In order to free the Gulf of Riga from invasive alien plant species, the team of the LIFE CoHaBit project together with the Nature Conservation Agency organizes clean-up of the Nature Park “Piejura” dune area.
When? - On Thursday, 9th July, from 10:30 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.
Where? - In Vakarbulli beach.
What will we do? - Limit the spread of the invasive alien plant species Blue Lettuce (Lactuca Tatarica) in the beach dune area. JOIN US IN THE CLEAN-UP!
Prior application until 8th August; please, send the application to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Invasive plant species pose a major and rapidly increasing threat to Europe's natural biodiversity. Plants entering a new, unfamiliar environment can suppress the native flora or fauna and harm the environment; such plants are called “invasive species”.
This is exactly the Blue Lettuce; its natural range of spread is the steppe zone of Eurasia, where it grows on river banks, in steppes, and on saline soils. The species is resistant to drought and salt, so it loves the dry and sandy seashore habitats. In Latvia, most often it occurs in Pierīga. Seeing a plant with light purple flowers, park visitors are sometimes delighted with its beauty, because they do not know that it is an invasive species that should not be found on our coast. Control and monitoring measures are needed to prevent further spread of the Blue Lettuce.
Spread of the Blue Lettuce in Latvia. Location of current deposits in the Latvian geobotanical network, situation as of 2015*. Gathering place – car parking on Vakarbulli Beach, Riga. Time: 10: 30 a.m.
It is recommended to dress in weather-appropriate working clothes. It is recommended to take working gloves and water with you. You will have a possibility to enjoy a bowl of soup during the event.
