully installed last month at two locations in Poreč. Eight houses were set up in Bakina šumica, and the remaining seven in the Naftaplin area. These houses were donated by the Town of Poreč and private donors (citizens of Croatia and Austria). Special thanks go to Mayor Loris Peršurić and Ajna Temimović for their support and contributions to the realization of this part of the project.

The squirrel houses were installed by Alan Račić, an alpinist and instructor from the Croatian Mountaineering Association (HPS) at the Alpine Section of the Picugi Climbing Club in Poreč. Thanks to his expertise, the installation process was safe and efficient.

The leaders of the Health Center Harmony Association took on the task of furnishing the houses with nesting materials. Each house was carefully filled with natural nesting materials, including a combination of sisal, jute, cotton, and coconut fibers, with added cotton cloth for extra comfort. As a welcome gift to the woodland friends, a handful of hazelnuts was placed in each house.

With these activities, the installation of a total of 30 squirrel houses in Poreč has been completed. To date, the following houses have been set up:

• 15 houses in the woods between the Poreč Hospital and the Social Welfare Center,
• 8 houses in Bakina šumica,
• 7 houses in the Naftaplin area.

The next phase of the project is planned for the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, when an additional 15 squirrel houses will be installed in the Pical area with the support of Valamar Riviera d.d. After that, the second stage of the project will be implemented—the reintegration of red squirrels into the natural habitat at Pical.

The "Lend a Hand to Nature" project continues to promote the importance of nature conservation and the harmonious coexistence with local wildlife, with active support from the local community and institutions.