Himalayan balsam control in the Aura River and Kaula River

Are you familiar with the harmful invasive plant, Himalayan balsam? Do you know where it is found along the Aura River or the Tarvas River? In the joint invasive plant project of the Aura River Foundation and the Paimionjoki Association, we are clearing Himalayan balsam from the banks of the main stream of the Aura River, the Kaula River, and the Tarvas River.

Why should we control Himalayan balsam?

Himalayan balsam is not native to Finland. It spreads efficiently, forming large colonies that overtake native plants and make riverbanks more vulnerable to erosion. Additionally, it can harm local ecosystems. You can find more information and images of Himalayan balsam here.

The work that began in 2021 will continue in 2022 and 2023 with funding from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Invasive Species Management Grant, awarded to the Aura River Foundation through the Kainuu ELY Centre, in partnership with the Paimionjoki Association for the Tarvas River area. Co-funding covers 50% of the costs.

Free assistance with plant control and removal is available in the target areas as our control team moves through the regions. We also organize volunteer workdays, and everyone is welcome to join.

Control and removal are naturally carried out only with the landowner’s permission.

If you want to help, let us know where you have spotted Himalayan balsam and join the volunteer efforts, either in a group or independently! You can contact us by email at info@aurajoki.net. Control work will primarily continue until the end of August 2023, but we will also review sightings later on.