Lupine volunteering at the Butterfly Park on May 14th – Welcome to fight against harmful alien species!

Lupine control activities will be organized at the Perhospuisto Butterfly Park in Riihimäki on Wednesday, May 14, 2024, from 16.30:17.30 PM to XNUMX:XNUMX PM. The lupine has spread to the park's natural area and is threatening native butterfly plants. The goal of the event is to eradicate the lupines with volunteer efforts and secure a butterfly-friendly environment.

The Butterfly Park is located north of Riihimäki in the Juppala district, in a park area bordering Untolantie, Paavolantie and Petsamonkatu. The parking lot is located at the end of Untolankatu.

Why is lupine harmful?

Although it looks beautiful, the lupine spreads aggressively and displaces native plants that many butterflies and other insects rely on. It changes the composition of the soil, making many native plants unpalatable in the area. In addition, its pollen can be harmful to pollinators, and butterfly larvae cannot use it as food.

Control measures are important, as lupine spreads rapidly and threatens diverse meadow and woodland areas, which are the last refuges for many endangered species. Every lupine uprooted helps the original natural ecosystem to remain vibrant.

Participate and come along!

All participants are warmly welcome to join the volunteers. Gloves and a weeding tool such as a potato hoe or a spade are required for weeding, but tools are also available on site. Participation is flexible – you can also join for only part of the time. Refreshments will be available during the volunteers, and you can admire the spring blooms in the park at the same time.

The Butterfly Park is an international Green Flag Award park.

The butterfly park aims to provide a habitat for Finnish butterflies and moths in a meadow-like landscape, which also includes a butterfly-themed playground. The park was renovated in 2020–22, when a large number of food plants for butterflies were planted and new activities were added, such as exercise equipment and a butterfly poetry trail. The park has information boards that tell about the life of butterflies.

In August 2024, the park received the prestigious Green Flag Award for the second time, which is awarded to well-maintained and managed green areas.

Why is the Komealupin a harmful alien species?

Explore the Perhospuisto Park 
Check out Perhospuisto's online poetry trail

Read previous news: Riihimäki Butterfly Park has won the Green Flag Award in 2024-2025