Volunteering That Changes Reality. Rybnik Residents Join the Expansion of Nutriowisko

Nutriowisko — a centre providing shelter for nutria captured in urban areas — was created and developed thanks to the enormous dedication of the small team at the Łapa i Las Foundation, which, despite limited resources, ensured its daily functioning.

Thanks to a grant from the Mushika Foundation, implemented as part of an agreement with the Łapa i Las Foundation and the City of Rybnik, it became possible to create a safe space for animals classified as an invasive alien species (IAS), which cannot return to their natural environment.

Today, with the support of partners, the first volunteers have begun joining the efforts.

Volunteers Return to Nutriowisko

A new chapter began in autumn 2025 with Ms. Walentyna, who, as the first volunteer, helped secure the riverbed that the nutria will use.

Soon after, the Youth Council of the City of Rybnik and employees of the Rybnik City Hall joined in. During a joint workday on Saturday, 18 October, we placed hundreds of stones in the “Szopowianka” streambed, built two nutria houses and prepared the area for additional enclosures. After many months of quiet work, the centre finally filled with conversations, laughter and positive energy.

The Power of Youth and Community Engagement

Volunteers from the Youth Council proposed further initiatives: support actions, educational meetings, and projects connecting people with nature — such as creating a community garden and a quiet zone near Nutriowisko.

This is an excellent example of learning through practice — developing empathy, cooperation, responsibility and initiative. Intergenerational dialogue allows for exchanging experiences, gaining knowledge and inspiring one another.

Volunteering as the Foundation of Cooperation

The City of Rybnik supports the Łapa i Las Foundation by co‑organising volunteer work during construction and maintenance tasks. The Łapa i Las Foundation coordinates on‑site work and ensures volunteer safety.

We aim to create a lasting model of cooperation in which residents actively participate in nature conservation and animal care, building a community diverse in age and united by shared values.

What Is Volunteering at Nutriowisko?

Volunteering is an open form of cooperation, available to anyone willing to give their time and energy. No qualifications or experience are required. You can help:

• on‑site — with small maintenance tasks, planting, assembling structures or preparing enclosures
• organisationally — coordinating events and volunteer activities
• remotely — creating educational materials, informational content, social‑media posts or donor and media communications

Volunteering at Nutriowisko is not only physical help in building the centre — it is also learning sensitivity and attentiveness to nature. It is a community of people who, with respect and commitment, work to protect animal lives.

It is also an opportunity to gain experience, understand the challenges of working in the NGO sector and spend time in a meaningful way, surrounded by people who share similar values.

Every Pair of Hands Matters

Thanks to joint efforts and the support provided by the Mushika Foundation, Nutriowisko is becoming a place where rescued nutria — the furry residents of the city — can live in dignified conditions for the rest of their lives.

Nutriowisko continues to expand. In the coming weeks, further maintenance work, planting and preparation of new enclosures and equipment are planned. Every brick, every pair of hands and every hour of work counts.

Sign Up as a Volunteer

📧 nutriowisko@gmail.com

📞 889 488 466