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The Directorate of Aukštaitija National Park and Labanoras Regional Park is launching the project "Green Stories" (LL-00188), aimed at protecting biodiversity and strengthening public awareness and knowledge in the field of nature conservation. Using the most advanced methods and creating an attractive environment, we will seek to influence the attitude of the residents of the regions and countries relevant to the project towards nature, improve practical skills in the field of nature conservation, which will lead to more sustainable actions in nature, potentially affecting the attractiveness of natural sciences as a profession. The Directorate has been purposefully pursuing these goals in its daily activities for a long time, therefore the project activities will directly correlate and complement the used tools.
Basic information about the project
The project received funding under the 2021–2027 Interreg VI-A Latvian-Lithuanian Cross-Border Cooperation Programme.
Duration of project activities: 1 March 2024 – 28 February 2026
Project partners: Directorate of Aukštaitija National Park and Labanoras Regional Park (lead partner), Daugavpils University (project partner)
Total project budget: 754,759.16 euros.
The project includes a wide range of activities, which will be intensively shared during the project and the public is invited to get involved. The largest elements of the project include the following activities:
Inventory research of existing natural resources, rare plant species and historically grown cultivated plants in Aukštaitija National Park, Labanoras Regional Park, Sileni Nature Park, in order to assess the current situation of rare and historical plants in the project areas. The collected data will supplement existing national databases, and a new freely accessible database of historical plants will be created. Based on the research data, educational and informational tools will be created for public education and scientific purposes: catalogues of historical and rare plants published in Lithuanian and Latvian, new educational packages created, outdoor expositions of historical and rare plants in Lithuania and Latvia.
New interdisciplinary educational programs for schoolchildren and the general public, which will strengthen awareness and knowledge in the fields of environmental protection and biodiversity, will update the issue of endangered plant species, will improve the condition of rare plant habitats, and will present the latest achievements of natural sciences. The content of the activities will be based on the content of the relevant school subject programs, natural sciences (biology, astrobiology, etc.), the contexts of the Aukštaitija National Park, Labanoras Regional Park, Sileni Nature Park. The created educational content will provide the public with science-based and relevant knowledge about the importance of biodiversity conservation, emerging threats, and will encourage them to contribute to the conservation of botanical resources.
Creation of a new natural and climatically favorable infrastructure:
A unique freely accessible Moon Laboratory has been established in Palūšė for the needs of public education and science, to study biodiversity and future science. The laboratory will be used for various scientific experiments, plant cultivation in a simulated lunar environment, in order to find out what the minimum conditions for plant growth are, for the preservation and research of rare plant species, local biotope.
A unique collection of historical plants of the region has been formed, by establishing an exhibition garden of historical plants in Palūšė, with the aim of increasing the relevance of historical plants, reviving, preserving, and popularizing endangered historical cultural species. The exhibition of historical plants will promote the preservation and nurturing of old species, and the created favorable conditions will allow the expansion of ecosystems of insects, plants, animals, and microorganisms.
A demonstration outdoor exhibition with specimens of protected plants characteristic of the Latvian flora has been created at the Daugavpils University Study and Research Centre “Ilgas”. The facility will also serve as a seed bank for protected plant species, as well as for public education purposes.
The network of educational trails at the Daugavpils University Study and Research Centre “Ilgas” has been updated with artificial habitats for protected plant, insect and other species, and a modern outdoor classroom has been installed, using new infrastructure for outdoor education about biodiversity for the public, students, and schoolchildren, as well as to reduce the impact on sensitive natural habitats.
The educational spaces and their content created during the project have no analogues in the region. The created conditions, conducted research, cooperation of the academic community (Daugavpils University, Vilnius University, Vilnius TECH, Vytautas Magnus University are partners in the development and implementation of ideas), pooling of common resources will expand the spectrum of possibilities of the activities carried out by the project partners in achieving innovative, science-based, interdisciplinary solutions for the preservation and improvement of biodiversity. It is expected that the project activities will significantly contribute to the positive impact on the preservation of biodiversity.
