Every record counts. Whether you are an experienced naturalist or simply walking along the river with your phone, you can help us track the spread of invasive alien species in protected areas along the Danube. All you need is the iNaturalist app and a curiosity for the natural world.

What is iNaturalist?

iNaturalist is a free citizen science platform used by millions of people around the world. Using the app, you photograph an organism in the field, the platform helps identify the species, and your observation becomes part of a scientific database. Simple, fast, from anywhere.

Why do we monitor invasive species?

Invasive alien species are among the leading causes of biodiversity loss in Europe. They spread rapidly, displace native plants and animals, and fundamentally alter entire habitats. The sooner a new occurrence is recorded, the sooner we can respond. This is exactly why public monitoring is so valuable: you are our eyes in the field.
Within the LIFE Resistance project, we monitor 16 selected invasive species across Natura 2000 sites along the Slovak-Hungarian border section of the Danube. Every recorded observation helps us better understand where and how quickly these species are spreading, and enables us to plan their removal.

How to get involved? Step by step

Step 1: Download the iNaturalist app

The app is free for both Android and iOS.

• Download for Android (Google Play)
• Download for iPhone (App Store)

You can also use it via a web browser at www.inaturalist.org.

Step 2: Create an account

Register for free at www.inaturalist.org/signup. It takes just a few minutes and only requires an email address.

Step 3: Join our project

Once logged in, visit our project page and click Join project:

Resistance: Danube Alien Species

Once you are a member of the project, your observations of the target invasive species from the Danube area will be automatically linked to our monitoring data.

Step 4: Photograph and upload your observation

In the field, simply:

1. Open the app and tap Add observation

2. Photograph the plant (ideally from multiple angles)
3. Record the location and date (the app does this automatically if your GPS is enabled)

4. Confirm or add to the species suggestion the app provides
5. Submit the observation

If you are unsure of the species, do not worry. Upload it anyway. The iNaturalist community of experts and its AI identification system will help.

Tips for good quality records

• Always photograph the whole plant as well as close-up details of leaves, flowers or fruit.
• For trees and shrubs, a shot of the bark and any new shoots is also useful.
• Do not forget to enable GPS location; it is the most important piece of information for us.
• If you are unsure of the species, add a note or tag the observation with the project name.
• The best time to photograph plants is during flowering or fruiting, when identification features are most visible.

Which species are we looking for?

We focus on 16 invasive alien plant species occurring in the Danubian floodplain area. You can find the full list with photographs and identification guides, as well as map of the monitoring area directly in our project on iNaturalist. If you manage to record any of them in the Slovak-Hungarian border area along the Danube, it is an exceptionally valuable find for us.

Need help?

If you have any questions about the project or using iNaturalist, please do not hesitate to get in touch:

Mgr. Barbora Znaminková znaminkova@broz.sk

Find out more about the LIFE Resistance project and its goals here.

In April 2026, part of our team travelled to the Netherlands for a three-day study trip, visiting partners, experts and projects that left us with a set of fresh ideas and inspiration to carry into our future work.

Breda

Our first stop was Breda University of Applied Sciences, where we introduced students to BROZ, shared some of our projects, and devoted most of the session to the topic of aquatic restoration as it is one of the key activities we are planning to implement within the LIFE Resistance project. It is always a pleasure to share our work with the next generation of people who will shape the future of nature conservation.

Nijmegen

In Nijmegen, we started the morning with a visit to RAVON, an organisation with long-standing expertise in eDNA monitoring. This relatively new but remarkably powerful method is one we also use to track fauna on restored sites within our project, whether following the reintroduction of grazing or the revitalisation of wetlands. The discussion with RAVON’s eDNA specialist offered valuable insight into different approaches.

The evening was spent with the team behind the LIFE Resilias project, which focuses on the elimination of invasive plant species. One species we have in common is Fallopia sp., and the exchange was particularly stimulating. Rather than relying on chemical methods, the Resilias team plants native species that gradually outcompete the invasive growth. On some sites, this approach has already proven successful, which is excellent news for the field as a whole.

