“Protect Aukstadvaris Mound"
– $500. (Lithuania 2000)

How a Project Can Strengthen a Community

The “mound” is a raised hill, a local archeological site which includes artifacts dating to 300 AD, and a source of historical and cultural significance. It is located in the town of Aukstadvaris, approximately 20 kilometers from Trakai, in southeastern Lithuania. The project was to build steps up to the top, as assistance for anyone unable or unwilling to climb up the 45 degree angle, and as protection against damage and erosion. Twenty teenage members of a newly formed group of Young Friends of the Forests did the physical work, supervised by their woodworking teacher who had received the Mini-Grant. The local Forestry Unit Director, the mayor of the town, and other representatives of local institutions supported the idea, contributing their suggestions and their labor. A local construction engineer aided in the design of the stairs.

When the stairs were completed, approximately 200 people (adults and children) gathered for speeches, folk songs, and the ribbon-cutting. The builders of the stairs received awards from the national coordinator of Young Friends of the Forests, who had traveled from Vilnius. Then everyone climbed up the sturdy wooden stairs to the top of the mound. A signal bonfire lit for the occasion was answered by another bonfire on a mound 8 kilometers away. As the whole town celebrated the achievement, the community leaders were already discussing ideas for future projects to encourage ecologically sound tourism and environmentally friendly development.

Management of Sandy Islands at the Confluence of Merkys and Nemunas Rivers - $498. Environmental Education Center of Varena, Vidmantas Balkunas. By removing the willow and other woody vegetation from these sandy islands, this project aims to restore the breeding sites of various bird species including terns, gulls, and the Little Ringed Plover, and the resting sites of migratory terns, gulls and waders.

Environmental Camp for Children from Non-Lithuanian Speaking Families - $325. School club “Peledziukas” in Visaginas, Aliona Popova. The goal is to encourage children of Russian speaking families to integrate into the Lithuanian community by organizing a Lithuanian-speaking nature camp and introducing them to the natural life of flora and fauna. Matching funding: $735 (Local Municipality; Department of National Minorities of Lithuania)

Training for NGO Leaders - $500. Club “Bastet”, Nijole Gikniene. This two-week workshop for active NGO representatives from different parts of Lithuania, will deal with topics of how to attract and manage volunteers, how to work in the team, how to deal with governmental institutions, how to become a good project manager, and how to work with the young generation.

National White Stork Protection Campaign in Alytus District - $477. Lithuanian Ornithological Society, Egidijus Adomaitis. To save the White Stork population by moving endangered nests to safe new platforms in the trees, or on buildings, this group will build 18 platforms.

Establishing Park in the Town of Taurage, - $500. School Club "Friends of Forests", Birute Bastiene. This group will plant trees and bushes in the plain area between school and stadium, and establish a 2.1 hectares park in the town. Matching funding: $398 (Fire Department; Forestry Unit; Local Municipality)

Nests for Rare Birds of Prey - $420. Environmental Club "Tulzys", Nerijus Sibaciovas. To establish better breeding conditions for birds of prey and water birds, and thus protect rare species, this group will build artificial nests in 12 rural areas of Southern Lithuania, in the lakes and protected areas.

Lithuanian Projects
Year Seven
(1999 – 2000)

Planting Oak Park in Vilnius – $490. Young Friends of Forests, Kazys Patiejunas. To commemorate 1000 years of Lithuania’s independence, this group organized a major national event, planting 1000 young oaks at the territory of Vilnius University Hospital. It involved 200 Young Forest Friends, 15 soldiers of the Grand Duke Gediminaas Battalian, 10 Representatives of the Regional Department of Environment, and 10 Hospital staff members, as well as President Adamkus, some of his Ministers, and Members of Parliament. Matching funds: $1947 (Forestry Department, private companies, Hanca TV-Radio company, and others).

Protect Aukstadvaris Mound – $500. Young Friends of Forests, Talvidas Spilauskas. Many organizations worked together to complete this project to build wooden stairs to the top of the mound, a historic and archaeological site. The completed project will encourage visitors and will reduce erosion of the mound. Matching funds: $100 (Regional Park Administration, Forest Ministry, Agricultural School).

Baltic Mammalia Atlas – $1000. Lithuanian Biodiversity, Linas Balciauskas. Data from all three Baltic countries need to be gathered and integrated in the construction of the Baltic Mammalia Atlas, done to European Union standards. This international project is a new venture, coordinated by previous Mini-Grant recipients. (WWF-International Leadership Training Grant).

