Volunteer snowdrift days in Oravi
A Low-Snow Winter Increases the Need for Artificial Snowdrifts for Saimaa ringed seals on Lake Saimaa
The early winter has brought little snow, and it currently appears that clearing artificial snowdrifts will be especially important this winter to safeguard the breeding of the Saimaa ringed seal.
The Saimaa ringed seal builds its hide as a snow cave dug into a shoreline snowdrift, where the female gives birth to and nurses her pup in February–March. The hides provides essential protection from cold, predators, and disturbance for both the mother and the pup. Due to climate change, low-snow winters have become more common, making natural nest-building increasingly difficult. For this reason, humans help the seals by creating artificial snowdrifts.
Artificial Snowdrift Work Is Strictly Regulated
Creating artificial snowdrifts is a permit-based activity. Permits are granted by the ELY Centre, and the work is coordinated by Metsähallitus. Metsähallitus defines the areas and locations where artificial snowdrifts may be built, with the aim of guiding seal nesting to safe and undisturbed areas.
The activity is carefully planned, and snowdrifts must not be created independently. All participants are required to follow permit conditions and Metsähallitus’ guidelines.
Voluntary Work in Oravi
We have agreed with Metsähallitus to take responsibility for a specific area in Oravi, where artificial snowdrifts will be created through volunteer work. The volunteer activities in Oravi are coordinated by entrepreneur and biologist Marie Louise Fant.
The goal is to complete the artificial snowdrifts by the end of January, but if necessary, work may continue into early February depending on weather conditions.
Join the Artificial Snowdrift Volunteer Days
We will organize artificial snowdrift volunteer days on:
- January 24 2026
- January 31 2026
Additional dates may be arranged if weather conditions require it. If forecasts predict a prolonged mild period, schedules may need to be adjusted.
Participants in the volunteer work will receive two nights for the price of one at Oravi Apartments Hotel, with free access to the lakeside sauna and ice swimming for those staying at the hotel.
If you are interested in joining the artificial snowdrift volunteer work, please contact us by email as soon as possible. We will get in touch with further details. Contact us!
Together, we can help the Saimaa ringed seal survive💙