Border Meuse

The final day was dedicated to a full-day field excursion with experts from ARK Rewilding Nederland along the Belgian-Dutch border. We had the opportunity to witness large-scale river restoration on the Meuse, where nature-based flood management measures are interwoven with the return of semi-wild grazing. The animals live in near-wild conditions, and their grazing naturally shapes the landscape around them.

We are grateful to all our hosts for their time, openness and willingness to share their experience.

Last week we co-organized and hosted the Study Tour 2026 of the European nature conservation network Eurosite at our sites. This week-long study visit was attended by representatives of Eurosite member organizations as well as individual supporters –  21 participants in total from ten organizations across Europe: Natuurmonumenten from the Netherlands, Natuurpunt from Belgium, NABU from Germany, WWF Hungary, Krkonoše National Park from the Czech Republic, Floron from the Netherlands, Wetlands International, the Austrian Environment Agency, the Schleswig-Holstein Nature Conservation Foundation, and Elytron.

We guided our guests over 4 days across several sites where we have been active in nature conservation for many years and where we have carried out restoration measures. On Monday we visited Devínska Kobyla, on Tuesday a salt marsh in Kamenín –  where we previously launched grey steppe cattle grazing in cooperation with the municipality —- and the sites of Parížske močiare and Žitavský luh, where we were accompanied by representatives of SOS Birdlife Slovakia.

On Wednesday we explored the Danube side-arm system and the restored Vojčianske side arm, the Istragov site, and discussed the context of simulated flooding of the area. The following day was dedicated to both water and land excursions on Veľkolélsky Island, where we also treated our guests to lunch and refreshments made from local produce.

Study Tour 2026 was thematically focused on nature-based solutions. We showcased a wide range of inspiring sites and activities, and received very positive feedback from this pan-European conservation consortium. We believe that our conservation approaches, as well as our relationships with stakeholders, can serve as inspiration for these organizations and their home countries across Europe.

Thank you for the visit, and we look forward to the next gathering of all Eurosite member organizations.

Just across our border lies the unique region of Hortobágy, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In April, we travelled there together with farmers and mayors from southern western and eastern Slovakia, to see firsthand what a successful integration of agriculture and nature conservation looks like in this iconic steppe landscape.

What did we learn and what inspired us?

• A world of traditional organic farming: At the Virágoskút ecofarm, we saw how almost the entire production process can be brought together under one roof, from livestock rearing and vegetable growing to processing and selling products, all in harmony with nature and with deep respect for tradition. Places like this tend to attract not only customers, but curious visitors too.
• The value of extensive grazing: At a local farmer’s property, we discussed how extensive grazing with native breeds contributes to restoring a healthy landscape while also supporting the development of the wider region.
• The heritage of traditional livestock keeping: A visit to a stud farm and demonstrations of native livestock breeds showed us just how important it is to preserve genetic and cultural heritage as a resource of incalculable value.
• Wildlife up close: A highlight was the visit to Vadaspark, where we had the chance to see representatives of the region’s original wild fauna. A particularly memorable moment was a guided wolf feeding session, a vivid reminder of the place that wilderness still holds in today’s landscape. 
• Culture and the celebration of tradition: The shepherd museum brought local traditions to life in a contemporary way, something this region takes great pride in, while the newly updated visitor centre offered a fresh and engaging look at the birds and flora of the local puszta.

We left with a strong conviction that this integration of farming traditions and nature conservation is exactly the path we want to follow in restoring our own lowlands. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the inspiring company and stimulating discussions!

We also thank our friends from the organisation Zöld kör for guiding us. This event was carried out within the framework of the project LIFE21-NAT-SK-LIFE 4 STEPPE BIRDS “Protection and Return of Steppe Bird Species to the Lowlands of Slovakia”. The project is co-financed by the European Union.

This spring, one of the most encouraging signs of success has appeared on sites we have been restoring within the LIFE Sub-pannonic project – pasque flowers have started to bloom.

These iconic species of dry grasslands are among the first to respond to improved habitat conditions. Their return clearly shows that the restoration measures we implement – especially the removal of encroaching shrubs and trees, reintroduction of grazing, and regular mowing – are helping these habitats recover. The abandonment of traditional land use was one of the main reasons for their decline in the past.