The goal of the project: to highlight the importance of vegetation to humanity through innovative solutions based on educational content and natural science simulations.
Project objectives to achieve the goal:
- to promote active interest among students in environmental protection processes;
- to form habits of personal responsibility towards living nature;
- to popularize natural sciences, especially various branches of biology;
- to ensure that students link their future careers with natural sciences.
Relevance of the project:
The plant simulation research laboratory established in the Aukštaitija National Park will invite students to learn natural sciences through experience outside of school. By meeting scientists, getting acquainted with future professions, and solving real-life tasks, students will develop a personal relationship with nature and the world around us. In the plant research laboratory, through innovative educational programs prepared together with natural and exact science teachers, students will practically apply the acquired knowledge:
- will learn about vegetation from the past - delving deeper into the knowledge of rare species in evolutionary biology,
conservation;
- will explore the present - combining knowledge from interdisciplinary natural sciences;
- will test the possibilities of future sciences - by getting acquainted with the science of astrobiology;
Project partners:
VU scientists - biologists, astrobiologists;
Teachers (biology, chemistry, physics, IT);
Robotics specialists;
Brief project description:
A glass plant research laboratory is being established in Aukštaitija National Park, where experimental simulations of remote plant planting and observation on the lunar surface, excursions, education, meetings, conferences and seminars will be held.
Plant growth simulation stages according to the development process:
- Presentation of knowledge relevant to the simulation and in accordance with the content of educational programs (biology, chemistry, physics), introduction to the topic;
- Mission to the moon using video game simulation (physics, mathematics, astronomy), a challenge for teams;
- Planting a plant in artificial regolith with the help of a robot (biology, IT/robotics), experimental process;
- Long-term remote monitoring of the plant and monitoring/recording of changes, formation of responsibilities and consistent practices;
- Presentation of analysis of processed plant observation data, development of critical thinking;
- Transferring the plant to the class that participated in the experiment, creating long-term/sustainable relationships;
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUMMER CAMP
"GREEN STORIES"
FREE nature conservation summer camp for 8th-9th grade students from the territory of Aukštaitija National Park and Labanoras Regional Park (Ignalina, Utena, Molėtai, Švenčionys districts) and Latgale (Latvia) region
JUNE 25-29, 2025, MEIRONYS, IGNALINA DISTRICT
REGISTRATION
If you are an 8th-9th grade student who wants to learn the secrets of nature and experience the challenges of a young naturalist, fill out the form and see you this summer at the Nature School! Don't delay, because THE NUMBER OF PLACES IS LIMITED!
https://forms.gle/r5PHKxx4jr4cF7Sd9
CAMP ENVIRONMENT
The camp will take place at the Aukštaitija National Park Nature School, located in the nature reserve
surrounded by mountains, on the shore of Lake Lūšiai.
This is a wonderful place to explore the natural and cultural values of the national park.
The school offers comfortable accommodation in 4-bed or 7-bed rooms,
All amenities for basic needs are provided (kitchen, showers, WC).
ABOUT THE CAMP
Purpose
Through various environmental educational and creative activities, help students create an emotional connection with their immediate environment, develop a responsible attitude towards nature and its conservation by providing the opportunity to get to know biodiversity up close, and expand their horizons and awareness by introducing the Moon Laboratory.
Activities
* Educational excursions in nature and the surrounding area, getting to know the local culture, traditions, and natural objects.
* Night nature observation hikes with park educators and naturalists while completing practical tasks, becoming young naturalists.
* Educational and creative tasks in teams, joint leadership development projects, and a presentation event for parents.
Internationality
* 14 students from Lithuania and 9 students from Latvia.
* We will get to know each other's cultures and traditions, acquire new knowledge, skills, and contacts in an international context, which will help us on the path of personal and professional development.
* We will improve our English communication skills.
Context
* The camp is implemented and financed as part of the project "Green Stories. Society education and raising public awareness on the importance of flora to humanity" (No. LL-00188) under the 2021–2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme.
* The project aims to increase public awareness of the importance of nature and its conservation through innovative solutions based on educational content and natural sciences. Public environmental education is the main focus of this project, with a special focus on schoolchildren.
