Name of a national park in Estonia. Sights of Estonia. Luitemaa Landscape Reserve

I present to your attention short story about a summer trip to Estonia, about getting to know its nature and visiting several nature reserves and national parks. After this trip, the word “Estonia” is firmly associated with such words as “beauty”, “harmony” and “peace”!

Initially, I planned to post this article in the magazine http://wild-magazine.ru/, but something happened to the magazine and it stopped publishing (ran out of money?), so I’m publishing the article here.

A short introduction.

Environmental protection in Estonia is at a fairly high level high level. Nature conservation began here back in 1910. That year, on the island of Vilsandi, on the initiative of the lighthouse keeper Arthur Tooma The first Estonian nature reserve was founded - the Vaika Ornithological Reserve. On August 14, 1910, an agreement was concluded between the parish pastorate and the Riga Nature Research Society to lease the island of Vilsandi and its surrounding islands in order to protect the birds nesting there. This event served as the starting point and became the most important in the history of nature conservation in Estonia (for more details, see). Currently, approximately a quarter of Estonia's area is protected area (for comparison, in Russia nature conservation areas occupy about 7.6% of the area).

Estonia's area is comparable to such European countries as Denmark and Holland, but its population is only 1.3 million people. And if we take into account that more than 600 thousand of them live in Tallinn, Tartu and Narva, we get a population density of rural areas only 15 people. per sq. km! And indeed, there are practically no people visible outside the city, the roads are magnificent, and the nature looks pristine!

Approximately half of Estonia's territory is covered by forests, and one fifth by swamps. In Estonian, two words are used to refer to swamps: soo- lowland swamp and slave- a raised bog that is fed by precipitation. Estonia can safely be called the kingdom of swamps - from any point on mainland Estonia to the nearest swamp, as a rule, no more than 10-15 km!

Estonia is actively promoting responsible family outdoor recreation and eco-tourism. In nature reserves and national parks (except for those places where tourists are prohibited from visiting), hiking trails are laid almost everywhere (including through swamps), observation towers, parking lots and places for tents are equipped where you can rest and spend the night. For safe movement and to minimize harm to nature, the swamp trails are equipped with wooden decking. Also offered are bog-shoe excursions, canoeing on the rivers of national parks, etc.

As a rule, most natural parks and reserves have information centers- their equipment and interactive equipment could be the envy of many Russian museums! In these centers, tourists have access to various printed materials free of charge (with some exceptions): beautifully designed brochures with diagrams, maps of nature trails, information about local flora and fauna, etc., and what’s especially nice is that all this is almost always presented on Russian language!

The only hiking trail with a length of about 7 km runs through the reserve; it can even be seen on satellite maps Google:

The trail starts from a large swamp lake...

Large swamp lake.

... and after about 500 m it leads to the first observation tower:

View from the first observation tower

Swampy spaces

Swamp lakes with clear water

And how beautiful it must be here in the golden autumn!

We weren’t able to walk the entire trail - the midday sun was mercilessly hot, and in the swamp there was nowhere to hide from the sun’s rays. Unfortunately, during the day in the swamp you will not see its inhabitants (herons, cranes, etc.) - for this you need to come before dawn or late in the evening. By the way, for secret observation of these same inhabitants, the first floor of one of the observation towers in the swamp is made in the form of a shed with observation windows for photography. It was not possible to get inside (there was a lock), but I assume that the shed has a table and a couple of places to sleep. Most likely, the keys to this house are issued by agreement with the administration of the reserve.

View from the second observation tower.

Luitemaa Landscape Reserve.

Just 35 kilometers from Nigul towards the sea, on the coast of Pärnu Bay, the Luitemaa landscape reserve is located. It also has swamps, but its main part is dunes and coastal meadows. Luitemaa is translated as “land of dunes”. The most picturesque part of the landscape of southwestern Estonia and the largest dunes of the Bay of Pärnu are located here. Moreover, the dunes that form the coastline here are more than 5,000 years old!

Coastal meadows in Luitemaa

Lahemaa National Park.

We also managed to visit such amazing place How national park Lahemaa. It is located in northern Estonia on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, about seventy kilometers east of Tallinn. The area of ​​the park is 72.5 thousand hectares, and about a third of the territory is occupied by the sea. The coastline is colored by peninsulas, bays and small islands. There are four peninsulas (Juminda, Pärispea, Käsmu and Vergi) and four bays (Kolga, Hara, Eru and Käsmu). Precisely because large quantity bays, the founder of Estonian landscape science, J. G. Grano, named this region “Lahemaa” - Edge of the Bays, and in 1971 a national park was created to protect the unique landscapes of the coast.

