2017

Where to Enjoy the Last Days of Winter?

Those who prefer active recreation are still rushing to enjoy the snow and different skiing activities, while other nature lovers will be happy to put on some warmer clothes and head for an adventure away from the city and the daily routine. JSC "Latvia's State Forests" (LVM) offers a roadmap for activities in nature to be enjoyed while waiting for the return of migratory birds. There is more and more light each day and it should be appreciated!

Foresters' Festival in LVM Nature Park in Tērvete

On 18 February, the Dwarfs Family invite both adults and children to LVM Nature Park in Tērvete, where they have prepared some new exciting activities. Forest sector experts will show a real forestry machine - a harvester - in action, felling trees in a certain plot intended for forest thinning and cross-cutting and pruning their trunks. There will also be other educational and forest-related activities, which so far have not been experienced in the Nature Park.

LVM Nature Park in Tērvete welcomes guests every day, regardless of the weather conditions. Every day you can explore the pine forest trails, listen to the birds singing and enjoy a play of lights on the tree tops right next to the pedestrian bridge - the laboratory. There is also an opportunity to climb up the tower to take a closer look at the light-promising horizon.

Shrovetide or the Day of Meteņi in LVM Pokaiņi Forest

February is the month of candles, blizzards and north wind, the last month of winter and the shortest month of the year. On 18 February, everyone is welcome to attend the Shrovetide or the Day of Meteņi celebrations in LVM Pokaiņi Forest.

Already from 14, all interested are kindly invited to the Information Centre hearth room, where performance will given by the talented Latvian traditional instrument kokle player Peter Stephan. In turn, Jānis Ieviņš, a knower of ancient traditions, will encourage guests to take part in the Shrovetide fire ritual. There will also be the traditional downhill sledding in LVM Pokaiņi Forest. At the end of the event, the Shrovetide celebration bonfire will be lit to make a big pot of delicious porridge and the fragrant Pokaiņi herbal tea.

In LVM Pokaiņi Forest, everyone will see that not all birds leave for warmer places to spend the winter. Going for a walk through the snow-covered trails, glistening in the sunlight, birdsongs may be heard on each step.

European Foresters' Competition in Madona

From 20 to 25 February, sports and recreation centre "Smeceres sils" in Madona will host the 49th European Foresters Competition in Nordic Skiing - EFNS. More than 500 forest workers and forestry-related people from 21 countries will take part in this event.

Latvian team is the second largest team this year, right after Germany. It is composed of 94 members of such Latvian forest sector organisations as LLC "Latvijas finieris", LLC "Rīgas meži", JSC "Latvia's State Forests", Ogre Technical School, the Ministry of Agriculture and Latvia University of Agriculture Forest Faculty.

The race will take place in two individual skiing disciplines: in classical and free-style skiing with one shooting standing, as well as in the national team relay race.

Race organisers have taken care of exciting seminars and excursion programmes, within the framework of which the participants will visit LVM Kalsnava Arboretum, as well as Uģis Bergmanis, Senior LVM Environmental Guide, to attend the eagle rehabilitation centre.

The 25th Skiing Marathon "Around Lake Alauksts"

If the weather conditions are favourable and the ground is covered with a snow blanket, the traditional cross-country skiing race "Around Lake Alauksts" will be held on 26 February.

There are three distances offered to participants in JSC "Latvia's State Forests" Skiing Marathon "Around Lake Alauksts": "Sportland" People's Marathon - 22 kilometres, "Burusports" Children's Marathon or the 7 km-long "Delfi" Health Marathon. Awards will be presented not only to the three fastest men and ladies, but also to the most attractive participants, assessing their outfit, skiing style, ski design, team presentation.