2015

New Year in the forest

Despite a snowless Winter Solstice, many families took advantage of the holidays and went on exploratory hikes through the many recreational attractions of  JSC “Latvian State Forests”. The end of the year can turn out to be a real adventure when visiting a forest. On December 31 and January 1, LVM Nature Park in Tērvete offered an opportunity to go on a forest trail adventure and enjoy playful interaction between colorful lights and the forest; but at LVM Pokaiņi Forest – during the hike, to see the forest's stones and treat its animals with food treats you have brought with you.

With light toward darkness

During last Christmas holidays, an impressive number for the winter period – more than 700 guests – visited LVM Nature Park in Tērvete. This, when compared with previous years, was an impressive influx of tourists for LVM Nature Park in Tērvete.

At the end of the year, every park visitor is invited to go on a hike to the Fairytale and Dwarf Forest, choosing a route from the park's 35 kilometer trails, as well as witnessing a peculiar interaction between the forest and light from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at a forest section that is located at the park's main entrance – near the newly-established wooden bridge – laboratory. Three other trail sections at the park will be also illuminated from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Meanwhile, the entire fairytale family will be expecting the park's visitors already on January 2.

One must remember to bring along a hot drink or meal, as the park's information center, cafe, and workshops will be closed during these days. A flashlight will also come in handy to make it easier finding the road back and notice other people in the evening darkness.

Wisdom is stored in stones

Despite the fact that the information center will be closed during these days, LVM Pokaiņi Forest will welcome both grown-up and small explorers of stone secrets. Along with home-made hot drinks and snacks, one can also prepare a carrot or two for the forest rabbits.

A Christmas week for children took place in Pokaiņi Forest shortly before the solstice. During this week, the helping hands of Pokaiņi – Mazpokainītes and Mazpokaiņi – were visited by about 145 children from various Latvian schools to relax and gain wisdom in the forest. Children played drums and blew a giant seashell, explored Pokaiņi Forest as a place of ancient knowledge where wisdom is stored in stones. Pupils learned to build a wigwam, crossed the bridge of wishes and received wishes from Pokaiņi Forest, ran through the Spiral of Stars in Zikurāts and sent their wishes into the universe, enjoyed treats at the Miraculous Christmas tree, and provided forest animals with treats by decorating fir-trees with carrots, apples or anything they had brought with themselves. Pupils also prepared their own amulet of force signs.

The remaining, more than 350, recreational places of JSC “Latvian State Forests” in all of Latvia are also offering an opportunity to see and learn the unseen, reveal the unknown or simply relax and enjoy the time. We urge to dress up according to weather conditions, follow the safety of oneself and others, comply with cleanliness rules, and refrain from littering the forest.

Have a successful and prosperous New Year, and see you in the forest!