The natural landscapes in the park are quite diverse, there are pine forests with boulder fields, swamps, rivers and lakes, and of course the picturesque sea coast. Despite its fairly high environmental status, this is an almost completely open to the public (with the exception of a small natural reserve) territory with protected nature. There are some restrictions, they relate to places where tents are set up and fires are made.

The park has more than 20 equipped nature trails ranging from 0.5 to 18 km in length. To explore the park, we chose the Käsmu Peninsula. From the village of Käsmu I headed to Cape Vana Yuri and the island of Kuradisaar. The local coast is a paradise for photographers; here you can observe many mute swans, cormorants, terns and other birds, although it is quite difficult to get closer than 30–50 m to them unnoticed.

Swans and cormorants against the backdrop of the island of Kuradisar

Lahemaa Park is also famous for the large number of boulders brought in by a glacier. The largest boulder field in Estonia (400 ha) is located on the Käsmu Peninsula. The dimensions of some boulders reach five meters in height and fifteen meters in girth.

Huge boulders at Cape Van Yuri

Boulders in the forest on the Käsmu Peninsula

Arctic terns

And instead of a conclusion.

After the trip, I never tired of wondering how the Estonians managed to achieve all this. In my humble opinion, they are developing eco-tourism exactly the way it should be done. Their extensive network ecological routes and nature trails are evenly distributed throughout the country. With the exception of reserves that are closed to visitors, the rest of the territory is suitable for travel; there are routes for both trained tourists and ordinary city residents, including people with disabilities. Moreover, we are not talking about the development of mass tourism. Tourism in protected areas is developed taking into account minimization negative influence on nature. The number and behavior of tourists are strictly regulated. No roads are built in the immediate vicinity of parks and reserves - only dirt roads, bike paths and hiking trails. They do not build hotels and sanatoriums - only miniature huts for overnight stays and places for tents.

But let’s not idealize - surely this approach also has its own negative sides. For example, I immediately imagined what difficulties the “wild” tourism, so familiar to me in our Karelia, might encounter here...

Estonia is a maritime country in northern Europe. Its territory is almost half occupied by forests, and total There are more than two thousand islands. Tourism is well developed in Estonia. This is facilitated not only by the amazing nature, but also by the unique cultural heritage.

There are many national parks where visitors have the opportunity to independently observe the animal world. Most reserves are ready to provide their guests with various types of recreation, depending on their preferences. Comfortable hotels are better suited for family holidays, while tent camps will appeal to lovers of adventure.

History and architecture lovers will love the beautiful winding streets, castles and palaces of the Old Town. In particular, such as Glen Castle, Maarjamägi and Toompea castles, as well as Tallinn Town Hall. Linen and knitted items are traditionally brought from Estonia as souvenirs. self made, colored glass products, as well as Kalev chocolate and the famous Old Tallinn liqueur.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Estonia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.

Tallinn's Old Town is the real heart of the capital. Thanks to its perfectly preserved medieval buildings, the historical center is included in the UNESCO list. Particularly noteworthy are the Town Hall Square and the Kiek in de Kök tower, which has now been turned into a museum.

Lahemaa Park is located on the northern coast of Estonia, an hour's drive from Tallinn. The park with a total area of ​​72.5 thousand hectares offers its visitors exciting walking or cycling trips. And those who like to camp with tents will find several equipped tent sites in Lahemaa Park.

Jägala Waterfall is located near the Gulf of Finland. The height of the waterfall is approximately 8 meters and the width is about 50 meters. The waterfall is especially beautiful during severe winter frosts, when the water freezes, forming a huge ice wall.

Narva Castle was built at the end of the 8th century and served as the residence of the viceroy of the King of Denmark. Today, the Narva Fortress is one of the best examples of defensive structures in Estonia at that time. There is a museum and various craft workshops here.

The first nature reserve created in Estonia is Vilsandi Park. It is made up of islands and reefs and is popular primarily for its numerous bird populations. The park's tourist center is located in an old barn, and the former landowner's house has been converted into a hotel, which adds historical flavor to the place.

Since 1999, the underground galleries, which were formed as a result of the development of sandy deposits of the Piusa River, have become a nature reserve. This attraction can only be seen with a guide. The Piusa Caves are the largest wintering site for bats in Eastern Europe.

