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Hikes together with LVM Experts to Learn about the Values of Nature

To provide those interested with more information about natural processes and to explain the role of forestry in environmental protection, JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM) this year invited those interested to go on five educational hikes together with company's experts. Participants’ interest grows every time – more than 100 people used the opportunity to go to the forest together; therefore, it is planned that similar hikes will also take place in the future.

The first hike took place in the LVM Kalsnava Arboretum this spring. Families with children used this to learn how to determine the age and height of trees growing in the forest, to get to know the natural values in the forest and to plant the future forest themselves. The six-kilometre hike led through forests of different ages, allowing participants to find out what forestry activities are taking place in the country's forests. Kārlis Taukačs, Senior Planner for LVM Vidusdaugava Region, went to the forest together with the participants to enjoy a day full of knowledge and discoveries. Sanita Vaivode-Āzena, Head of LVM Kalsnava Arboretum, answered participants' questions not only about the economic, but also ecological value of the forest and the various recreational opportunities in it.

As the summer solstice approached in June, LVM Environmental Expert Vija Kreile and Senior Planner Kārlis Taukačs invited everyone interested to go on a joint hike in Pokaiņi Forest to get to know the riches of the forest in different ages and forest types, as well as to discover the wisdom of solstice medicines. “Together with the participants of the hike, we got acquainted with forest management measures in recreation areas, we explored how managing the forest helps it to be healthy. We also found out what, how and why foresters do in the forest,” Senior Planner Kārlis Taukačs shares his experience.

In July and August, LVM Environmental Project Manager Ieva Rove invited everyone to explore the coastal and inland dunes of Latvia more deeply. In July, during a hike along the Lilaste Dune, the participants could learn the wisdom of restoring and caring for coastal habitats, as well as learn about the military significance of this place together with Vilmārs Katkovskis, Head of Forest Management Planning for LVM West Vidzeme Region. In August, the hike was organized on one of the largest inland dunes – Zvirzgde Baltā kāpa, where Jānis Belickis, Head of Forest Management Planning for LVM Vidusdaugava Region, and Forester Monvīds Strautiņš shared their experience on sustainable forestry.

At the beginning of September, an exploratory walk took place in Vidzeme, where, walking along the trails of the Ziemeļgauja protected landscape area, the participants could learn more about the large-scale natural meadow restoration works carried out by LVM here. Those present got to know the natural values characteristic of this place, looked into the pages of history and learnt about the work done to restore a rapidly disappearing habitat in Europe. Next year, several more exploratory walks will be held, where participants will have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the work done to improve the condition of species' habitats and biotopes in different areas.