The idea behind this nature-based initiative, called “Inside Out Nature” is that young people wanted to share their experiences and knowledge from participating in the national Pathways to Nature training with other youth from their Russian-speaking community in Joensuu, Finland. Each participant, aged 18–22, planned and organized an event for other young people to enjoy. The initiative was divided into three parts:
The first event, called “Beauty of Nature,” was a trip to a botanical garden in February, where ice sculpture and light exhibitions were held. Participants received brief instructions on how to take high-quality photos using their phones, so the images looked attractive and professional. The idea behind this event was to encourage appreciation of nature’s beauty and to capture it on camera as a lasting memory. After the event, each participant received a postcard featuring the best photo they had taken.
The second part of the initiative, held on April 10, 2025, was called “Sense of Nature” and consisted of a dreamcatcher workshop. We invited a local artist from our Russian-speaking community to teach us how to create dreamcatchers using simple materials found in the forest, such as sticks, pine cones, and stones. It was a relaxing and creative evening, and everyone got to keep their completely unique dreamcatcher.
The third and final event, “Traces of Time,” took place on May 10. It was a guided tour at Kuhasalo, a nature trail in Joensuu located on a peninsula by the lake. The tour guide shared the rich history of the area and explained the concept of “Everyman’s Right”—a fundamental right in Finland that allows access to nature, including picking berries, mushrooms, wild plants, camping, and fishing, even on privately owned land. After the tour, we set up a bonfire in a hut near the lake, grilled sausages, and enjoyed the rest of the evening together. It was the perfect conclusion to the day—and to the entire initiative.
