Paremman Luonnon Puolesta Foundation receives a valuable forest area in Hartola as a bequest
The Paremman Luonnon Puolesta Foundation has received a significant bequest from Hartola. A locally respected teacher, Juhani Varis, bequeathed to the foundation his share of a forest property of over five hectares, known for its exceptionally diverse woodpecker habitat. From now on, the area will be protected under the name Tikkalehto Nature Reserve.
Tikkalehto is home to several rare and valuable species, including the Three-toed Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, and Grey-headed Woodpecker. The Willow Tit, which relies on decaying wood for nesting, breeds in the forest, and the tuft-eared Eurasian lynx is a regular visitor to the area.
Tikkalehto held special significance for Juhani Varis. During his career as a teacher, Varis brought his students to the area to learn about natural forest ecosystems and biodiversity.
The value of the site is further highlighted by the presence of Finland’s oldest ringed White-backed Woodpecker, still flying at the age of 18. The old mixed forest provides an essential habitat for rare species.
The Foundation’s CEO, Pepe Forsberg, expresses his sincere gratitude for the donation:
“We are deeply grateful for Juhani Varis’s bequest. Acts like this are concrete and impactful ways to safeguard biodiversity for future generations. This area is a true natural treasure.”
Forsberg encourages nature lovers to consider similar solutions:
“I hope that more Finns will see the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for nature by bequeathing valuable areas for protection through the Paremman Luonnon Puolesta Foundation. A memorial marker dedicated to Juhani Varis will be placed in the Tikkalehto Nature Reserve.”
Further information
Pepe Forsberg
CEO, Paremman Luonnon Puolesta Foundation
pepe.forsberg@plups.fi
+358 50 552 2588
About the foundation
The Paremman Luonnon Puolesta Foundation (Plups) is a non-profit conservation foundation that acquires forests and wetlands for permanent protection through donations and restores natural environments altered by human activity. The foundation builds an extensive network of protected areas and ecological corridors, particularly in and around the Lake Päijänne watershed. Its goal is to safeguard Finland’s biodiversity and help reverse biodiversity loss toward recovery.
