Imagine walking through the Slovak lowlands, hundreds of kilometers from the nearest sea, and coming across plants underfoot that belong on coastal beaches. Sounds impossible? The answer to this mystery lies in inland salt marshes (slaniská) – some of the most extraordinary and, at the same time, most endangered habitats in Slovakia and across Europe.

They form in places where soluble salts accumulate in the soil. When water depletion increases because evaporation exceeds rainfall, salt remains on the surface. Only specially adapted plants – halophytes – survive in this extremely salty environment. Here in the Danubian Lowland – Podunajsko, salt marshes were once full of life. Today, however, only small, isolated patches remain.

Soil plowing, the runoff of artificial nutrients from fertilizers, and especially the decline of traditional grazing have taken their toll, putting these rare salt marshes and the plants bound to them at risk. The significant drop in grazing is the most critical factor, as the area becomes overgrown with tall grass that literally smothers the rare salt-loving species.

Unexpected allies of valuable salt marshes? Grazing cows, sheep, and goats.

One of the subtle heroes facing complete extinction is the greater sea-spurrey (Spergularia media) – a critically endangered species that cannot survive anywhere outside of salt marshes.

At the BROZ conservation association, we decided to reverse this unfortunate fate. Our goal is to boost its population so that the plant can once again reproduce naturally and survive in the wild over the long term. We joined forces with botanists from the Institute of Botany of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV), who cultivated these annual plants for us directly from seeds.

What followed was a hands-on rescue operation in the field:

• First planting: Last October, we planted the first seedlings in the Panské lúky Site of Community Importance.
• Spring phase and seed sowing: In the spring of this year, we carried out several further rounds of planting and scattered seeds around the growing plants to help strengthen the soil seed bank.
• Comprehensive habitat restoration: To ensure the long-term success of the greater sea-spurrey, we are collaborating with farmers to implement traditional grazing management, and we are rehabilitating the hydrological regime.

Results in numbers: A ten-fold reinforcement of the existing population

Together, we have taken a significant step toward the conservation of this species. Outplanting more than 280 seedlings boosted the local greater sea-spurrey population ten-fold, providing a critical opportunity for recovery. Over the next few years, we will carefully track seedling establishment and their long-term population sustainability.

We currently conduct routine monitoring to assess plant performance and apply appropriate habitat management to facilitate further growth.

Plants like the sea-spurrey and these salt marshes are literally the living memory of our landscape. They originated thousands of years ago under specific conditions during the retreat of ancient seas or climate shifts, and they are studied not only by biologists, but also by paleobotanists.

We are not stopping here! Encouraged by this success, we are pushing forward – later this year, we plan to plant other rare salt-loving species with unusual names: milk-vetches (kozince) and sea kales (katrány). Stay tuned!

Clearing meadows of encroaching woody vegetation, raking mown grass or helping plant protected plant species – these are just some of the tasks where an extra pair of enthusiastic hands always comes in handy.

This year, volunteer groups joined us for 11 different activities as part of the LIFE Diverseed project. Together, we raked mown meadows, expanded meadow habitats, cleared encroaching woody vegetation, removed invasive Canadian goldenrod, and transported and spread freshly cut hay. Through these efforts, we help restore species-rich meadows and create space for native meadow plants to return and thrive.

One of the most demanding tasks was transporting and spreading freshly cut hay. In the morning, one group of volunteers helped mow the meadow and prepare the hay. In the afternoon, another group spread the fresh hay at a second site. The hay came from a species-rich meadow and was transported to a nearby site that was once a meadow but was later used as arable land. Today, it is gradually becoming overgrown with invasive Canadian goldenrod. We are working to restore this site through regular mowing and raking, which help suppress goldenrod and limit its spread. At the same time, we want to encourage native meadow plants to return by introducing seeds from the donor meadow – a method known as seed bank restoration. This helps native plants re-establish themselves and compete with goldenrod. There is reason to be hopeful: orchids still occasionally appear at the site, and a small remnant of the original orchid-rich meadow survives nearby.

This is the second year we have used this method, and we are keen to see how the site responds and whether we can gradually restore its species diversity.

There is still plenty of work ahead as part of the LIFE Diverseed project, with many more opportunities to help nature. If you would like to get involved, visit our Volunteering page to find out how you can join us!

Organising a children’s camp was another milestone we reached as part of the LIFE Resistance project. In July we welcomed children to the very first edition of the Nature Conservationist Camp at Ecofarm Ostrov, and we can happily say: it was a beautiful week full of discoveries and fun.

The whole camp was built around the idea that nature conservation starts with people who know and understand nature. That is why we wanted to give the children not just experiences, but also concrete knowledge and skills they can carry with them through life.

Together with an entomologist and a hydrobiologist, the children explored the biodiversity of the Danube area and learned about the species that inhabit the river and its riparian vegetation. Through various activities, they reflected on how closely nature conservation is linked to the way people use the landscape, what challenges conservationists face in practice, and why caring for nature is not always straightforward. We also dedicated time to the topic of invasive plant species. Practical outdoor skills were part of the programme too: how to safely start a fire, build a shelter for the night, and move confidently in the wild.

