Lithuanian Fund for Nature - local actions

Water monitoring of the Viesvile river 

Dates: October 2016-summer 2017

Place: Lithuania, Viesvile

What was done: 

• Project group was created (includes members of Student scientific society of natural sciences, students of Viesvile school and Young friends of forest society).
• Problems of the Viesvile river basin were stated.
• Monitoring of basic indicators in the Viešvilė river was done twice (2016 12 03; 2017 03 02).
• Water biomonitoring practical lecture was held for members of Student scientific society of natural sciences.
• Knowledge of water biomonitoring were transferred from students to local participants of group.
• First water biomonitoring in five sites of the river was done in May together with Viesvile’s Young friends of forest society.
• Preliminary results of the research were presented for town representatives.
• Further proposals for invasive plants species (Solidago virgaurea) research were given for member of Young friends of forest society.

What is the result of activity: The methodology of water biomonitoring was learned and first part of water biomonitoring was held. Members of Young friends of forest society got to know basics of the fauna, living in Viesvile river. Preliminary results of the monitoring show, that the water quality is getting worse after the river flows through the town. Further steps of invasive plants research were planned.

Why this method: Water biomonitoring shows longer-lasting water quality in the river, when compared to chemical water analysis. Also it is a great way to involve local community in the research, show the beauty of fauna living in the water and explain its importance. Invasive plants spread is an interesting and actual problem for members of Young friends of forest society. They have already started a research, searching for ways to cope with the spread of these plants, but bigger scientific background and support is needed to get more accurate results.

What follow-up is planned: 

• Second water biomonitoring
• First microplastic monitoring in the Viesvile river
• Presentation of monitoring for local community during local fest
• Further support for investigation of invasive plant species

Additional information: Video made after first activity, for international biodiversity day:

More about alien species in Lithuania: http://www.glis.lt/?pid=126

Water monitoring of the Viesvile river 

Dates: October 2016-summer 2017

Place: Lithuania, Viesvile

What was done: 

• Methodology for micro plastic investigation adapted and micro plastic research was done for first time in Viesvile river.
• Second water bio monitoring was done and water quality estimated.
• Viesvile river fauna, water quality and micro plastic issue were presented for local community during town Midsummer celebration.

What is the result of activity:

• Micro plastic particles were found in Viesvile river.
• Two water bio monitoring results support each other.
• Understanding about micro plastic issue, Viesvile river fauna and water quality was increased among town habitants.

Why did you choose this method?

Micro plastic problem is still poor known and not well researched, but it is getting more and more interest among naturalists. New investigations help to get better understanding about this issue. Society is not well informed about micro plastic issue, Viesvile river fauna and water quality. Better understanding about these issues increases people ecological awareness and contributes to their action for environmental protection.

Invasive plant species control in Viesvile nature reserve and water biomonitoring in Viesvile river

Dates: 25/08/2017 – 27/08/2017

Place: Viesvile, Lithuania

What was done:

• Two invasive plants species - thicket shadbush ((Amelanchier spicata) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra) were chosen to control in cooperation with Viesvile Nature reserve.
• Most vulnerable places for invasive plants species spread were selected and work was done in these areas.
• Try-yourself waterbiomonitoring in Viesvile river was done together with Young Friends of the forest.

What is the result of activity?

Thicket shadbush and northern red oak were cutted in 3 areas in Viesvile nature reserve. The population of these trees was considerably reduced and the spread to the nature reserve controlled.

Why did you choose this method?

Invasive plants cause ecological problems as changing environmental conditions and outcompeting native species. Usually they grow in damaged habitats (e.g. close to roads), but in Viesvile two invasive plants – thicket shadbush and northern red oak are also spreading to nature reserve and threatening it’s specific flora. Work was done by hand tools in places, which are difficult to access and/or where these plants are distributed in large area, so it is not efficient to work with machinery.

Funder:

Lithuanian Fund for Nature - Environmental challenges

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