Research Camp in Klaipeda – $1000. Young Geologists, Aurelija Auguniene and Migle Stancikaite An ecologically sensitive area was chosen for a summer camp for geology students. They investigated conditions and reported back to their schools and communities. (WWF-International Leadership Training Grant).

Revitalization of Entomological Resort of Dukstyna – $500. Lithuanian Entomological Society, Povilas Ivinskis. This group worked to clear an ecologically sensitive habitat in Ukmerge District, to encourage the survival of numerous rare species of butterflies and insects. Matching funds: $90 (Geography Institute).

Nature is My Home – $304. Young Naturalists’ Club, Siauliai, Rimanta Vainoriene. Creating and maintaining a water-plant aquarium involved students of all ages, and generated interest in ecology and nature preservation. “From young days children should feel natural environment they live in and care about it. And then the hands will not reach to break, destroy, and burn…”

Clean-up Parks in City Vilnius (Stage Two) – $427. Dianetics Center, Sergey Abramenkov. This group continued its urban park clean-up activities, with the support and appreciation of the local park rangers, who do not have the funds or personnel to carry out this work themselves. Matching funds: $200 (Municipal Forestry Unit).

Ecology and Work Camp in Tytuvenai – $332. Jaunatis Club, Virg. Zurbenkiene. Participants will clean up the river Nuomupis, the surroundings of Riomeriai estate (a tourist attraction) and lake Gaustvinis. They will also use the ten-kilometer nature trail which the club built the previous year, to learn about the flora and fauna of the Tytuvenai region.

Martynas Jankus Park-Garden – $500. Concerned Citizens, Eugenius Skipitis. This group organized in 1998 to preserve the memory of Martynas Jankus, whose publication of a Lithuanian language newsletter in the nineteenth century revitalized Lithuanian language and culture. The grant enabled them to replant a park-garden near the historic publishing building. Their goals include educational and cultural programs for local citizens, schoolchildren and tourists.

Environmental Trail, Panevezys – $452. Center for Young Naturalists, V. Raubiene. Every year the 3.9 hectare park is visited by over 7,000 tourists from the city and surrounding areas. Making an environmental trail serves educational needs and also is a start of maintaining this unique park and making it into an educational and recreational area.

Trash Containers for Rest Areas of Taurage Forest – $500. Club of Forest Friends, Taurage, Birute Bastiene. Agriculture school students built trash containers, painted them red to prevent theft, and placed them in rest areas of Taurage Forest and Jura River. They arranged for the Municipality to collect the trash regularly. Matching funds: $25 (Forestry Unit and Regional Park Administration).

Lithuanian Projects
Year Six
1998 – 1999

Biodiversity of Birzai – $1000. NGO Biodiversity – Laima Balciauskiene. A booklet with color photographs, maps and charts now provides information on the plant, mammal, amphibian, bird and insect life of 15 different areas of Birzai district, including several dozen endangered species. Through a press conference, town anniversary celebration, municipal officials and libraries, this booklet was widely distributed. It should raise public awareness and support for habitat preservation. Matching funds: $1950 (Birzai Municipality).

Oak Forests of Sakiai – $890. Club of Young Geographers, Zita Subaciene. To maintain the Lithuanian Revival Oak Forest, which had been previously planted, then neglected. After public attention was focused through this NGO’s actions, the Municipality gave a promise that from now on they will take care of the oak forest.

Clean-up of the Parks of City Vilnius – $670. Center of Dianetics, Sergey Abramenkov. Six clean-up actions in urban parks collected and bagged trash, and planted some new trees. This group worked closely with the forest rangers during these weekends. Matching funds: $100 (Municipal Forestry Unit).

Ornamental Woody Plants in Kairenai Park – $1000. NGO Blooming Oasis, Andrius Skidaila. To develop the park to attract more visitors, this project planted 120 ornamental trees and bushes, built new terraces, paths and bridges over the river-bed. Members of a local Scout group joined as their first volunteer project. In kind support provided by the Vilnius University Botanical Garden and Lithuanian Railways Company.

Ornithological Research – Hatching Birds Atlas – $293. Peledziukas, Laima Jonusaite. This grant enabled the group to purchase two binoculars for bird-watching as part of their participation in the Lithuanian Hatching Birds Atlas. It also supported student participation in an international camp in Latvia. Matching funds: $90 (Department of Education and Sports).

