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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Geographical Areas

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GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS

NAME OF THE LOCAL AREA
Aukštadvaris regional park: surroundings of Žaliosios village
COUNTRY
Lithuania
THEMATIC AREA
Geography, Math
DESCRIPTION OF THE LOCAL AREA
The Park is in the South-Eastern part of Lithuania, 40 km from Vilnius. In the East West direction it is crossed by the motorway Vilnius Marijampolė.

Aukštadvaris regional park was founded in 1992, in order to preserve valuable uppers of Verknė and Strėva landscape, its natural ecosystem, values of natural and cultural heritage, to manage and rationally use them. The green countryside around is the headquarters of the European interest, part of the Natura 2000 network. These forests are little affected by man’s activities and they are the best sanctuary for rare plants and animals. Growing Western taiga, fir tree forests rich of herbage, Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium Calceolus) , there you can meet Hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita), otter.

The green countryside around is unique: natural and cultural heritage combine here. The booming Western forests, rich green vegetation, wet approaches of Vilkokšnis Lake is a perfect habitat for Lithuanian orchid – Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium Calceolus)
In this State-protected area you can meet Hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita) and otter, which has excellent conditions here : the rapid rivulet Žalioji flows into the lake Vilkokšnis, fish in the water can be seen with the naked eye. Otters have enough food.
The nature of the rural surroundings is unique because of a rare plant in Lithuania - Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium Calceolus). So we will try to count them in the territory and mark on the map. Our aim is to take a photo of Hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita), to find out where it lives, what it feeds on, how it looks. There are also high and very mature trees that could claim to be the highest trees in Lithuania, so we will try to calculate their age, measure the height and the diameter of the trunk.

PICTURES
At Žaliosios burial mound The surroundings of Žalioji, a part of saint fields.  Barrows - some hills close to each other, now covered with forest. Locals tell that there were burried soldiers who defended their homeland. Yet we haven’t found anything about this location in the scientific literature.
Holy fields in the surroundings of countryside Before going to the location of the study we had to carry out preparatory work: collect the maximum of information about rural countryside of Žalioji, organised a meeting with the Director of Aukštadvaris regional park and cultural worker, who told us many interesting things. Also, here are holy fields, the stone of Alkas, the stone of Thunder. It is believed that there were carried out Lithuanian pagan rites.
The stone of Thunde Thunder stone is on the edge of the Saint fields of the village Žalioji. Thunder was the most important Lithuanian pagan belief in God. The stone is interesting because you can distinguish a human face: eyes, nose, mouth, hair.
The stone of Alkas in Žalioji A holy place is usually considered to be a place for carrying out rituals. In Balts temples - holy woods called “alkos” trees used to grow,the holy fire used to be lit,sacrifices for gods were made, there were rites of baptism carried out.
The rivulet Žalioji The rivulet Žalioji connects two ponds and flows into the Vilkokšnis Lake. In the past there was a water mill on the rivulet. Falling flow of water whirled edgestones. Nothing is left from the past. However, there are enterprising people who are eager to restore the water mill.
The lake Vilkokšnis It is situated in the waterhole of glacial origin. The length of the Lake from the South East to the North West is 6 km, width up to 0.9 km. In the southern part of it there is an islet with high banks only bays are waterlogged. Legend suggests that the Lake appeared magically. It is said that the water into the ravine had been running as long as people didn’t guess the name of the lake. When the name was guessed, the water stopped flowing. According to the locals this lake doesn’t freeze untill it takes a victim.
Spruce woods rich with herbs The greatest part of surroundings of the rivulet is covered with forest. It is the Western taiga and herb-rich spruce woods. Human activity is not allowed here, everything that might turn into a home for other forms of life is protected. It is precisely such place where Hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita) lives which is protected by the State.
Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium Calceolus) Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium Calceolus) belongs to orchid family. It is up to 50 cm high, , stem and leaves are covered with dense hair. Blossoms are large and very beautiful. It blooms in May -June

DRAWINGS
Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium Calceolus). Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium Calceolus) belongs to orchird plant family and is one of a few plants protected in Europe, which call for special attention. It is enrolled into CORINE list, Bern Convention, the European Union protected plant list and is included in Red books of all countries where it occures. Any protected area, which is considered to be the habitat of Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium Calceolus) is the pride of a country. There are various expeditions during which you can explore the places of growing Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium Calceolus) in the wild. The scientists agreed that the biggest habitat of these plants is in Italy, the third place can be in Lithuania. Second place would be Estonia, Germany and Austria. We have drawn Lady’s slipper after looking at a photo in the scientific literature because it is not in blossom now
The stone of Thunder Thunder stone is on the edge of the Saint fields of the village Žalioji. Thunder was the most important Lithuanian pagan belief in God. The stone is interesting because you can distinguish a human face: eyes, nose, mouth, hair. We have visited this place, listened to stories and have drawn the stone
Otter Otter is a mammal belonging to matern family. Species is included into Lithuanian Red Book. It does not have any natural enemies and is active all year round. The most active is after dark,loves rapid forest rivulets or lakes which are overgrown with grass and have ice-free breaks. In its habitat Otter has a permanent cave and a number of temporary shelters under tree roots. The controlled territory is rather big. Male otters manage about 16 km of the river section. Female otters with offsprings take up less area which belongs to the father of the juvenile.