News & Notes
Stories from Park Istra’s work in the field: volunteer life, village projects, restoration, nature, education, solidarity, and the small everyday moments that shaped the project over the years.
When a ruin slowly became a home
In the early days of Park Istra, volunteers transformed an old Istrian house into a living place for community, work, shared meals, firelight, music, and the first dreams of the project.
The dream of bringing life-changing volunteering to Slovenia
Petra reflects on the early volunteers, the shared dream behind Park Istra, and the people who left their mark on the first home of the project.
Read articleWaterfalls, chanterelles, and the wild side of Istria
A summer walk along the Pasjak stream becomes a discovery of hidden waterfalls, pools, forest paths, and the untouched beauty below Hrvoji.
Read articleOperation Swallow: a tiny rescue during renovation
During the renovation of the old parish house, a swallow nest with young birds forced everyone to pause, think carefully, and protect life already living there.
Read articleAutumn, firelight, and the first signs of home
As wet summer turned into September, volunteers moved the kitchen into a tent, sang by the fire, laid floors, explored waterfalls, and watched a ruin become warm.
Read articleOld toys, new smiles
A simple toy exchange gave forgotten toys a new life, brought joy to schoolchildren, and reminded everyone that reuse can be generous.
Read articleThe first year: 350 volunteers and 25,000 hours
A transparent look at the early foundations of Park Istra: donations, volunteer hours, material support, and the first year of building something unusual.
Read articleHot days, full house, and summer in Istria
In the heat of July, Park Istra was full of volunteers, roof work, concerts, swimming at Veli Vir, bathroom building, and unexpected celebrations.
Read articleWells, playgrounds, terraces, and a village coming back to life
Volunteers cleaned an old well, created village play spaces, supported local tourism, uncovered 300-year-old walls, and met young people returning to Abitanti.
Read articleSoap, plants, fire, and 60 children in nature
A school visit became a full day of outdoor learning: homemade soap, wild plants, safe fire-making, bread on sticks, music, and children asking to return.
Read articleWhat Istria can learn from the Azores
Beatriz compares two remote green regions and asks how inland Istria can protect its landscape while creating small-scale, local-led tourism.
Read articleWhy short food chains matter
A reflection on farmers, consumers, local food, AMAP models in France, and why direct relationships can make agriculture fairer and more sustainable.
Read articleFrogs, fairy tales, stone paths, and wooden signs
A busy season of French workshops, children’s stories, support for Sonček, garden signs, stone paths, and carrying frogs safely across the road.
Read articleA national environmental award for volunteer work
Park Istra received the National Energy Globe Award Slovenia after welcoming hundreds of volunteers and giving thousands of hours to local communities.
Read articleOne year in Slovenia, one family away from home
Beatriz writes about moving from Portugal, living in Park Istra, working on sustainable tourism, and leaving with deep friendships.
Read articleWhy meaningful work matters
Janez reflects on volunteering, purpose, mental health, and the deep joy people feel when they spend their time doing something useful.
Read article2019: 750 actions and 13,306 volunteer hours
A year of helping farmers, elderly residents, animal shelters, elderly centres, schools, paths, cemeteries, playgrounds, and local events.
Read articleThe Belgian Team: two weeks, many cultures, one house
Five young volunteers reflect on community living, shared meals, work with local people, climbing, waterfalls, Piran, Koper, and unforgettable friendships.
Read articleRewilding land, horses, birds, and people
An interview with Boris about mosaic landscapes, endangered birds and butterflies, horses, grazing, and the long work of caring for land.
Read articleHave a story from Park Istra?
Former volunteers, local partners, and friends of Park Istra are welcome to share memories, photos, and reflections from the project.