"Teiči and Krustkalni" Nature Reserves

The visitors of these reserves are introduced with the values and protection of the Teichi and Krustkalni reserve (different biotopes, their meaning; actions of nature protection and management). In Teichi reserve visitors can acquaint with the massive of the Teichi bog, its development, morphology, processes of today, wildlife. Duration of the tour is up to 3 hours, the route length is 0,5 – 6 km. The main object to see in Krustkalni reserve is the Madona – Trepes wall with its characteristic processes of development, morphology, processes of today, wildlife. Duration of the tour is up to 2 hours, the route length - up to 1 km. Visitations. In the accountability of the Teichi nature reserve's administration are two specially protected nature territories – the Teichi and Krustkalni nature reserves. The aim of these reserves is to provide ecosystems` protection and natural development, to keep appropriate living conditions for the species, to study the processes in nature, accordingly to plan and realize managing activities. There is an opportunity for visitors with a guide to see these protected nature territories. Please make a reservation for your visit at least 3 days in advance of the intended visit. The visiting group cannot exceed 15 people. The reserve can only be visited under the supervision of an employee of the Administration of Teichi Nature Reserve. Excursion fees are – working days 3 Ls per hour, holidays 5 Ls per hour.

The Teichi nature reserve. In the East Latvian lowland in Jersika lowland is located one of the largest, little human affected moss mire in the Baltic – the Teichi mire tract. The diversity of biotopes, ingenuousness and the large space of the territory provides living conditions for typical, rare, protected and endangered species. The Teichi Nature Reserve together with the Pelechare mire is enrolled on the Ramsar Convention List of Wetlands of International Importance and the European network of protected areas “Natura 2000”. The total area of the reserve is 19 657 ha and the mire occupies an area more than 14 000 ha. The Teichi mire tract is surrounded by wet forests (reeds, marshland, wet soil) which protects the mire from the pollution and from water runoff, as well as provides habitat environment for many animal species. There are several peninsulas and islands of mineral soil on which there are meadows and forests. In the reserve are 18 lakes which occupy a territory in total of 450 ha. In the mire there are many marshes, pools in marsh. During thousands of years a 9 m thick flake of peat has piled up which together with waters in it provides the ambit peculiar hydrologic regime and the microclimate.

The Krustkalni nature reserve. It is located in the East Latvian lowland` s north western part. It has an area of 3000 ha. The reserve was founded in 1977 in order to reserve values of nature which are there – the species and biotopes of live organisms also the landscape values which mostly are connected with the Madonas – Trepes wall and its characteristic floor hillsides, deep hollows. The nature of the reserve describes the Prauliena billowy, Madonas – Trepes wall and Dūku – Svētes hollow which relative heights ranges from 164 m in the top of the bulwark to 94m in the hollows. In the margin of the Dreimani lake` s western coast there is the biggest channel rich in carbonates – the Krāki channel. In the Dūku – Svētes hallow are also Laudona freshwater lime` s lode. The water bodies occupy 70 ha of the reserve. The biggest lakes are Dreimani (Svete), Lielais Plencis (the big Boozer), Mazais Plencītis (the little Boozer). From the Dreimani lake flows out the Svētupe. From the channels forms the Niedruška (Niedrushka) and the Nirīte (Nirite). Big importance in the reserve is for the natural meadows which enlarges not only the biological diversity but also serves as feeding ground for many species of insects, birds and mammals.