Oak Grove in Silute – $950. Young Friends of the Forests, Kazys Patiejunas. This action brought together many different organizations in the town of Silute, as170 young people from nine towns planted 800 red oaks and 200 regular oaks on the grounds of the Central Hospital. Matching funds: $2059 (Municipality, Forestry and Park Units, Central Hospital, and local businesses).

Entomologial Preserve of Gerdasiai (near border with Belarus) – $930. Society of Entomologists of Lithuania, Povilas Ivinskis. Scientists and volunteers worked to clear and preserve a dry meadow habitat for rare insects and butterflies; this involved encouraging the plant species that the butterflies rely on. They documented an increase in the cocoon count in the following season. Most of this grant was used to purchase equipment, which will be used in other preserves throughout Lithuania. Matching funds: $629 (Department of Environment).

Cleaning the Park of Pasesupis in Marijampole – $990. Club of Healthy Living Prana, Maryte Ceikauskiene. Seventeen members of the Club cleaned the grounds of the River Sesupe, built benches and established a public beach area. This project received local and national press and TV coverage. Matching funds: $993, Municipality of Marijampole.

Waste Management in Dorm – $375. Students at Kaunas University organized a pilot recycling project in one dorm. They used a variety of approaches to encourage participation: posters, collection bins, and meetings with university students and officials. Matching funds: $20 (Kaunas Muncipality).

Lithuanian Projects
Year Five
(1997-1998)

Daugeliai Pineforest – $361. Peledziukas, Laima Jonusaite. Development of the Pineforest Park included organizing a clean-up action, fencing in all anthills, planting saplings, and publicizing the results of water quality studies in local newspapers. “Little Owl” is a students’ club with 17 members. Matching funds: $30(Lithuanian Youth Environmental Center); in-kind support from local Municipality.

Ecological Education (Stage Three) – $995. LGM, Laima Galkute. Continuation of the “Stream” project, collecting data for the Lithuanian Air Pollution Map, and integrating Agenda 21 programs into the schools. Two meetings and six expeditions developed the Set of the Practical Exercises.

Herbs and Bee-Keeping Camp – $1000. Bastet, Ona Motiejunaite. At the Bee Museum in the National Park of Aukstaitija, this camp introduced bee-keeping traditions and mythology, taught students about plant diversity and herb use, and trained students to investigate and evaluate levels of pollution which could threaten the bees and plants. Matching funds: $1324 (Lithuanian Fund for Nature).

Nemunelis River Research – $975. Environmentalists Group, Idalija Gasiuniene. Identification of river bank bird species, developing a Lithuanian Nesting Birds Atlas, researching river bank plants, water quality research, and water celebration for Earth Day were carried out. Matching funds: $80 (Municipality, School).

Energy Conservation Exposition – $1000. Atgaja, Linas Vainius. Builders and residents learned about techniques to conserve energy, reduce pollution, and save money. This outreach program in Kaunas drew over 1,000 visitors. Matching funding: $2375 (local businesses).

Roses in Kairenai Park (Second Stage) – $818. Oasis in Blossom, Irena Noreikiene. Volunteers added 18 species of roses and built garden benches for visitors. Students from the M.K.Ciurlionis Art Gymnasium participated in the work, and also received instruction on flower growing and drawing.

Pollution of the Vilnele river (Second Stage) – $1000. Gyvybes ziedas (Ring of life), Birute Sudziene. Part of this grant was used for buying a microscope to investigate the microbiology of the river, in addition to the on-going chemical monitoring. This group continues its cooperation with Vilnius Municipality to use this information to reduce pollution. Matching funds: $755 (Vilnius Municipality).

Lithuanian Projects
Year Four
(1996-1997)

Bicycle Around Silute Region ’96 – $158. Littoral Society of Nature Protection, Sarunas Stancikas. Twenty-five cyclists from Silute participated in a 160 km bicycle tour along the Nemunas River, including meetings with local authorities on forest and delta protection issues. Matching funds: $125 (local sources).

“Clean Water” – $1000. Green Newspaper, Dalia Siaulytiene. This exercise book developing children’s nature-watching skills was printed and distributed to 7500 children in Lithuanian schools and education centers.

