More than 2200 observations were made during the first Nature Observation Mini Marathon

This year, 26 schools in Estonia had their students make over 2200 nature observations, contributing to mapping local biodiversity. The observations from May 1st to June 7th are now available to the public and can be accessed on the eDiversity Data Portal.

The Nature Observation Mini Marathon is an amateur science initiative aimed at school children, inviting them to work with teachers and naturalists to record as many species of wildlife as possible in a limited time. The observations are entered using the PlutoF GO smart app, developed by the IT team at the University of Tartu Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden.

The mini marathon is part of nature education, where hands-on observations in nature teach about the biodiversity of the environment around the school and home. During the observations, they use the knowledge they have learned about nature, exchange experiences, and learn new things about nature and the work of naturalists. "For example, many students learned that in addition to the names of species in Estonian, the scientific Latin name of each species is also important," said Külli Kalamees-Pani, a member of the mini marathon's organising team.

The highest number of species, 255, was identified by the students of Tartu Jaan Poska Gymnasium, who carried out a mini-marathon of nature observation under the guidance of their teacher Lauri Mällo in Paljupõhja, Tartu County. They were followed by the students of Kohtla-Järve Gymnasium, who identified 122 species in Kohtla-Järve Forest Park with teacher Krista Piir. Students from Tallinn Secondary School number 32 spotted 120 species. They carried out observations in the Kopli Bay area under the supervision of Helen Orav-Kotta.

In the autumn, the most active participants are invited to a Seminar Day at the University of Tartu Natural History Museum, where students can share their mini-marathon experience with other participants. The Nature Observation Mini Marathon was held for the first time in 2024. It is an adapted version of the Nature Observation Marathon for educational institutions.

The nature marathon and mini marathon are organised by the University of Tartu Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden together with partners from all over Estonia. The observing marathons are supported by the Environmental Investment Centre.