Natural Meadow Restoration Initiative at the Arboretum of VMU Agriculture Academy: Living Lab Contribution to Nature-Based Solutions
On June 27, 2025, a natural meadow restoration initiative was implemented at the Arboretum of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy. The aim of this initiative was to promote biodiversity and integrate nature-based solutions (NBS) into education and environmental practice.
As part of the activity, Arboretum staff prepared an experimental plot for natural meadow establishment: the existing vegetation was mowed, biomass removed, and soil scarification carried out to create suitable conditions for new plant establishment. A meadow restoration expert developed a native seed mix tailored to local conditions, distinguished by high species diversity and ecological value. The seeds were sown in designated plots within the Arboretum territory.
The activity involved the VMU Agriculture Academy Living Lab team and students from the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology. It provided a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in natural meadow restoration, learn about the role of native plant species in ecosystem stability, and explore the application of nature-based solutions in modern agriculture.
The restored meadows will serve as a demonstration site for the Living Lab, used in study programs, educational activities, community cooperation, and international exchanges. These natural spaces will contribute to the development of environmental competences and the integration of NBS principles into higher education.
This initiative was implemented within the framework of the international project “Education and Nature-Based Solutions: enable society to bend the curve for biodiversity” (ENABLS). The project aims to strengthen the role of education in biodiversity conservation through local initiatives, experiential learning, and collaboration between science and society.
