Fascination of Plants Day, Fascination Palms Day!

Once again, the LIFE Phoenix project took part in the annual Fascination Plants Day, organized by the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU). This year's event was held on Sunday, 24 June 2026, in the lush and welcoming surroundings of the HMU Experimental Farm in Heraklion, Crete.

The event forms part of the international Fascination of Plants Day initiative of the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO) and is a global celebration highlighting the importance of plants for life, agriculture and food, the environment, and culture.

For one day, the HMU Experimental Farm is transformed into an open space for exploration and learning—a living laboratory where scientists met with the public, children experimented, families discovered nature, and knowledge became a hands-on experience. Through interactive activities, experiments, presentations, and creative workshops, plant science engaged with society in an open, participatory, and inspiring way.

The LIFE Phoenix project was actively present throughout the event, distributing informational material and engaging with visitors, many of whom expressed a keen interest in the Cretan Palm (Phoenix theophrasti) and sought information about the impacts of the Red Palm Weevil on Crete's native palm forests. UoC team members answered visitors' questions and raised awareness about the pressures and threats facing Europe's unique and invaluable palm forests—particularly those arising from specific human activities—as well as the proper management of palm trees cultivated by the public in private gardens.

The event attracted more than 2,500 visitors, while the info stand of the University of Crete – Natural History Museum of Crete, which LIFE Phoenix shared, welcomed a remarkable number of children and adults whose enthusiasm and genuine interest were truly heartening.

We are already looking forward to taking part again in next year's event!