So, last day in Tartu and last day in Estonia. Many activities came after my talgud period: A Nature Film Festival in Matsalu, the Life Projects Platform Seminar in Tartu, hiking trails to the bogs, a meeting of the Group Leaders of ELF... All of them introduced me more and more in the world of volunteering organization and manage…

So, after these intensive weeks from talgud to talgud it´s time to go back to the routine in Tartu. Volunteering camps are still running during autumn weekends, so for those who still have some free time, you have some videos to encourage your participation in the link below :)  The Estonian biodiversity symbol of the year is the bu…

This last weekend of August we came to one of the greatest islands in Estonia.  Fifth time in a talgud and second as group leader. As in all experiences during this summer, I learned more about the details and importance of organizing volunteering activities. In this camp in particular, we did it together with Maria dealing with a…

So, islands again :) Osmusaar is located at the NW of Estonia, and as every island, it has its own personality. In this time, we came with the aim of restoring meadows through clearing certain type of shrubs. Only 3 families and their animals live on the island. Even though this cattle helps with this task in a traditional way, th…

I couldn´t say no to this talgud since I´m passionated about the topic of the biological invasions. In this time, we went for a short camp to Karula National Park with the porpuse of removing the Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) invasive plant on two little areas. So, here is my “top 5” list of this time: A female team: “…

I think this will be the most difficult experience to describe. First, my first experience as a “long term” group leader at a volunteering activity. Second, a beautiful place to stay and work. Third the best volunteers group possible so… Where to start? Let´s try from the beginning: First day at ELF and they proposed me to lead th…

Next to the city of Tartu there is this area of meadows and little water bodies where some invasive species such as the Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) and the lupine (Lupinus polyphylus), spread easily over open spaces. This area also hosts native species which might be endangered, so here is needed a bit of help from us. …

Just arrived to Estonia and ready for the first adventure. Rammu island is a 1km² piece of land located at the Northern coast, next to Tallin. This island, as well as others nearby, was planted with pines during Soviet times. In this particular place, it grows a unique habitat of crowberries (Empetrum nigrum) that needs to be pres…

Hello! This is Celia López, Spanish biologist and Erasmus master´s student at the University of the Azores in Portugal. This blog aims to share my experience as a nature conservation volunteer, taking part in camps, or talgud (in Estonian) of the Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF).