Estonian nature protection 100: Bird eggs and Estonian nature protection
Ken Kalling dug in the archives and found that nature protection at the island of Saaremaa began years before the datum that we consider as the beginning of official nature protection history in Estonia. It appears that the municipality of Kuressaare took the Linnulaht Bay under protection already in early 1900ies to prevent people from pillaging bird nests. Bird eggs formed a very important part of the diet of coastal people, especially, but the nests of forest birds were wiped out often as well. The article describes the history of the Linnulaht Bay protected area and sheds some new insights into the history of Estonian traditional nature protection.

Richard Maack and his origin
Mati Laane explains the origin and actions of the famous biologist and explorer, Richard Maack, born on the island of Saaremaa, on his 185th birthday. In 1850ies he participated in several expeditions in the Far East and collected at least 700 species of plants, many of which are currently popular bedding and park plants. The article also lists plants which have been named by or after Maack.

Richard Maack and his role in the Russian imperial expansion
Indrek Jääts recollects Maack’s expedition to Amur and the basin of the Ussuri River: these areas became parts of the Russian Empire soon after Maack’s expeditions. The article sums of the colonial history of the Far East, starting from the first expeditions of Russians in the 17th century. Up to the middle of 19th century the areas belonged to China. After the first scientific expeditions to Amur and Ussuri River, the areas were soon affiliated into the Russian Empire.

The seals of Saimaa and their club
Veikko Kilkki introduces Finnish fresh water seals and their protection

The gravel-pits of Miti ruin the natural landscapes of the Otepää Upland
Valjo Masso, Jaan Masso, Anu Masso and Märt Masso complain about the influence of existent gravel-pits and warn against the expansion of new ones. The article is commented and explained by the specialists of the Environmental board.

Estonian Nature enquires
Marko Kaasik tries to predict the upcoming winter weather.

Protected areas: Sõmeri Natura site
Murel Merivee and Hannes Pehlak describe the Natura site created to protect the coastal nature of the Pärnu County. The area of 360 ha does not comprise any specific nature values, but forms an important part of the protectional entirety with its neighboring protected areas. The aim of the Natura site is to protect coastal meadows of different size.

Interview: Magazine „Estonian Nature“ helps to learn about Estonian nature
Helen Alumäe has interviewd Taavi Pae, a geographer.

About the origin of the word ’puisniit’ (wooded meadow)
Taavi Pae takes a glance at the origin of the well-known and much used word ’puisniit’ (wooded meadow). It is not an old Estonian word, but was a made-up word for scientific usage, translated directly from the German language, probably in 1920ies.

Good pictures of Estonian nature or Vikipedia: HELP
Ivo Kruusamägi sums up the Vikipedia photographic competition. First and foremost the article is illustrated with the beautiful pictures of Estonian nature.

A distant and costly exotic nut
Urmas Kokassaar recommends Macadamia nuts. The trees grow in Australia. The main value of the nuts lies in the high oil content – up to 80% of the kernel mass.

The first Estonian geopark is located in North-West Estonia
Hella Kink introduces the first geopark of the Baltic States, founded half a year ago and extending from Noarootsi to Suurupi. The supplemented map shows the protected areas, natural, cultural and historical monuments of the quite large area. The most important monument of the park is the North-Estonian Klint.

Stone fences – cultural heritage and habitat
Riho Marja and Jaanus Elts explain how stone fences increase biological diversity. In Estonia there is a financial measure in use to support those intending to restore or build fences. Yet, the length of restored stone fences is still only 1% of what it used to be.

Endel Varep back in school in Pärnu
Elle Linkrus recalls the teacher of geographers − professor Endel Varep − on his 95th birthday.

Dissertation: Estonians drink glacier water
Valle Raidla explains the origin of our ground water.

Mycologist Valter Pärtelpoeg 100
Kuulo Kalamees introduces the professor of human anatomy, who was also one of the best specialists of Estonian mushrooms.

Thinking of Heino Tooming
Ain Kallis takes a look at the scientific legacy of the biologist and climatologist Heino Tooming.