Summer volunteer field work in Dvarcionys meadow

On July 18th, a group of nature enthusiasts gathered at Dvarcionys Meadow to rake and mow brought-over hay for over five hours.

The outdoor community service event was organized by Baltic Environmental Forum team members who welcomed a crowd of enthusiastic helpers: “During the summer it’s really hard to convince people after a long day at work to swap a dip in a lake or another relaxing activity to come work in a meadow. It’s nice that active volunteers came to help us out,” said a BEF member.

Why was the field work necessary?

The Dvarcionys Meadow is a natural diverse and distinguished territory. Thus, it is one of the most valuable natural areas in the county of Vilnius.

A few years ago this natural treasure was overshadowed by shrubs, so the Baltic Environmental Forum team, with the help of volunteers, took to restore the meadow by leading and organizing hay raking and mowing work. Now this summer Lithuanian orchids are again blooming—spotted orchirds (Dactylorhiza) and rare and common sword lilies (Gladioli)—as well as local wildlife—corn crake (Crex), foxes and deer.

One of the initiators of the meadow restoration, Vilnius University botanical scientist Valerijus Rasomavicius, said that Dvarcionys Meadow is worth being included as an a natural area of exceptional importance in the European Union Natura 2000 network.Mowing and hay removal is necessary for the meadow to thrive.The Baltic Environmental Forum has been overseeing and managing the meadow on a volunteer basis for 6 years now without any financial support, so any help (mowing, raking, removal work, composting, financial costs, etc.) is always appreciated.

Moments from volunteer field work