A very beautiful and equipped sandy beach is located just 15 minutes walk from the center of Pärnu, the summer capital of Estonia. The beach is surrounded by parks that perfectly protect vacationers from cold winds. There is also free parking, shops, hotels and various attractions for children.

One of the oldest operating lighthouses in Estonia is located on the island of Hiiumaa. This majestic structure is not located on the shore itself, but on a hill in the nearby forest. At the Kõpu lighthouse there is Observation deck, which offers beautiful views of the sea and coastal landscape.

Located in western Estonia, Matsalu National Park is one of Europe's best birdwatching destinations. A sightseeing tour of the reserve can be done by bicycle, boat or on foot. There is also a hotel for visitors.

One of the most popular man-made parks in Estonia is Kadriorg. It was founded by Nicolo Michetti back in 1719. The Swan Pond is one of the most popular attractions in the park, and the former palace buildings now occupy the restoration rooms of the Estonian Art Museum.

The island of Saaremaa is famous for its meteorite field. The largest crater caused by a meteorite is 110 meters in diameter and is in eighth place in the ranking meteorite craters planets. The best time to visit these places is July or August.

The island of Kihnu is one of the most memorable places in Estonia. This small island with an area of ​​16.4 km² is inhabited by the descendants of seal hunters, whose distinctive culture is protected by UNESCO. The best time to visit the island of Kihnu is on Midsummer's Day, Christmas or St. Valentine's Day. Catherine.

This park, located in southwestern Estonia, was created in 1993 to protect rivers, forested swamps and water meadows. Thanks to the unique microclimate, there is a so-called “fifth season” - the period of spring floods. Particularly popular hiking trails are Riisa, Kuuraniidu, Ingatsi, and the Beaver Trail.

Not far from Kopli Bay, a 15-minute drive from Tallinn, is the Estonian Open Air Museum Rocca al Mare. 14 museum households will tell and show visitors how Estonian families of different incomes lived in XVIII-XX centuries. Some items made by local artisans are available for purchase.

The resort town of Narva-Jõesuu, the easternmost locality Estonia, is famous for its Hermann Fortress - a perfectly preserved castle, from the walls of which you can see beautiful view. Two kilometers from Narva-Jõesuu there is the only official nudist beach.

In the village of Kuremäe there is the only functioning Orthodox church convent Estonia. It was founded in 1891 and has not stopped its activities since then. This a nice place famous for its healing water. Here you can also stay for several days in monastic cells and take part in the daily life of the monastery.

A very beautiful building built over 100 years ago, Taagepera Castle is one of the most popular places for wedding ceremonies. There is a hotel and a restaurant here, and quiet place conducive to leisurely relaxation.

The coastal cliff of Väike-Taevaskoda and the cliff of Suur-Taevaskoda are located in the valley of the Ahja River in southern Estonia and are a very visited place in this country. Hiking trails and equipped picnic sites will make a walk along the river simply unforgettable.

Natural heritage and national symbol Valaste waterfall is considered to be in Estonia. This is the highest Estonian waterfall, which locals nicknamed the Red Tail for the special shade that the water takes on in spring. There is a convenient observation deck here.

A wonderful view awaits visitors to Suur Munamägi, the highest Baltic peak. The observation tower offers a truly beautiful view of the hills and forests of Estonia. After reconstruction in 2005, the Suur-Munamägi observation tower was equipped with an elevator for greater comfort for visitors.

The town of Kuressaare is famous for its perfectly preserved medieval castle. Since the 14th century, the castle was the residence of the Bishop of Saare-Läänema, for which it received its name. This impressive structure houses an art gallery, a museum and several workshops, and the castle's water moat is surrounded by green space.

Solve the examples and determine which numbers should replace the asterisks.

*** - probably disappeared(occurrence in nature has not been confirmed in the last 50 years).

*** - endangered(the number of individuals has decreased to a critical level or the number of their locations has decreased so much that they may disappear in the near future).

*** - declining in numbers and/or distribution.

*** - rare(naturally low abundance, found in a limited area).

*** - uncertain status(belong to one of the previous categories, but there is not enough information about their state in nature at the present time).

*** - recoverable and recoverable(numbers and distribution area have begun to recover and are approaching a state where they will not require special conservation and restoration measures).

What numbers should replace the asterisks?

A) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 B) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

C) 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 D) 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25

The picture shows a national park in Estonia, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It was founded on July 1, 1971 to protect the unique coastal landscapes. This is the first national park in the USSR. There is a lot here interesting objects, is a center of mass tourism and recreation.