The LIFE Sub-pannonic project focuses on the restoration of valuable dry grassland habitats across dozens of sites in Slovakia and Moravia. These habitats are exceptionally rich in species, but also highly sensitive to changes in management – without regular care, they quickly become overgrown and lose their biodiversity.

The blooming pasque flowers are therefore more than just a beautiful sight. They are a symbol of ecological recovery and a reminder that even long-neglected landscapes can return to life when given the right care.

We would like to thank all partners, land managers, and volunteers involved in the restoration efforts. Thanks to this cooperation, species that have been disappearing from our landscape are slowly returning.

On 4-5 March 2026, our partners from the Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre SAS (PSBCSAS) had the opportunity to present the LIFE Resistance project at an important international gathering, the conference Invasive Alien Species in the Danube Region: IAS of Regional Concern, held in Hungary.

The event brought together competent ministries, the European Commission, international organisations, nature conservation authorities, research institutes and NGOs from across the Danube region. Our partners took to the floor to introduce LIFE Resistance to an audience of regional and European decision-makers and experts. They presented the project’s core objectives, reducing the spread and impact of invasive alien species in border areas, and walked attendees through the innovative methods and approaches that set our project apart. Early findings from the field were also shared, offering a first glimpse into the real-world results our teams are achieving on the ground. Invasive species don’t respect borders, and neither should the solutions. Being part of this conversation helps amplify our work, connect us with potential future partners, and contribute to the broader EU strategy for managing biological invasions.

We’re proud of our partners at the Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre SAS for representing the project so effectively, and we look forward to more opportunities to share our progress on the regional and European stage.

As part of the LIFE Resistance project, an exceptional collaboration was created, bringing together honest craftsmanship, nature conservation, and a social dimension. The result is a product that warms not only your head, but also your heart.

Grazing is one of the key management measures we use in the project to suppress invasive plant species and preserve the natural biodiversity of protected areas. Years of experience have shown us that traditional land management has an irreplaceable role in the landscape. Sheep and goats help keep meadows open, prevent them from becoming overgrown, and create conditions for the return of rare plant and animal species. Their presence supports blooming grasslands, orchids, insects, and birds that depend on this type of habitat.

Our herd, grazing in Podunajské Biskupice, contributes to maintaining valuable meadows along the Danube River. They function as natural lawnmowers and, quietly yet systematically, help ensure that this area remains full of life and natural diversity. The wool from their winter shearing is therefore not just a raw material, but part of the story of a landscape they help protect.

From this idea came the decision to use the wool of our “conservation sheep” in a meaningful way. The wool was sent to a Slovak wool manufactory, a family-run business specializing in wool processing, where it was carefully sorted, cleaned, and spun into yarn. Since our primary goal is nature conservation rather than the production of perfectly refined wool, its processing requires considerable patience and expertise. We are therefore especially grateful for the precise work of the people who transformed it into high-quality yarn ready for the next stage. The finished yarn was then delivered to the sheltered workshop Dom svitania in Jakubov. This workshop provides employment opportunities, support, and space for personal development to people with disabilities. Each hat is created through careful handcrafting, with attention to detail and quality. Every piece is unique and carries the story of the people who made it.

This collaboration holds special meaning for us because it connects nature conservation with the social dimension. It shows that sustainability is not only about landscapes and biodiversity, but also about people and mutual support within a community.

In the open landscape of Slovakia’s lowlands, where the LIFE Steppe Birds project operates, rows of ancient pollarded willows are truly irreplaceable. To us they are a beautiful part of the scenery, but for the European roller and the red-footed falcon, they are strategic sites for life itself. To ensure these trees continue to serve their purpose in 2026 and beyond, we need to give them their characteristic “crown”.

Why is pollarding essential to the project’s goals?

