The goal of Toulcův Dvůr is to maintain a quality establishment for the application of environmental education in a dense urban region. Environmental education at Toulcův Dvůr focuses upon young children and their families because of our philosophy that the earlier ecological education begins the greater the impact will be on the development of the individual´s awareness of ecological issues.

The area of Toulcův Dvůr is comprised of multiple facilities such as a Gothic- baroque, state-protected monument, cultivated agricultural land and diverse and interesting natural habitats including a wetland, an alluvial woodland, flower meadows and an alder grove. There are numerous facilities open to the pubic such as a farm with various livestock, an eco-garden, playgrounds, lecture rooms, an exhibition gallery and a hostel. Toulcův dvůr affords optimal conditions for a variety of ecological educational work in a natural setting in the heart of a modern city.

In 2004, more than 15 000 people participated in the Ecological Centre´s activities and many others used our area as a place of rest and education in communion with nature.

A bit of history
The first mention of the estate (Toulcův Dvůr) in Hostivař dates back to 1362. For many years the complex served as a fortress owned by the Sázava- Monastery. Since that time many different people have leased the grounds. The man František Toulec after whom the yard was named was the last to lease it. In the 1960´s the farm came under the administration of Prague State Farms which set up a large- scale production of feed mixes on the site, and the former barn was turnend into a factory building. In 1992 the Government of the CSFR(write out) earmarked Toulcův Dvůr for non- profit environmental purposes and transferred its ownership of the City of Prague. Since 1994 it has been administrated by the Interest Association Toulcův Dvůr.

ECOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AT TOULCŮV DVŮR

Programmes for schools on environmental issues
Currently, we offer almost 50 different programs for maternity, elementary and secondary schools. Our aim is to complement the school curriculum with practical environmental education in conditions that are not readily available to public schools. The participants are not passive listeners. Students are encouraged to look for solutions to environmental problems and to find connections between natural and historical development independently.

Workshops for teachers
In 2005 we prepared about 30 workshops for teachers. Recycling, alternative energies and the ecology of the zoo are some of the themes. The programs are designed to give teachers inspiration and practical help so that they can integrate the things they have learned into their lessons.
The Ecocenter is accredited by the Czech Ministry of Education for the continuing education of state- certified teachers in the field of environmental education.

Family Activities
The Ecological Centre organizes regular public activities for families living in the Prague area. The celebration of old folk traditions and the establishment of „art afternoons“in which participants express themselves with natural materials are two such activities that have generated great interest and participation. The programs are organized to promote the involvement of the whole family in the education of ecological and cultural issues.

Mateřidouška – „The Mothers Club“
Mothers with children meet regularly at the Mother´s Club Mateřidouška.This club has access to a children´s play area, two gardens and other facilities. Participating families and outside lectures prepare both recurring and periodic programs at Mateřidouška including family-oriented activities for children in the play area and garden, healthy cooking, interacting with to the domesticated animals, and creative activities related to ecological and cultural issues and self-expression through painting, dancing, singing and playing musical instruments.

Hobby clubs
Experienced and friendly leaders regulary meet with boys and girls at Toulcův Dvůr where they are familiarized with nature and the lives of animals.

Toulcův dvůr ecofarm
There is a small „city farm“ at Toulcův Dvůr in which horses, sheep, goats, rabbits, a cow, a pig and poultry are kept. This facility also includes an orchard and organic garden. The farm gives chidren in Prague the opportunity to learn about the life of domestic farm animals and the agricultural livestyle without having to travel far from the Prague metropolitan area.

Adopting of our Animals
If you want to adopt one of our animals you have the possibility to choose one or more animals. The money the adopting people will pay is used for feed and bedding.

Exhibitions and other activities
The Gothic granary and Baroque stables of Toulcův dvůr are used for exhibitions, environmental education and cultural activities. They are often rented by non-governmental organisations for various activities.

Support Toulcův Dvůr
Dear visitors, we greatly appreciate that you have viewed our website. Toulcův Dvůr is a union of many non- governmental organisations which try to provide a large number of activities for children and their families; the essential element of this work is ecological education and elucidation.
If you would like to support our work, you can transfer a donation to us. Every little donation helps us to carry on and upgrade our work.
Our donations account (IBAN) : Due to change of bank account, there is no possibility of sending us money :-(. Number of new account will be published as soon as possible.
Much obliged!