To find out the name of this national park, write out the letters using the hint provided. BUT! Take not the exact “indicated” letter, but the one adjacent to the left.

The main objects of ecotourism are unique natural complexes, namely:

• · national and natural parks, state natural reserves, natural monuments;
• · dendrological parks and botanical gardens;
• · health-improving areas and resorts;
• · nature reserves.

National parks are environmental, environmental, educational and research institutions, the territories of which include natural complexes and objects of special ecological and historical value, and which are intended for use for environmental, educational, scientific and cultural purposes and for regulated tourism . A protective zone with a limited regime of environmental management is being created around the national park.

A differentiated regime of special protection is established on the territory of national parks, taking into account their natural, historical, cultural and other features. In the territories of national parks, various functional zones can be distinguished, including:

• · a protected area, within which any economic activity and recreational use of the territory is prohibited;
• · educational tourism, intended for organizing environmental education and familiarization with the sights of the national park;
• · recreational, intended for recreation;
• · protection of historical and cultural objects, within which conditions for their preservation are provided;
• · visitor services, designed to accommodate overnight accommodations, tent camps and other tourist service facilities, cultural, consumer and information services for visitors.

In the territories of national parks, any activity that can cause damage to natural complexes and objects of flora and fauna, cultural and historical sites and that contradicts the goals and objectives of the national park is prohibited.

Natural parks are environmental recreational institutions, the territories of which include natural complexes and objects of significant environmental and aesthetic value, and are intended for use for environmental, educational and recreational purposes.

Let's consider the main tasks of national and natural parks.

Table 6 Main tasks of national and natural parks

In the territories of natural parks, various regimes of special protection and use are established depending on the ecological and recreational value of the natural areas. IN natural park x environmental, recreational, agricultural and other functional zones can be identified, including zones for the protection of historical and cultural complexes and objects.

In the territories of natural parks, activities that entail changes in the historically established natural landscape, reduction or destruction of the ecological, aesthetic and recreational qualities of natural parks, or violation of the regime for maintaining historical and cultural monuments are prohibited.

Nature reserves do not belong to the main objects of ecological tourism, although in the so-called buffer zones it is possible to organize, for example, ecological trails.

Reserves are environmental, research and environmental educational institutions. Their main goal is to preserve and study the natural course natural processes and phenomena, the genetic fund of flora and fauna, individual species and communities of plants and animals, typical and unique ecological systems. One of the tasks of the reserves is environmental education.

In Estonia, 10% of the territory (4548 km2) is taken under state protection. There are four national parks - Vilsandi, Karula, Lahemaa, Soomaa, four nature parks - Loodi, Naissaar, Otepää, Haanja, 58 nature reserves and 154 landscape reserves.

Table 7 Distribution of the largest natural complexes in Estonia by region

The first Estonian Red Book of endangered and rare species began to be compiled in 1976 (published in 1982), which included 155 plant species and 104 mammal species. Work on the second book began in 1990. It includes 229 species of plants, 92 species of animals and 12 species of fungi.

IN last years the principles of ecotourism are widely used in the work of national parks and reserves. The rapid development of ecological tourism in recent decades is explained not only by the deterioration of the quality of the environment, but also by the increasing “cultivation” of popular recreation areas - mountainous areas, sea coasts, etc.

The territory of the Estonian national parks - Lahemaa, Karula, Soomaa and Vilsandi - is mostly open to everyone.

In natural reserves, the movement of people and any economic activity is prohibited. Depending on the season, certain areas of the parks may be closed, for example, during bird nesting periods.

The flow of tourists into nature reserves should be limited and carefully regulated. Instead of mass tourism, it seems more acceptable for nature reserves to organize long, specialized (and more expensive) tours for a small number of groups.

Landscape reserve (nature park) is a protected area of ​​rare or characteristic natural or cultural landscapes of Estonia, which is established for environmental, cultural or recreational reasons.

On European Nature Reserves Day, 24 May, Estonian nature reserves celebrate days open doors, cleanups and school days. Games are organized in the area, new hiking trails and paths leading to springs or into the quiet of swamps are opened.

Nature reserves and other areas closed to traffic must be marked.

In the summer of 2000, in Lahemaa National Park, traffic restriction signs complying with state standards were installed in nature. Parking of motor vehicles in security zones is permitted only in designated areas.

In recent years, the principle has been introduced in state national parks in Europe and Estonia: everything that you brought into the reserve must be taken with you when leaving it.

