Finnish initiative encourages community engagement in invasive species removal through creative challenges

In Finland, the battle against invasive species is deemed critically important, with initiatives aimed at removing harmful plants like lupins, hardy roses, and giant balsam. While some may find traditional methods such as mowing and weeding unappealing, there are lighter, more engaging ways to participate in this fight.

One such initiative, organized by the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, is the “Collect a Bouquet of Invasive Species” challenge. Participants gather beautiful yet harmful flowers, particularly lupins, and share images of their creations on social media. This summer, participation doubled compared to last year, with many impressive bouquets showcased. An anecdote shared by communication expert Liisa Hulkko highlighted a child holding a bouquet far larger than themselves, illustrating the effort involved. Each gathered bouquet represents a step toward better ecological management, as it’s essential to avoid reintroducing seed-stage plants back into nature.

Another rising trend is lupin dyeing. Both flower blooms and stems can produce shades of blue, green, and brown. Newly recognized invasive plants called loosestrife provide vibrant yellow dyes. Anna-Karoliina Tetri, a craftsmanship educator and author, noted that gathering lupins often involves large quantities, making it a community effort.

Additionally, creative solutions continue to emerge for invasive species management. Tetri has developed a natural ink using fragrant rose petals, emphasizing the historical significance of nature-based dyes. For optimal results, she advises collecting the flowers before they mature to prevent further spread. In her instructions, the process involves steeping flower petals in hot water overnight—a simple yet effective way to utilize these invasive species.