Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava"

Lectures, presentations, excursions, exhibitions:

8:30 -10:30 Students research, scientists listen: young minds in the direction of forest science or what does science look like through the eyes of students?

Presentations of research by high school students of Salaspils 1st secondary school and a visit to scientific laboratories to discover what technologies researchers use to study forests, the environment and climate every day

16:00 -17:00 Seed vault: how to save tomorrow's harvest? - look behind closed doors - find out how our agricultural heritage is preserved and why seeds from Latvia end up all the way to an island in the Arctic Ocean! (apply by September 22nd, writing to ilze.zepa@silava.lv)

17:00 -18:00 Opening of the exhibition “On the other side of the frame: feelings in nature, sound, breath” – through feelings, kokle sound scenes and grains of thought

18:00 -19:00 Echo of ecosystems: forest environment in frames and colours (apply by September 22nd, writing to ilze.zepa@silava.lv)

Educational and practical activities from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM:

• The Secret Life of Wolves: Let's learn about the life of wolves, their habits and the risks of encounters in nature.
• Mushroom secrets: from the veined boletus to the blue mushroom - mushroom recognition, their importance and diversity.
• Winged gnomes: Let's get to know pollinators and their importance in forest ecosystems.
• Attention, forest observation! - learn how surveillance cameras work in the forest: what they "see", how data on animals is obtained and how this information helps researchers to learn about the number of animals and species diversity.
• Tree growth - in numbers and in nature: about how growth is measured and how this data helps to understand forest development, carbon storage and the impact of climate change.
• What is hidden in forest waters? - about the importance of streams and rivers and the biodiversity on their banks.
• Investing in our future - substrates and the path of seedlings: learn how high-quality forest seedlings are grown from specially prepared substrates until the seedlings are ready to go to the forest to become part of the future forest stand.
• Can mushrooms and insects be friends? - find out how genetic methods can be used to identify insect and mushroom species, and learn what benefits mushrooms gain from insects and insects from mushrooms.

For students

From September 22 to 26, as part of the Scientists' Night, LVMI "Silava" is organising a Science Week. During this time, student groups are invited to visit the activity "Seed safe: how to save tomorrow's harvest", which will include a lecture on field seed conservation and excursions to the Gene Bank, adapted to the specific age group of students. The visit is possible only by prior registration, and the time for student groups is from 9:00 to 15:00.

NB! For certain activities, such as "Seed safe: how to save tomorrow's harvest", which will include an excursion to the Gene Bank and a lecture on field seed conservation, advance registration will be required, especially for student groups. The maximum number of participants in this activity per visit is 35 people. Apply by email.

• Research areas: forestry, biology, environmental science, earth and agricultural sciences
• Visit time and duration: 18:00 - 22:00
• Event language: The main language of the event will be Latvian. However, taking into account that visitors will have the opportunity to meet and talk with scientists individually, and LVMI "Silava" scientists speak English, the event will also be available to visitors who do not speak Latvian. Prior registration for communication in English is not mandatory, but it could facilitate communication during the event.
• Location: Rīgas iela 111, Salaspils
• Contact information: Inst@silava.lv or ilze.zepa@silava.lv, 29130676
• Transport: It is possible to use both personal transport and public transport. Public transport options: 1) Train on the route Riga – Krustpils or Krustpils – Riga (stop: Salaspils) 2) Bus route No. 6317 (Riga – Salaspils). Route in Riga: Elijas Street (opposite building No. 8), Turgeņeva Street, Krasta Street, Maskavas Street, and get off at the stops Silava or Rīgas Street
• Environmental accessibility: All event activities will take place on the 1st floor, which is also accessible to people with mobility impairments. Entrance is provided without stairs.