Estonian national parks are promising regions for the development of ecotourism due to factors such as:

• 1) high diversity and aesthetic appeal of natural landscapes;
• 2) rich recreational resources;
• 3) unique flora and fauna, the presence of a large number of relict species, as well as rare species included in the International Red Book;
• 4) the presence of unique ecosystems;
• 5) favorable opportunities for observing wild animals and birds;
• 6) convenient location, well-developed transport network;
• 7) extensive tourist infrastructure - hotels, holiday homes, camp sites;
• 8) great interest in the development of the ecotourism industry and its support from authorities, protected areas, commercial structures and the general public, who link the prospects for economic development with tourism.

Lahemaa - a natural national park in Estonia, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, in the central part of the North-Estonian Lowland, area 64.9 thousand hectares. Formed in 1971

The name Lahemaa characterizes the local coastal landscape, where several bays are located between peninsulas extending far into the sea.

Along with the protection of natural ecological systems, the reserve has general cultural significance and is intended to disseminate environmental and natural knowledge.

The landscape of Lahemaa is diverse: there are both dense virgin forests and swamps untouched by land reclamation, as well as many traces of ancient agriculture and more recent manor culture. More than other parks in Estonia, Lahemaa National Park preserves historical and cultural continuity. People have lived here continuously for 4,000 years.

The predominant part of the national park is occupied by natural landscapes, whose appearance people should not change. Familiarity with nature is important; the most common form of this can be considered educational hikes with a leader or independently, as well as overcoming natural educational trails. The national park's cultural mission is to preserve the archaic landscape and semi-natural communities, as well as store and exhibit numerous archaeological, ethnographic and architectural values.

The northern part of the park is characterized by rocky islands, bays, boulder fields with giant stone blocks, pine and spruce forests. In the central part there is a vast plain with alvars, waterfalls, karst fields, and swamps. In the southern part there are many lakes, rivers with rapids and waterfalls.

The forests are inhabited by elk, wild boar, roe deer, and lynx; on reservoirs - waterfowl.

On the territory of the park there are architectural and cultural monuments (ancient settlements, burial grounds). There are cultural landscapes where economic activities (agriculture, fishing, forestry) are carried out in the interests of the park. Traditional crafts are preserved and supported, and individual villages and hamlets are taken under protection.

The rules of behavior in the national park are simple. You must follow the signs and follow them. The excursions are educational and recreational in nature.

Lahemaa is an area where nature conservation runs in parallel with everyday life And economic activity local residents. Traditional nature conservation is combined here with the restoration of ancient architecture and furnishings. Tens of thousands of people visit the park every year, many of them get to know the area for several days. Only the reserves are closed to visitors.

In Lahemaa National Park and the nearby Viitna landscape area there are several educational trails that are suitable for both children and older people. Typically, the length of the study trail is 3-5 kilometers (in some places up to 10 kilometers). There are several observation platforms located in the areas where the trails pass. There are about two dozen such observation platforms on study trails.

For recreational recreation, areas with a boarding house, motel, and rest home are allocated.

Marked study trails:

• 1. Pikkjärve trail to Viitna. Starts from the northern shore of the lake. Length 2.5 km.
• 2. Manor park in Palms. The length of the trail is 4 km.
• 3. Natural history and cultural trail to Altya. The length of the trail is 3 km.
• 4. Käsmu nature and cultural trail. Starts at the end of the village at the parking area. The length of the trail is 3.5 km.
• 5. Mayakivi Trail on the Yuminda Peninsula. Starts from the village of Virve. The length of the trail is 3 km.
• 6. Viru Swamp. It starts at a distance of 1 km from the Tallinn-Narva highway on the right side of the road leading to Loksa. The length of the trail is 3.5 km.
• 7. Natural history and cultural trail in Muuksi. The length of the trail is 5 km.
• 8. Võsu-Oandu trail. The length of the trail is 9.5 km.
• 9. Kopra Trail. The length of the trail is 4.7 km.

Vilsandi - the reserve was organized in 1058 as the Vaika Reserve (Kingisepp District).

The area of ​​the reserve is 10689 hectares. Located on more than 100 sea rocky islands, which are dolomitized Coral reefs warm Silurian sea.

The vegetation is rather sparse, dominated by halophytes.

The only habitat in Estonia for the Danish Spoonfoot. An important object of protection is the colony of the common eider (about 2000 birds). In addition to the eider, diving and true ducks, mergansers (great and long-tailed) and greylag geese, mute swan, slender-billed guillemot, spotted tern, sandpiper and bee-eater nest in the reserve.

