Year: 2021

The restoration activities in alder stands of Andros performed in the frame of the project did not go unnoticed! In several cases, citizens or stakeholders expressed their interest to apply the methodology developed and used in the project to produce and grow alder seedlings with the purpose of restoring degraded/destroyed alder stands in various localities. One of them concerned the Pantanassa-Mandanissa village lying at the shores of the Trichonida lake at Aitoloakarnania (W. Greece); the local Cultural Society "Pygmaios Trichonios" expressed the interest to restore one of the alder stands at the Trichonida lake. In July 2020, the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA, Laboratories of General and Agricultural Microbiology and Systematic Botany) project team responded by providing guidance and alder seedlings inoculated by associated microorganisms. These seedlings are growing well…

In the sixth issue of the annual magazine of Andros EVANDROS the alder forests of Andros were presented. ALDER A northern european in the Cyclades A tree that is quite common in Central and Northern Europe which, even though in the olden days it covered large flooded areas, now it is found mainly along river banks. Ιt arrived in Andros by land when it was still attached to the mainland and it survived mainly due to the plentiful water of the island. Andros is the southernmost part of the Balkans where one can find it forming small clusters along streams, but also small forests, like in Vori. Well known in Northern lands, it has been linked to several myths and prejudices: it was the favourite tree of the druids and…

On the 3th of July, the Botanical Garden at the Agadaki Estate of the Kaireios Library reopened and will operate on a daily basis until the end of October 2021. This year the Agadaki Estate Tower hosts a thematic exhibition entitled "Plants and mushrooms of the alder clusters". In nine posters, the alder tree, the plants and mushrooms found under alder trees in ravines of Andros and recorded during the implementation of the LIFE Andros Park project, as well as the symbiotic relationships developed between alder and microorganisms are presented. The exhibition is organized by the Kaireios Library, the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), the NCC and the Municipality of Andros. The scientific curation of the exhibition on behalf of the GPA was carried out by Dr. Elias Polemis, Associate…

Take a stroll at the mushroom garden that has been created at the Agadaki estate of the Kaireios Library in the frame of LIFE Andros Park project and discover the impressive permanent residents of the estate, but also the mushrooms that were transferred from the alder forests of Andros Island and have been established at the estate. Soon the estate will be open for the public again on fixed days and hours and you will be able to visit the mushroom garden! Read here!

For the third consecutive year, the project receives co-financing from the Green Fund for the implementation of the actions of MOm / Hellenic Society for the study and protection of the Monk Seal within the framework of its Funding Program “EUROPEAN LIFE PROGRAM 2021”.

A field visit was carried out in May at the two largest colonies of the Mediterranean Shag and the Auduin’s Gull in the broader area of Andros Island in order to monitor the reproduction of the two species. The Mediterranean Shags have already raised their chicks, most of which have abandoned their nests and were observed in the surrounding area, while the Audouin’s Gulls have nested in their colony, as in previous years, and have begun incubating their eggs. [envira-gallery id="1471"]

At the last stage of the priority habitat of the alder forests restoration process, taking place within the project's framework, approximately 3,500 saplings, vaccinated with symbiotic-beneficial microbes, were planted in selected locations of the island (February 2021). 350 plants were planted along the riverfront at Lefka, while more than 3,100 plants were planted at the river mouth at Vori. In the first area seven new clusters of alders have been created, while in the second area another 15. Planting was carried out by the Municipality of Andros with the contribution-supervision of the Agricultural University of Athens. Until now, the plants are growing properly since they received sufficient water from rainfalls after planting, while at the same time they are strengthened by the watering carried out under the supervision of the…

Spring has sprung in Andros, and the Botanical Garden that was established within the framework of the “LIFE Andros Park” project and started operating at the Agadaki Estate of the Kaireios Library since last summer, is in full bloom! The Andriot collaborator of the project, agronomist- mycologist Ilias Polemis visited the Garden in March and April and recorded with his camera the spring blossoming of the plants and also the “traffic” at the higher terrace of the Estate, where the aromatic/medicinal species of bushes and phrygana of Andros and the Aegean Sea have been planted. While, unfortunately, the tourist “traffic” is affected by strict and necessary restrictions due to the pandemic, but the insect pollinators have been highly active for a few weeks now. So, the Botanical Garden is thriving!…