A Nature Trail and Observation Tower Have Been Built in the Park

A two-year project, funded by the GGP Foundation and overseen by the NABU Association, reached its completion in autumn. A wooden pontoon nature trail has been constructed on the Foundation's designated area—the "island" of Paramelis—and an observation tower has been erected at the end of the trail. The tower was designed by "Biotope," a renowned Norwegian team of naturalist architects.

The trail is 360 meters long and leads through various natural habitats with remarkable biodiversity. Special information boards have been installed along the route to highlight the different ecosystems.

At the beginning of the trail, two types of forests converge: the Western taiga pine forest and a mix of spruce-fir and swamp forests. These woodlands are rich in birdlife. The pine forests are home to boreal owls, wood grouse, black woodpeckers, and crested tits. The spruce forest harbors hazel grouse and pygmy owls, while the wet forest provides habitat for grey-headed, green, three-toed, and white-backed woodpeckers.

At the end of the trail, the observation tower offers a panoramic view of the Pakatrė meadows, an intermediate wetland habitat. This area is part of the Katra River Botanical and Zoological Reserve, which shelters endangered plant species such as broad-leaved marsh orchids, elder-flowered orchids, heath spotted orchids, and bog orchids, as well as downy willows. The wetland is also a haven for bird species like water rails, spotted crakes, common snipes, black grouse, cranes, short-eared owls, and the rare large heath butterfly.

The nature trail and observation tower are now open to all visitors who wish to explore and appreciate the unique natural world of the "island" of Paramelis.

The trailhead is located at: 54.012873626789705, 24.65001622950825.