Scientific profile of the reserve - development of protection methods and study species composition, the number and ecology of sea island birds, as well as animals.

Analysis of visitation to nature reserves using the example of Soomaa, Endla and Nigula To carry out this analysis, requests were made to obtain statistical data from various nature reserves in Estonia. Let's look at the dynamics of tourist visits using the example of the Soomaa, Endla and Nigula nature reserves.

Fig.2.

Soomaa. According to Soomaa National Park in 2005, the number of registered visitors was 8,980 people. Of these, 6,810 tourists were from Estonia, 2,170 were foreign tourists. Among foreign tourists, the largest number of tourists were from Germany (812), Finland (302), Great Britain (173), Sweden (96) and Holland (90). The maximum number of tourists was registered in 2004 - their number was 11,176 people. From Figure 2 it is clear that Lately the number of visitors increased sharply. If in 1994 Soomaa was visited by 80 tourists, then over the past 7 years the average annual number of tourists is 9,518.

Grades 1-4

• Photo 2 - birch
• Photo 3 - black alder
• Photo 4 - aspen
  
• Photo 5 - hazel
• Photo 6 - broom

2. Which fruits or fruits correspond to the male catkins shown in photo 1 (belong to the same type of tree)?

• Photo 2 - black alder
• Photo 3 - warty birch
• Photo 4 - hazel
• Photo 5 - aspen
  
• Photo 6 - broom

3. If male and female flowers grow on the same tree, then it is a monoecious tree. If only female flowers grow on a tree, and only male flowers on another, then these are dioecious trees. And then to produce seeds, male and female trees must grow side by side. Which of the photographs given in the previous question shows the fruits of a dioecious tree, infructescence or catkin?

• Photo 1 - aspen
  
• Photo 2 - black alder
• Photo 3 - warty birch
• Photo 4 - hazel
• Photo 5 - aspen
  
• Photo 6 - broom
  

4. In 2010, forests covered 2.2 million hectares, that is, almost half of Estonia's land area. 81% of the entire forest area is occupied by forests dominated by the three most important tree species for our country (I - 34%, II - 31% and III - 16%). What is the correct sequence?

1.
I – pine forests
II – birch forests
III - spruce forests

2.
I – birch forests
II – pine forests
III – spruce forests

3.
I – pine forests
II – spruce forests
III – birch forests

4.
I - spruce forests
II – pine forests
III - birch forests

5. 2014 has been declared the year of movement and sports in Estonia. More than 2,000 km of hiking and educational trails have been built for hikers, most of which are maintained by RMK (State Forest Management Centre). RMK opened the longest and most difficult trail for tourists last year. This:

• Kividemaa Bicycle Trail (Kividemaa)
• Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking trail
• Hiking trail Oandu – Ikla
• Mõedaku ATV track

6. This year is taking place international year Gulf of Finland. And the animal of the year was chosen in Estonia from mammals that live in the sea. What marine mammals live in the Baltic Sea?

• Gray (long-faced) seal
• Ringed seal
• Seal diver
• harbor seal
• Monk Seal
• Harbour porpoise

7. Forestry also includes cutting down forests. Logging does not always mean clear-cutting, when a mature forest is cut down and a new one is planted in its place. Before a forest is ripe for logging, it usually undergoes several thinnings to ensure the trees have enough space and light. In the picture you see:

• Upgrade cabin

• Sanitary cabin
• Lightening room
• Thinning cutting
• Debris clearing

8. More than ten thousand hectares of forests need to be renovated in Estonia every year. To achieve this, 18.4 million tree seedlings were planted in state forests alone last year. Seedlings are grown both in pots and in open ground. Usually in a nursery it takes 2 years to grow a pine seedling and 4 years for a spruce seedling. If the seedlings are kept in the nursery longer, they will root system will grow too much, will suffer during transplantation, and the plant will hurt for a long time after planting. Which photograph shows plants that will be ready to be planted in the forest next spring?

• Photo 1 - one-year-old spruce trees
• Photo 2 - 4-year-old spruce trees
  
• Photo 3 - 8-year-old young animals in the forest (with single pine trees)
• Photo 4 - 3-year-old spruce trees
• Photo 5 - 2-year-old pine trees
  

9. Back in the fifties in Estonia, all forest work was carried out manually, trees were removed with the help of horses; forest measurements were also carried out manually. Working tools were taken care of and each part had its own name. This instrument consists of eight parts, for example, toe, cheek, eye, heel.

