The meeting was held on 22 January 2015. As usual, the students did not disappoint, 58 people came (the room "was bursting at the seams"). Even before entering, each of the comers received as a gift the publication entitled "Biodiversity is also US" and the game - pick-up sticks (of course to play with their  grandchildren).

We received those materials from the Foundation "Earth and People" for participation in the project, which is aimed at raising awareness about the importance (both for us and for future generations) to preserve the diversity of species on our Planet. In addition, each University participating in the project is obliged to take part in the action: "Social Observer of Nature".

Our Group will do so in collaboration with the Local Teaching Centre of Adam Mickiewicz University in Pila under the supervision of Dr Owsianny.

The topic of the lecture: "Let’s halt the invasion. Invasive alien plant species in Pila " was perfectly suited to what we intend to do together in the spring and summer.

Dr Owsianny in a very interesting and suggestive manner (using an umbrella of Maria Andrzejewska as a prop) discussed the issue.

It turns out that the biological invasions of alien species are currently regarded as one of the biggest threats to the nature on global scale.

This problem also concerns our closest environment because on our fields as well as gardens the plants have emerged that broke out of control and become invasive species. An example of such species is Japanese knotweed - a plant that grows to a height of 3m and its root system can reach up to 6 m into the ground. It reproduces from the seeds and rhizomes, so its eradication in such a situation, is almost impossible. Other invasive species are, for example: solidago canadensis, Impatiens glandulifera (honey plant), Egyptian gypsophila. This problem also appears among animals, an example is the American crayfish that almost completely replaced our native crayfish.

For better understanding, it should be added that not every alien species is an invasive species. Examples include: among the plants - chestnut trees and among the fish- carps. Up to this day they are treated as native species although they have been imported into Poland.

Even after his lecture, Dr Owsianny still talked with students who shared their insights and experiences on the theme tackled.

So, we are again a little wiser and prepared for the project. Its aim will be to show: where and in what quantities the invasive species are present in Pila, how they transform the environment, how they affect other species and how to fight against them.

Many thanks to the EcoAnimator, Ms Joanna Grabowska for the information.

Photo report on the website at the address: http://www.utw.pila.pl/aktualnosci/pokaz/408;-powstrzymajmy-inwazje-obce-inwazyjne-gatunki-roslin-w-pile/