Our project focuses on protecting species associated with open steppe landscapes. Although willows often grow along canals and ponds with muddy banks, their importance for steppe birds is immense:

• Nesting cavities: Regular pollarding following BROZ’s expert guidelines stimulates the tree to develop natural cavities. These are far more attractive and safer for the European roller than artificial nest boxes.
• Landscape stability: Without pollarding, old willows would eventually split under the weight of their branches, and entire nesting lines would be lost. Regular “willow cutting” extends the life of these trees by decades.
• Food supply: Freshly pollarded willows and the piles of cut branches left nearby provide habitat for hundreds of insect species, which are the primary food source for the chicks of our target bird species.

How we work (in line with the guidelines)

Within the activities of the LIFE21-NAT-SK-LIFE 4 STEPPE BIRDS project, we follow proper techniques that respect both the biology of the tree and the needs of the birds:

1. Winter timing: All pollarding is carried out exclusively during the vegetation dormancy period (January to February), so that the habitat is ready before the spring arrival of falcons and rollers.
2. Cutting to the crown: Branches are removed with a chainsaw close to the trunk, encouraging the characteristic shape that gives birds an excellent vantage point over their hunting grounds.
3. Supporting shrub cover: Around water bodies, we retain denser shrub vegetation, which provides shelter for small wildlife and increases the overall biodiversity of the site.

Last week we celebrated World Wetlands Day! On February 2, we celebrate the crucial role wetlands play for both our planet and its people. These incredible ecosystems are among the most productive on Earth, offering essential services like water regulation, flood protection, carbon storage, and support for biodiversity. They also provide livelihoods for millions.

Our partners from the Plant Science and Biodiversity Center study wetlands from many different perspectives—from the bottom of the waterbody, through dense riparian vegetation, to the hidden diversity of wetland sounds. Using in situ data collection, eDNA analysis, vegetation research, bioacoustics, and remote sensing techniques, we aim to deepen our understanding of wetlands. The results of this research provide a valuable foundation for wetland restoration, which they are actively involved in through the LIFE Resistance project.

Let’s raise awareness and protect these vital habitats!

The results of the 2025 breeding season came as a very welcome surprise. This year we recorded 38 territories and 36 breeding pairs, the highest number in the past quarter century! Thanks to systematic monitoring, we have now confirmed a positive trend in the number of breeding pairs for the fifth consecutive season. One of the most colourful birds in our landscape is making a remarkable comeback.

The key factor behind this reversal, much like in neighbouring Hungary, is the targeted support of nesting through specially designed nest boxes. These allow the European roller to return to sites where grazing already provides sufficient food, but where natural nesting opportunities are lacking.

We place these specially designed boxes at sites identified as suitable for the spread and recovery of the European roller, particularly in the Eastern Slovak Lowland. Hundreds have been installed over the past few decades, with more than 200 added in the last five years alone. Last year, with support from Nadácia VSE and the assistance of VSD, a further 70 boxes were installed on electricity pylons.

This year we observed a clear preference among rollers for pylon-mounted boxes, which offer better visibility and greater protection from predators.

Practical conservation efforts for the European roller are driven primarily by the LIFE 4 STEPPE BIRDS project, which enables the long-term conservation activities we carry out. Important support has also come from several foundations: Nadácia VSE contributed funding towards a portion of the installed boxes, while VSD handled their installation.

We also thank Nadácia ZSE for supporting the project “Spoznaj s nami vtáka roka krakľu belasú”, which allowed us to share this story throughout the year, and Nadácia Tipsport for their contribution to the running of our farm in Senné. The generous support of individual donors has also made a real difference. Thank you all.

Whether the European roller has a genuine chance of long-term survival in our agricultural landscape depends not only on the tireless enthusiasm of conservationists and the financial support of donors, but above all on the enlightened approach of farmers and, crucially, the state, which sets the rules governing how financial support is distributed to farmers through subsidies. We will therefore support our ministry’s calls to the European Commission for adequate support for Slovak farmers under the new Common Agricultural Policy. With insufficient support, extensive livestock grazing, which is among the less economically attractive forms of land management yet carries enormous importance for biodiversity, is always the most vulnerable.

LIFE21-NAT-SK-LIFE 4 STEPPE BIRDS “Protection and Return of Steppe Bird Species to the Lowlands of Slovakia”. The project is co-financed by the European Union.