• Bow saw
• Axe
• Measuring fork
• Timber sled

10. This bird lives in large spruce and pine forests. And although people rarely met her, in Estonia in ancient times she was given many interesting names. Some came from her plumage - the swamp cock and the soul of a bachelor; others - the forest rattle, the forest bell - from its polyphony. She was respectfully called the Ant King for her eating habits. What is this bird with many names?

• black woodpecker
• Crow
• green woodpecker
• Capercaillie
• Grouse

• Cut down bushes and clear the slopes of ditches.
• Cut down coniferous trees for construction and other needs.
• Cut down deciduous trees for construction and other needs.
• Plant and sow forest.
• Prepare brooms and brooms.

Comment to the answer: The illustration shows a waning moon, and at this time in the forest it is recommended to carry out such work that requires that the sap does not move through the tree and that it does not strive to grow. Deciduous trees are richer in juice and more watery, which is probably why they were recommended to be cut during the waning moon. These are widespread customs, but some local tradition may interpret some things differently.

• Toys (fisherman in a boat).
• Hanger
• Floats for fishing nets.
• Devices for twisting ropes and ropes.
• Decorations sewn onto clothing through which twine or waist cord passed.

13. The Estonian Ornithological Society chose the blue kingfisher as this year's bird. Which of these photographs shows a kingfisher eating?

• Photo 1 - spruce bark beetle
• Photo 2 - acorns
• Photo 3 - swimming swimmer
  
• Photo 4 - rowan
• Photo 5 - pine sprouts
  
• Photo 6 - small fish
  

14. Which photograph shows a kingfisher nest?

• Photo 1
• Photo 2
• Photo 3
• Photo 4
• Photo 5

15. Estonia has five national parks. The photo shows the building of the center of one of our national parks - the RMK information point is also located here. This national park celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. In addition to birds, this national park also protects semi-natural communities (biocenosis) characteristic of Western Estonia and the cultural heritage of Vainamere. This national park is one of the most important stopover and nesting areas for waterfowl in Europe. What national park are we talking about?

• Lahemaa National Park.
• Karula National Park.
• Matsalu National Park.
• Soomaa National Park.
• Vilsandi National Park.

• Photo 1
• Photo2
• Photo 3
• Photo 4
• Photo 5

• Photo 1
• Photo2
• Photo 3
• Photo 4
• Photo 5

18. Which of the berries or berry-like fruits shown in the previous photographs are poisonous?

• Photo 1
• Photo 2
• Photo 3
• Photo 4
• Photo 5

19. Many have seen labyrinths freshly gnawed by bark beetles and ragiyas under the bark of trees. The larvae of these insects live in the thickness of the tree, where they gnaw real tunnels. This is understandable, because these are the largest insect larvae, which, among other things, have a strange pink-purple-red color. The photo shows the moves they made in the broom. What type of insect is this?

• Rhinoceros beetle
• Scented woodborer
• Longhorn beetle
• Dead Head
• Armadillo beetle

20. There are 9 species of insectivorous plants in three genera that grow in Estonia, which catch insects and other living creatures with sticky or hairy leaves, curled leaf edges or other cunning tricks. In unfavorable habitats, this helps plants obtain additional nutrition. Which photographs show carnivorous plants in Estonia?

21. Last winter there was a wonderful harvest of pine cones. By the spring of 2013, so many cones had been collected, and so many seeds were obtained from them, that they should be enough to renew state forests for 10 years. Spruce seeds are stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator at a temperature of -18 to -20 degrees. Why was it necessary to prepare so many seeds at one time and spend so much energy on preserving them? Please mark the correct answer(s).

• Years rich in spruce seeds are repeated every 5-6 years, and in the interval there are few cones.
• When there are few cones, birds and insects eat even the few that are born, so in lean years there is no point in collecting these gnawed cones.
• Sometimes spruce trees do not produce cones for up to 10 years in a row.
• If necessary, spruce seeds can be purchased in some permitted region (Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia), but seeds collected locally are most suitable for Estonian forests.

Grades 5-12

1. Many of ours forest trees have staminate (male) catkins, which produce a lot of pollen. Insects or the wind transfer it to female flowers, from which seeds develop through fertilization. Which female (pistillate) flowers or inflorescences match the 1 male catkins shown in the photo (belong to a tree of the same species)?

