In Lappeenranta, nature is close to everyone. Read what you can do for the well-being of nature and waterways.

Establishing a natural backyard

A nature garden is a natural and species-rich yard area. Establishing a nature garden promotes biodiversity and provides a habitat for the yard's organisms. A natural backyard can be easily established, for example, by leaving the lawn uncut and letting meadow flowers grow.

Key characteristics for a natural backyard are using Finnish traditional and natural plants. The use of chemical pesticides should be avoided.

Those who establish a natural garden will receive a wooden 'Luontopiha' (natural garden in Finnish) sign as proof of their care for nature. The signs are distributed at the City Hall customer service center Winkki and at the Environmental Office of Lappeenranta Region.

Tips for water protection

Everyone can improve the condition of water bodies by their own actions and choices.

• Do not throw garbage into nature, as it is very likely to be carried into water bodies by urban stormwater, wind or birds
• Eat roach fish, such as roach and bream, to help remove excess nutrients from the water body
• Do not urinate in water bodies, as this causes eutrophication of water bodies, i.e. the growth of algae and aquatic plants
• Choose an environmentally friendly toilet solution for your cottage, such as a composting dry toilet
• Do not wash carpets or dishes in the lake, as detergents and food residues can damage water bodies
• Treat waste and storm water properly, to help protect groundwater and prevent water pollution
• Be mindful about fertilizing and cultivating the soil so that nutrients do not leach into the water and the condition of groundwater areas does not deteriorate