The children took part in a workshop with OZ PureLove focused on responsible waste management, which gave them space to think about how their everyday choices affect the environment. We brought the same philosophy into the kitchen: most of the food was prepared from ingredients provided by local farmers, opening up a conversation about where our food comes from and why it matters. The children also got to see how the farm works and what daily animal care looks like, giving them a hands-on perspective on the relationship between people and nature in everyday life.

The camp was made possible through funding from the LIFE Resistance project. We firmly believe that environmental education is one of the most important tools for nature conservation, and we are glad to be able to continue this work. We believe the children had a wonderful time and left with a slightly deeper understanding of the nature around them and a growing connection to it. That, for us, is the best possible outcome. The first edition is behind us, and we are already looking forward to the next one!

One of the most effective ways to ensure environmental protection is to foster a positive human relationship with nature. Numerous studies in environmental psychology confirm that people who feel an emotional and cognitive bond with nature are far more likely to protect it, and childhood is the key period for forming this positive relationship. This is also why the conservation association BROZ devotes a large portion of its energy to educational activities focused on the next generation.

We therefore took advantage of the pleasant autumn weather to organize a lecture and field trip for children and youth from the Centre for Children and Families (CDR) Kolárovo. The event took place on September 22, 2026, at the Ostrov Eco-Farm (Zlatná na Ostrove) as well as directly in the Danube wilderness on Veľkolélsky Island. 

For the participants, we prepared a tour of the eco-farm where they could see and pet farm animals. While they played happily with balls, storks from the rescue station located on the farm flew overhead. Next, we moved to the historical granary, where we presented the activities of the project 0410-2SC-BIO-PC2-004 Improving the water regime of the Danube river branches and our conservation efforts. After the lecture, the children watched the conservation-and-running documentary DUNAJ. We didn’t forget refreshments either, offering lunch and a tasting of locally produced cheeses. A key highlight of the program was a walking excursion to the Danube beach, which led across Veľkolélsky Island, past the revitalized Veľkolélské river branch, and through restored wet meadows. Here, we had the opportunity to spot a rare purple heron, the beautiful yet highly toxic autumn crocus, and even Hucul ponies, which—alongside herds of cows, sheep, and goats—help graze the meadows and pastures. 

We believe the children took home great memories and new knowledge, but above all, a slightly deeper connection to our nature. That bond is, after all, crucial to their future behavior toward the environment.

If clogged side arms of the Danube need to be cleared of sediment and accumulated debris (massive trunks, branches, plants, trash, etc.), simply ordering an excavator and starting to dig isn’t enough. Preparation for this type of restoration measure takes months – ranging from identifying problematic locations, geodetic surveying of elevation profiles and topography, and modeling/predicting the impact of clearing on water flow dynamics, to administrative and permitting processes, securing funding, contractor procurement, and the actual field work. 

There is plenty of work even during the summer holidays. In addition to bureaucracy, field tasks must also be addressed so that the baseline data for project documentation is as accurate as possible. Thanks to our skilled colleagues, Erik and Jakub, and high-quality equipment, we are able to cover the far-from-cheap geodetic work required for our projects. 

In the photos, you can see examples of field work at the Vojčianske and Šulianske side arm locations, which we are able to restore thanks to the project 0410-2SC-BIO-PC2-004 Improving the water regime of the Danube river branches. 

Thanks to practical restoration measures such as deepening and widening riverbeds and removing obstacles and accumulated sediment, higher discharge rates and flow velocities will be possible in selected sections. In addition to improved water quality and dynamics, many valuable species will benefit – especially native rheophilic (current-loving) fish, surrounding floodplain forests, and wetland species. Beyond nature, anglers, paddlers, tourists, and many others who visit this beautiful Danube Floodplains area will benefit as well.

The BROZ activity report for 2025 is out!

We would like to share with you what we managed to achieve last year in terms of water revitalization, restoration of meadows and pastures, floodplain forests, and protection of ground squirrels and turtles. If you look at the report, you will see how much work, volunteer help, and support from you, individuals, or companies, is behind it. We thank all partners for their cooperation and support, as well as you, our supporters and contributors. And not only for last year, because we are already halfway through 2026 and we are gradually filling the pages of next year’s activity report. 🙂

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. 🌿

As part of the project 0410-2SC-BIO-PC2-004 Improving the water regime of the Danube river branches, under the Swiss-Slovak Cooperation Programme, 6,400 saplings of native tree species (white poplar, black poplar, black alder) were planted in the spring of 2026.

The saplings were planted in the protected area SKUEV2090 Dunajské luhy covering an area of more than 4 ha (4.92 ha).

The planting restores the natural floodplain forest, strengthens local biodiversity, improves water retention in the landscape, and increases its resilience to climate change.

To increase the success rate of the planting, post-planting care of the trees will also be carried out during the summer period over the next three seasons (2026-2028). 

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.