• Photo 2 - birch
• Photo 3 - black alder
• Photo 4 - aspen
  
• Photo 5 - hazel
• Photo 6 - broom

• Photo 2 - black alder
• Photo 3 - warty birch
• Photo 4 - hazel
• Photo 5 - aspen
  
• Photo 6 - broom

3. If male and female flowers grow on the same tree, then it is a monoecious tree. If only female flowers grow on a tree, and only male flowers on another, then these are dioecious trees. And then to produce seeds, male and female trees must grow side by side. Which of the photographs given in the previous question shows the fruits of a dioecious tree, infructescence or catkin?

• Photo 1 - aspen
  
• Photo 2 - black alder
• Photo 3 - warty birch
• Photo 4 - hazel
• Photo 5 - aspen
  
• Photo 6 - broom

1.
I – pine forests
II – birch forests
III - spruce forests

2.
I – birch forests
II – pine forests
III – spruce forests

3.
I – pine forests
II – spruce forests
III – birch forests

4.
I - spruce forests
II – pine forests
III - birch forests

5. This year the Estonian Orchid Club chose the orchid of the year for the fifth time. It received its Estonian name from the color of the inflorescence during the initial period of flowering, while the Latin name (as well as German and English) was given by the shape of the flower, which resembles a Roman warrior with a large helmet. Which photo shows this year's orchid?

• Photo 1 - broadleaf dremlik

• Photo 2 - dark orchis
• Photo 3 - marsh nappet
• Photo 4 - helmeted orchis
• Photo 5 - burgundy dremlik

6. 2014 has been declared the year of movement and sports in Estonia. More than 2,000 km of hiking and educational trails have been built for hikers, most of which are maintained by RMK (State Forestry Centre). RMK opened the longest and most difficult trail for tourists last year. This:

• Kividemaa Bicycle Trail.
• Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking trail.
• Hiking trail Oandu – Ikla.
• Mõedaku ATV track.

7. Forestry also includes cutting down forests. Logging does not always mean clear-cutting, when a mature forest is cut down and a new one is planted in its place. Before a forest is ripe for logging, it usually undergoes several thinnings to ensure the trees have enough space and light. In the picture you see:

• Upgrade cabin
• Sanitary cabin
• Lightening room
• Thinning cutting
• Debris clearing

8. More than ten thousand hectares of forests need to be renovated in Estonia every year. To achieve this, 18.4 million tree seedlings were planted in state forests alone last year. Seedlings are grown both in pots and in open ground. Usually in a nursery it takes 2 years to grow a pine seedling and 4 years for a spruce seedling. If the seedlings are kept in the nursery longer, their root system will grow too much, will be damaged during transplantation, and the plant will be sick for a long time after planting. Which photograph shows plants that will be ready to be planted in the forest next spring?

• Photo 1

• Photo 2
• Photo 3
• Photo 4
• Photo 5
• Photo 6

9. Back in the fifties in Estonia, all forest work was carried out manually, trees were removed with the help of horses; forest measurements were also carried out manually. Working tools were taken care of and each part had its own name. This instrument consists of eight parts, for example, toe, cheek, eye, heel.

• Bow saw
• Axe
• Measuring fork
• Timber sled
• Bitterlich full-meter (relascope)

10. Estonia, Finland and Russia declared 2014 the Year of the Baltic Sea, whose patrons are the presidents of all three countries. In Estonia, the Gulf of Finland became the theme of Nature Conservation Month, and the animal of the year was chosen ringed seal(pictured). Which of the following phenomena represent hazards and environmental problems in the Gulf of Finland?

• Sludge in the form of fertilizers and other chemicals, as well as wastewater from settlements, which melt water, rivers and streams carry into the sea from fields and meadows.
• Very salty water of the North Sea, which penetrates from time to time from the Danish Straits through part of the Baltic Sea into the Gulf of Finland.
• Eutrophication - excessive amounts of nutrients enter the water, which leads to intensive growth of algae, which causes an overproduction of organic matter, and all this upsets the balance of the sea ecosystem.
• Growing algae consume too much oxygen, its content in the water is reduced and algae, fish, shellfish and other organisms living in the bottom space die.
• Alien species (for example, gobies, American ctenophores, Chinese woolly crab) enter the sea with the ballast water of ships, which reproduce and become dangerous competitors to living organisms inhabiting the sea.
• There is a high risk of oil pollution due to the heavy traffic of tankers, commercial and passenger ships.
• Over the decades, many toxic substances have entered the Baltic Sea: dioxins, heavy metals, etc., which accumulate in marine organisms, fish, and through them enter human food.