Field Research in Vilkija – $988. Environmental Group of Vilkija, Arunas Snieckus. Working with the local Museum of Ethnic Culture, a pilot program of environmental field studies taught students how to identify ecological problems and to evaluate ecosystem conditions.

Dovainiai Peat Bog Remediation (Phase Three) – $870. Lithuanian Ornithological Society, Gintaras Matiukas. In this last stage of the technical work, environmentalists and scientists raised the level of water in spring time (to improve bird incubation conditions), and built additional observation areas. Matching funds: $130 (Virtual Foundation).

Monitoring of Pollution in Vilnia River – $1100. Gyvybes Ziedas (Ring of Life), Birute Sudziene. Students used water monitoring equipment to investigate pollution from industrial and sewage system sources. They presented the results to Vilnius Municipal officials, who were most concerned about the finding of heavy metals, which called attention to certain factories. The outcome included factory inspections, and requests that this group continue their monitoring effort.

Coordinating Ecological Education (Stage Two) – $995. Lithuanian Green Movement – Laima Galkute. This year’s expanded Environmental Education activities explained the sustainable development curriculum for schools, and included an international workshop showing how real-life student projects can use local problems and community resources as their educational base.

Nature Science and Environmental Education in Upyte, Panevezio raj. – $550. Ekoklubas, Vicentas Lamanauskas. A conference brought together three active NGOs, scientists and educators to increase their cooperation. Matching funds: $875 (Environmental Protection Ministry; local school).

Habitat Investigation and Endangered Species Protection in Varena Region – $896. Tulzys, Vidmantas Balkunas. Students identified and organized protection of an endangered species habitat. They also worked to increase local awareness and knowledge of protection issues. In-kind support from Lithuanian Fund for Nature and Local Forestry Department.

Oak Forest Planting (Stage Four) – $700. Oak Care Community, Vitalis Stepulis This year’s volunteers planted over 500 new trees and 300 shrubs, in addition to developing the area around the pond.

Roses in Kairenai Park – $994. “Oasis in Blossom”, Irena Noreikiene. The aim of this project was to create the most beautiful rose plantation in the Vilnius area, and to open it for public visits. Planting was organized by Botanical Garden members, with volunteers from the surrounding community.

Lithuanian Projects
Year Three
(1995-1996)

Bike Tour ’95, “Save the Baltic” – $1000. Lithuanian Green Movement (Kaunas), Linas Vainius. Bicycle tours promote bicycles as a clean and healthy means of transportation, and attact public attention to local problems. This year’s bicycle tour focused on the pollution of the Baltic Sea, and on the role of waste water discharge and farm pollution runoff. Information gathered was publicized to a diverse audience including governmental officians and the largest Lithuanian dairy farm. Matching funds: $2350 (seven enterprises and organizations co-sponsored this bike tour).

Oak Forest Planting (Third Stage) – $998. Oak Care Community, Vitalis Stepulis. This year’s actions involved pruning over 400 oaks, planting 200 spruce saplings and over 250 saplings of other species of trees and shrubs. Matching funding: $375 (Ministry of Culture; Vilnius Municipality).

Activity Exercise Book, “Town and Tree” – $1000. Green Newspaper, Kestutis Siaulytis.This project designed, printed and distributed exercise books for developing children’s nature watching skills. Matching funding: $750 (Environment Protection Ministry; BCG Firm).

Materials for Lithuanian Ecological Education (Stage One) – $985. Atgaya, Laima Galkute. This project took nation-wide organizing for Lithuanian environmental education to a new level. Two actions involved water quality research by students and teachers. Seminars in different regions of Lithuania examined topics such as Chernobyl disaster commemoration, cultural and natural heritage preservation through parks, and involving local authorities in ecological education. Matching funds: $425 (Lithuanian Government).

Lutute Nature Magazine for Children – $1000. Society of Lithuanian Ornithologists, Romualdas Barauskas. This illustrated magazine for children was developed completely by volunteers, with all grant money supporting its printing. Matching funding: $450 (REC).

Green Atlas – Lithuanian Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles – $950. Lithuanian Biodiversity, Linas Balciauskas. Local respondents from all of Lithuania contributed data which were mapped and published in this first-ever atlas of Lithuanian wildlife. Detailed descriptions of Red Book (endangered) species and findings on their habitats are prominently featured.

