To fully enjoy a planned hike or outdoor getaway, JSC "Latvijas valsts meži" (LVM) invites everyone heading out into nature to ensure they leave nothing behind after their visit – whatever you bring into the forest, you must take back out, and existing tidiness should be maintained in our recreational areas. This year, on 22 April – International Earth Day – the annual Big Clean-up events will take place to tidy up our environment.
Clean-up efforts take place daily in Latvijas valsts meži, but wider activities involving public participation occur both during the LVM Open Forest Days held in April and May, and during the Big Clean-up.
Head of the LVM Communication Department Tomass Kotovičs urges: "It is no longer a secret to anyone – clean air and healthy recreation can be found in Latvijas valsts meži. Well-maintained infrastructure and freely accessible recreational sites encourage many to seek adventure in nature. Unfortunately, we see that the volume of waste in the forests is increasing every year. That is why we talk about not littering in the forest even with preschool-aged children, who become ambassadors of good deeds in their own families and circles of friends."
The Big Clean-up on Earth Day encourages everyone to think particularly about the land – our primary asset, which, when managed with care, also provides the opportunity to enjoy recreation in a tidy environment.
In the spirit of the Big Clean-up, various events will take place across all LVM regions, where volunteers will collect waste, tidy up LVM's free recreational sites, and in some places, plant trees and shrubs. For example, in the young forest stands of Penkule Parish in Dobele Municipality, it will be possible to remove protective spirals, which are essential for safeguarding young trees against damage by deer. Meanwhile, in Rudbārži Parish in Kuldīga Municipality, trails will be cleared and a small bridge and stairs will be renovated.
On 22 April, everyone is invited to head to a nearby forest to help clear it of waste while simultaneously enjoying an active day in the fresh air.