On Saturday, November 30, the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department, Nõmme District Administration, and event leaders thanked volunteers at the Nõmme Maja for their contributions to restoring Pääsküla Bog during the past season.

Two summers ago, work began to construct dams in former drainage ditches to help restore Pääsküla Bog’s natural ecosystems. This year, volunteers helped build 11 dams, which help retain water in the bog during dry periods. In advance of International Volunteer Day, organizers and volunteers gathered to reflect on the completed season.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who helped make Pääsküla Bog a better place for people. Let us remember that bogs store carbon, produce oxygen, and purify water,” said Deputy Mayor Pärtel-Peeter Pere.

Volunteer efforts at Pääsküla Bog spanned 15 days from mid-July to early October, with each day drawing around a dozen participants. “Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the expertise of event leaders, 11 dams were built to create favorable conditions for restoring bog habitats in Pääsküla. Previous dams have already shown results, with bog-specific species that had disappeared now reappearing,” noted Meelis Uustal, head of the Environmental Protection Division at the Urban Environment and Public Works Department. Volunteer efforts will continue next year, with plans to improve visitor access alongside ongoing restoration work.

“I thank all the volunteers who contributed to restoring Pääsküla Bog, one of Tallinn’s richest biodiversity areas! For the residents of Nõmme, the bog is a vital place, and we aim to find the best solutions for both restoring its nature and making it convenient for everyday visits,” commented Nõmme District Governor Karmo Kuri. This year presented many challenges for Pääsküla, with active beaver activity and above-average rainfall. “Our goal is to ensure all paths are accessible regardless of weather conditions. To this end, we’ve built a floating boardwalk that we plan to extend next year,” added Kuri.

A total of 100 volunteers participated in the restoration efforts. Contributors included nature enthusiasts from Nõmme and beyond, school students completing community practice, researchers from Europe and the Americas, and teams from various organizations. The workdays were demanding, requiring adjustment to wet conditions and physically challenging tasks. Volunteer leaders Lauri Klein and Aleksander Tukk ensured that everyone had suitable tasks, necessary tools, and hot soup for sustenance. They also shared valuable insights about urban nature with participants.

The restoration efforts at Pääsküla Bog follow the conservation management plan for the Pääsküla Bog Nature Reserve, which outlines restoration activities over a longer period. In three years, 20 dams have been built in the central part of the bog, where restoration potential is highest. Next season, work will continue with the construction of additional dams and improving lighting conditions around them. More information about upcoming volunteer events can be found at https://www.tallinn.ee/talgud.