Warsaw’s Green Management Board is preparing to protect families of greylag geese as they journey from the Royal Łazienki Park to the Vistula River, starting April 1st.
Greylag Goose Protection Efforts Begin
The Warsaw Green Management Board has begun preparations to protect greylag goose families migrating from the Royal Łazienki Park to the Vistula River after their young hatch.
The initiative, conducted in collaboration with volunteers and the Royal Łazienki Museum, will involve 30 observers monitoring the birds’ route and reporting their movements to authorities.
Volunteer Patrols and Monitoring Schedule
Patrols as part of the Green Volunteer program will begin on April 1st and continue until the end of May, with three daily patrols totaling nearly 190 walks.
Volunteers will primarily observe routes and quickly relay information to the ZZW (Warsaw Green Management Board) to ensure the safe passage of the birds.
Migration Route and Key Challenges
Greylag geese nest in tree hollows within the Royal Łazienki Park. After hatching, females lead their young towards the Vistula River, traversing Łazienki ponds, the Piaseczno Canal, and the area around the Czerniakowski Port.
Crossing the busy, six-lane Czerniakowska Street remains the biggest threat during this migration.
Expanded Monitoring Area and Support Services
This year, monitoring will also cover the Fosa Park and Cytadela slopes, as females with young may also travel towards the Vistula from these areas.
Trained ZZW staff, authorized to direct traffic, will oversee the entire operation, with support from the Municipal Guard and Police if needed.
A Warsaw Tradition and Conservation Efforts
Protecting the greylag geese has become a Warsaw tradition, with nearly 150 young geese safely guided to the Vistula through the Green Volunteer program to date.
The Greylag Goose Corner near the Czerniakowski Port, built on the site of a former Municipal Guard headquarters, will provide additional support as an educational and protective corridor.
Educational Initiatives by the Royal Łazienki Museum
The Royal Łazienki Museum is partnering in this year’s effort, organizing educational events dedicated to greylag geese from March 29th to May 23rd.
These events, including workshops, a lecture, and a nature walk, aim to educate the public about the geese’s habits and the challenges they face while navigating the city.
Reporting Sightings
If you see a greylag goose with young:
