PRESS RELEASE – May 16, 2024
The Foundation is expanding its already extensive conservation area in Isosuo, located south of the Hartola town center, by approximately 26 hectares.
With this addition, the Foundation’s Isosuo area will grow from 124 hectares to approximately 150 hectares. As a result of this expansion, the foundation now protects 26 conservation areas with a total area of 557 hectares.
The western properties of Isosuo were designated as protected under the Nature Conservation Act in 2022. This 55.3-hectare protected area was included in the national “Nature Gift to Finland” campaign at the time.
Isosuo is a natural or near-natural raised bog. The landscape remains mostly intact, except for a peat production area in the northwest. The bog is surrounded by pine bogs, while its central areas consist of open fens and sparse, stunted pinesgrowing in fen-like conditions.
Isosuo is one of the largest bogs in Southern Finland that was left out of the national peatland protection program. It is also the most significant wetland for birds in the Päijät-Häme region, serving as both a key breeding site and a resting area during migration. The area is home to species such as the Eurasian golden plover and the wood sandpiper. During migration, birds such as the jack snipe, great snipe, and Eurasian hobby have also been observed. Isosuo is a regionally important gathering site for cranes, which roost here due to the area’s tranquility. Additionally, the bog hosts one of Finland’s northernmost and most significant populations of the endangered marsh carpet moth.
In spring 2024, the Foundation acquired two parcels in the eastern part of Isosuo, totaling approximately 26 hectares.
“These newly acquired lands beautifully expand our conservation area in Isosuo. They significantly increase the foundation’s holdings along the bog’s eastern edge. A large portion of the newly purchased land consists of relatively open bog and forested peatland along the bog’s margins. The area also includes approximately seven hectares of fields.”, Executive Director Niko Nappu describes the newly protected areas.
“Although Isosuo is largely in a natural state, some ditches exist within the foundation’s protected areas. By blocking these ditches, we could restore the bog to an even more pristine condition. On my last visit, many wading birds were already returning for the summer. It would be fantastic to provide them with an even better sanctuary. Additionally, reducing water runoff into Lake Jääsjärvi and the Tainionvirta River would be crucial,” Nappu continues.
After a moment of reflection, he adds:
“The fields on the eastern edge of the area could also be converted into natural meadows, providing essential habitat for species that thrive in open grassland environments.”
About Foundation for Better Nature
Founded in 2008, the Foundation for Better Nature protects the biodiversity of the Päijänne lake region and its surrounding areas for future generations. The foundation’s work is funded through donations, land gifts, and bequests, with 100% of donations used for conservation. Donated funds are used to acquire forests and other valuable natural sites for permanent protection. The foundation’s office is located at Säynätsalo Town Hall in Jyväskylä.
A significant portion of the funding for the newly acquired areas came from Partioaitta’s Environmental Bonus Program (€10,000). In 2023, the PLUPS project “Give Life to the Bog” was selected as a Partioaitta Environmental Bonus recipient. Partioaitta’s donation will be used for peatland restoration projects and the protection of bog ecosystems.
In December 2023, PLUPS collaborated with the Central Finland Film Center to organize the “Nature Dive 2023″nature film festival. During the festival, a significant amount (€6,500) was donated to the foundation, with funds specifically allocated to conservation efforts. Additionally, the Film Center itself contributed €1,067 toward the purchase of land in Isosuo. Some donors have chosen to remain anonymous.For more information and inquiries:
Executive Director, PLUPS
niko.nappu@plups.fi
+358 50 511 6933