CAMP ACTIVITIES AND AGENDA
At the camp, you can expect a lot of time in nature, educational excursions around Palūšė, night hikes with park naturalists, educational and creative tasks in teams, sunsets on Lūšiai, evenings by the campfire and much more...
Arrival : 2025 June 25th 9:00am, Aukštaitija National Park Nature School, Lūšių g. 16, Palūšės k., 30202 Ignalina district ( we'll have breakfast at home! ).
Preliminary camp program (subject to change due to weather conditions and other circumstances):
Day One. Topic – “Knowledge”
9:00-10:00 Registration, accommodation
10:00 – 12:00 First tea, briefing, program presentation
12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch
13.00 – 13.30 Presentation of Aukštaitija National and Labanoras Regional Parks
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Getting to know each other games
15.00 – 17.00 Excursion to Palūšė, swimming
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Free time
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Dinner
19:00 – 21:00 daily reflection, time for team preparation for the weekly project of creating a “Green Story”
21.00 – 23.00 Cultural evening
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Day Two. Topic – “Plants”
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. wake up, exercise, sun salutation
9:00 – 10:00 breakfast
10:00 – 13:00 creative challenge in teams, plant species rally, nature workshop about plants
properties, educational education about plants
13.00 – 14.00 lunch
14.00 –17.00 creative challenge in teams
18:00 – 19:00 dinner
19:00 – 21:00 daily reflection, time for team preparation for the weekly project
creating a “Green Story”
21.00 – 23.00 Cultural evening
Day Three. Theme – “Flyers”
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. wake up, exercise, sun salutation
9:00 – 10:00 breakfast
10:00 – 13:00 educational education about birds and their melodies, orientation
game in the forest
13.00 – 14.00 lunch
14.00 – 16.00 interactive education “Bird Clock”
16.00 –18.00 creative naturalist challenge
18:00 – 19:00 dinner
19:00 – 22:00 daily reflection, time for team preparation
for the week-long project creating a “Green Story”
22.00 – 23.00 practical education "Bat Night"
Day Four. Theme – “Water”
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. wake up, exercise, sun salutation
9:00 – 10:00 breakfast
10:00 – 12:00 Creative naturalist challenge and educational education
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. free time and preparation for afternoon activities
13.00 – 14.00 lunch
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM water hike and educational program
18:00 – 19:00 dinner
19:00 – 21:00 daily reflection, time for team preparation
for the week-long project of creating a “Green Story”
21.00 – 23.00 Cultural evening
Day Five. Theme – “Green Stories”
6:00 – 9:00 a.m. morning nature hike
9:00 – 10:00 breakfast
10:00 – 13:00 educational and cultural excursion to the Museum of Ancient Beekeeping
13.00 – 14.00 lunch
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM preparation for the presentations of the teams' creative weekly projects, "Green Stories"
4:00 PM Presentations of weekly team projects. Farewell.
Additional activities
At the nature school you will find a basketball court, board games, books about nature, and a fishing pier.
Children can bring a ball or fishing rod (inventory is not provided on site) and use their free time
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CAMP MEALS AND RULES
* Fresh, full meals are served daily: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and healthy snacks throughout the day.
* Phone time is limited.
* Swimming only with the whole group, at an agreed time, under the supervision of group leaders.
* Arrival and departure by own transport.
* Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day - at home.
* Parents will be given the group leader's phone number to contact if necessary.
* Accommodation in rooms – 4-6 people, randomly arranged, taking into account gender and keeping an equal number of children in the room
from Lithuania and Latvia, to ensure equality and internationality.
TEAM
The classes will be led by experienced, passionate and knowledgeable nature and ethnocultural specialists and educators from Aukštaitija National Park and Labanoras Regional Park.
Staff responsible for the implementation and safety of the camp:
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Camp Director
Sigute Mudinienė
Group leader
Veronika Garbulienė
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Project Manager
Agne Vaišyte
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CONTACTS FOR INQUIRIES
Project Manager Agnė Vaišytė
Email: [email protected]
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