Ecological Agriculture Seminars for Farmers – $550. Gaja Organic and Biological Agriculture Community, Antanas Svirskis Ten seminars explaining and promoting ecological agriculture were presented to 730 Lithuanian agriculture specialists and farmers. Moderators from the Lithuanian Agricultural Institute contributed their expertise.

Under Umbrella Camp – $1000. Club Zvejone, Klaipeda, Antanas Kontautas. This nature camp introduced schoolchildren to coastal protection activities, including water monitoring. Matching funding: $3350 (Coalition Clean Baltic Air Pollution Project; Klaipeda Municipality).

Lithuanian Projects
Year Two
(1994 – 1995)

Stream (Phase Two) – $743. Atgaya, Laima Galkute A group of school students (ages 12 – 16) carried out an intensive study of Streva stream, using Hach water testing equipment. A series of lecture materials and guidelines for teachers were based on this experience, one of the most successful early practical science and environmental education projects in Lithuania.

“Nature’s Tale” Art Contest (Stage Two) – $750. Green Newspaper, K. Siulytis. Last year’s success helped to attract significant funding to expand it for this year’s event. Matching funding: $3600 (Artists organizations and private sources).

Environmental Education Workshop – $700. Gaja, K. Navickas. Lithuanian farmers attended a three day workshop on environmentally sound agricultural techniques, with materials prepared by professors of Kaunas Agricultural Academy. Land is being privatized, and many of the farmers lack knowledge of ecologically appropriate methods. Matching funds: $260 (Kaunas Agricultural Academy).

Dovainiai Peat Bog Remediation (Stage Two) – $750. Lithuanian Ornithological Society, Gintaras Matiukas. Creation of islands and their biotopes will aid in the propagation of native plant species and nesting areas for rare birds. Matching funds: $2050 (Environment Protection Ministry, National Park).

Ecotour of Dubysa River – $634. Aukuras, D. Ramancionis. This river in the Siauliai region is badly polluted, both from urban and agricultural sources. Use of water monitoring equipment can document the damage done, and provide evidence to encourage city authorities to build a waste water treatment plant. Matching funds: $75.

Saltupis Stream Clean-up –$480. Selos Ramuva, G. Gruzdas. Saltupis is a historic stream, sacred to Lithuanian pagans in medieval times. The goal of this project was to attract volunteers to join in cleaning the shores of trash, and to increase public participation in such community activities.

Energy Efficiency Exposition – $750. EOTIC, Linas Vainius. This project stated a campaign of promoting energy efficiency, saving, and the use of renewable sources of energy. An exhibition, booklet, seminars and videos presented this information to an audience that included officials, specialists, and the general public. Matching funds: $550 (private businesses).

Environmental Agricultural Seminar – $750. Zvejone Club, R. Povilanskas. The Nemunas Delta Regional Park is a key part of an extremely sensitive and important ecosystem, where the Nemunas river flows into the bay. The wetlands are threatened by agricultural pollution; specific information about ecological farming methods is badly needed. Experts from Sweden and Holland presented their experiences. Matching funds: $250 (European Union for Coastal Conservation).

Information Booklets about Lithuanian Green Movement – $750. Green Lithuania, D. Karlonaite. Publishing booklets in English as well as Lithuanian provided this information to an international audience, thus encouraging cooperation across political and linguistic borders.

“Emys orbicularis” – $700. “Emys”, E. Snieskus. This project involved protection of the wetlands habitat and egg-laying areas of the pond turtle, an endangered species in Lithuania. A public information program was also created.

Oak Forest Planting (Second Stage) – $750. Oak Care Community, Vitalis Stepulis. This year, over 400 trees were planted, including those which naturally accompany oaks. Volunteers also cared for last year’s trees, and built a fence to protect the young oaks from animals. Matching funds: $350.

Protected Area Information Handbook – $730. NPS, V. Vilutis. The printing and distribution of this handbook filled an important need of visitors and dwellers in protected areas, for clear and accurate information about the laws and reasons for them. Matching funds: $145.

Lithuanian Projects
Year One
(1993-1994)

Lithuanian Green Movement Seminars – $500. LGM Council, Rimas Braziulis. Strategic planning focused on energy sector-related problems, Baltic Sea pollution, and effective organizing for environmental goals.

Sirve Lake Shore Clean-Up – $455. Aukuras Club, Vladas Kalvelis. Volunteers camped in the Kurtuvenai Regional National Park and worked for three days to clean up the waste left by the departing Soviet army, whose summer camp was on the shore of Sirve Lake.

