In 2024, the LIFE DIVERSEED project was in full swing. The main objective was to collect seeds that the project partner Agrostis would grow to create the first regional seed mixture intended for the restoration of grassland habitats up to an altitude of 1,000 m.
We have started a new approach to tackling one of the most problematic invasive woody plants in the Danube Floodplains: the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima). This time, however, we are not using chainsaws or chemicals. Instead, we are bringing in nature’s helper: a fungus from the genus Verticillium.
Team members from Plant Science and Biodversity Cente SAS have started monitoring vegetation in Čiližské močiare and Istragov. At both of these sites, we plan to bring in livestock in the near future to help with suppression of invasive plant species.
The product Ailantex, a biological agent for controlling the invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), has been approved for use in Slovakia starting this year. This is a breakthrough in the fight against this aggressive invasive tree, which has spread to many areas of Slovakia in recent years and causes serious problems in natural habitats, urban edges, and protected areas.
Last year, as part of the LIFE Endemic PANALP project, we began restoring a small but beautiful and valuable site in the heart of the White Carpathians. The area was declared protected primarily due to its geological uniqueness, but it also hosts rare dry and thermophilic “orchid” meadows and juniper stands. That is, until recently…
We’re delighted to announce that after two years of preparation, traditional grazing has finally returned to Molpír Hill. The revival of this prehistoric hillfort site is the result of collaboration between local farmer Mr. Matiašovič and the municipality of Smolenice, and is being carried out as part of the LIFE Endemic PANALP project. Since last…
Restoring overgrown sites is far from a simple or quick process, despite how it might seem at first glance. Typically, the first practical step involves thorough clearing of the area—removing invasive or non-native trees and shrubs, clearing biomass, and often stump milling. In some locations, we also use an earth milling machine on a limited…
Few people know that the Súľov Mountains hide one of Slovakia’s rarest botanical treasures. Beneath the iconic rocky towers lies a multitude of small valleys, and one of them stands out for its exceptional orchid species diversity. Within an area of just 0.1 km², at least 22 species grow here, some of which are extremely…
The ZooLab team from the Plant Science and Biodiversity Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences has started eDNA (environmental DNA) sampling at our site in Čiližské močiare. This marks an exciting step in our ongoing efforts to monitor impact of our measures aimed to boost wetland biodiversity.
From March 24–27, 2025, we participated in the CEE InterLIFE Platform Meeting in Balmazújváros, Hungary.