“Nature’s Tale” – $475. The Green Newspaper, Dalia Siaulytiene. An ecological poster competition for children, followed by an exhibit and published catalogue, achieved widespread public involvement and mass media coverage.

Vilnius Mountain Park Streams’ Clean-Up Number One – $475. Lietuvos Jaunimo Ramuva Club, Darius Ramancionis & Vilnius Mountain Park Streams’ Clean-Up Number Two – $420. Lieutovos Jaunimo Ramuva Club, Mantas Lapinskas. Two hundred volunteers participated in clean-ups of waste and water quality tests on the two separate streams of Vilnius Mountain Park, in the center of the city. Authorized by the Environment Protection Agency of Vilnius, the work was organized by the NGO.

Marvele Stream Ecosystem Evaluation – $468. Atgaja (Kaunas), Laima Galkute. Using a Hach kit for water quality monitoring, 80 schoolchildren located pollutants, and discussed the problems with officials from the Regional Environmental Protection agency and with elected representatives of the Kaunas municipal government. The experience was shared with 36 teachers from around the country.

Regional Park Seminar – $492. Aukuras Club, Rimvydas Tamulaitis. This seminar brought together members of environmental NGOs, scientists, politicians and Environment Protection Agency officials. The topic was developing and preserving a system of regional parks.

Information for Citizens About Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant – $500. Energy and Air Pollution Information Center, Linas Vainius. The object was to increase public awareness about the problems of Soviet-built Chernobyl-type nuclear reactors and to discuss the future of nuclear power in Lithuania. Posters, press releases, newsletters, and bumper stickers were among the materials produced and distributed. Matching funding: $400 (EAPIC).

Alinka Lake Shore Clean-Up – $500. Gilmena Club, Romas Janauskas. The badly trashed lake shore near Elektrenai was cleaned; it had become an illegal landfill. Work was done by 300 volunteers and helped to draw public attention to the problem. Matching funding: $450 (Municipality).

Organization of Bicycle EcoTour ’94 – $500. Atgaja, K. Navickas. A bicycle tour around Lithuania publicized the natural beauty of different regions. Throughout the tour, participants organized public meetings about local problems and the importance of nature and cultural preservation. Matching funding: $300 (other NGOs).

Information Newsletter on Forestry Problems – $433. Skroblas Club; V. Turonis. The Forest Protection newsletter provides information and positive examples from international organizations, concerning forest management and paper recycling. As a result of this publication of their first two issues, Skroblas received support from the Taiga Rescue Network for next year’s issues.

Air Pollution Evaluation Using Moss as Bioindicators – $490. Rasa Club (in cooperation with Atgaja) J. Motiejuniene. This pilot project created a photographic bioindicator scale of mosses which grow under different conditions of air quality, and informative materials. After gathering information, the students were taught how to analyze it and display it as an air pollution map of the region.

Oak Forest Planting (Stage One) – $498. Oak Care Community, Vitalis Stepulis. Oak was the sacred tree in the old Lithuanian pagan religion, and people still have a lot of sentiments about them. The Oak Care Community first started re-planting 30 hectares of an ancient oak forest in 1992, but work had ceased for lack of money. The goal of this project was to finish the first stage of the planting and to replant dead trees. As famous personalities were invited to participate, the project received broad press and TV coverage.

Toxic Waste in Lithuania – $486. Skroblas, Vaidas Blazys. A brochure about toxic waste treatment in Lithuania and ways to improve this system was published. It included a legislative overview and examples from Western experience.

Dovainiai Peat Bog Remediation – $500. Lithuanian Ornithologists Society, Gintaras Matiukas. This project started the restoration of a 25 hectare peat bog in Western Lithuania which had been exploited for more than ten years. Some protected species of birds and plants have started to return, as a result.

Earth Day Celebration – $286. Atgaja, Saulius Piksrys. Events organized to commemorate Earth Day in Kaunas included tree plantings, forest clean-ups, kit competition, bicycle show and poster competition. Matching funding: $645 (various sources).

Environmental Art Photography Exhibition – $450. Zalioji Plunksna Artists, Writers and Musicians Group, A. Balbierius. The exhibit of environmental photography by professional artists from Lithuania, Norway and USA was visited by over 3,000 people and received widespread coverage in Lithuanian and English language news media. Matching funding: $410 (Lithuanian Art Photography Association).