![\"Scenic](\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhWOlJz8JnCTYZuYnB0paLiOSQxyf0pxdm4L8kKMcr9j1cxkbtxC95AwVm6N44AHsUYirODVHaSqspdZPuCE-MAwD3Rkz4Sc0VUvt6EuxW4L5EQpEKw8WftgLl6eIC3fnoLlLyYV-yBnEDj2ZEMq-BL8euNGwxHXoteBXMSgjWVVAfmQa8-dvXwbeI2AQ\/s3905\/ylla%CC%88sja%CC%88rvi%20village%20first%20snow.jpg\")
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Nestled at the foot of Fell Yll\u00e4s in Finnish Lapland, Yll\u00e4sj\u00e4rvi is a small but vibrant village of about 400 inhabitants surrounded by lakes, marshlands, rivers and the Pallas-Yll\u00e4stunturi National Park. Read more about the village at Yll\u00e4sj\u00e4rvi webpage<\/a> (webpages maintained by one of our owners, Johanna).<\/p>\n Giving Back to Lapland<\/b>: Volunteering with North Wind Lapland in Yll\u00e4sj\u00e4rvi<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Our beautiful nature and local culture come with responsibilities. Clean lakes, healthy ecosystems, safe and well-maintained public spaces, and strong community ties are what make the village livable both for year-round residents and the many visitors who come. <\/p>\n As a social entrepreneur rooted in Yll\u00e4sj\u00e4rvi, North Wind Lapland takes on voluntary projects that preserve, restore, and build, generating both environmental benefit and social cohesion.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a closer look at one of the voluntary projects North Wind Lapland took part in last summer together with Yll\u00e4sj\u00e4rvi Village Association:<\/b><\/p>\n One of the most ambitious and important parts of our voluntary work at North Wind Lapland is the restoration of Yll\u00e4sj\u00e4rvi and its water catchment areas<\/b>. While most of our waters are still exceptionally pure \u2014 many lakes and streams are drinkable straight from nature \u2014 decades of human activity, settlement, and construction have altered some of the smaller streams and ditches that flow into Yll\u00e4sj\u00e4rvi. These changes have led to increased turbidity, humus loads, and sediment washing into the lake, slowly weakening its ecological state.<\/p>\n To address this, we have been working with environmental experts to map the Yll\u00e4sj\u00e4rvi catchment area and identify the streams and inflows most in need of restoration. Based on these surveys, we are implementing several nature-based water treatment solutions:<\/p>\n \u2022\t<\/span>Filtration and sedimentation ponds in inflow ditches: <\/b>We construct small ponds where water flowing into the lake can slow down. As the water rests, sediments and organic matter (humus) settle at the bottom rather than washing directly into the lake. This significantly improves the clarity and quality of water entering Yll\u00e4sj\u00e4rvi. In the summer 2026 we will construct a new filtration pond close to our safari office.<\/p>\n \u2022\t<\/span>Biological filter bundles: <\/b>In certain ditches, we install biological filter bundles made of natural materials, such as tied branches or brushwood. These bundles act like living filters, capturing particles, reducing humus levels, and supporting microbial processes that further clean the water before it reaches the lake.<\/p>\n \u2022\t<\/span>Targeted site restoration<\/b>: Not every ditch needs intervention. That\u2019s why we work with specialists to assess the entire catchment area, prioritize the most problematic inflows, and apply the right restoration method for each site. This makes our work both effective and sustainable.<\/p>\n \u2022\t<\/span>Conservation Fishing \/ Selective Harvest Fishing of Unwanted Species: <\/b>We carry out conservation fishings, that is, selective fishing to remove certain fish species (often low-value or \u201cnuisance\u201d species, in Yll\u00e4sj\u00e4rvi it means Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua) and Roach (Rutilus rutilus)) from the lake to improve the ecological balance. Removing species that disproportionately feed on plankton or compete with desirable fish helps reduce internal nutrient loading, supports healthier growth of aquatic plants, improves water clarity, and enhances the habitat for fish species valued by locals and anglers.<\/p>\n \u2022\t<\/span>Cutting \/ Harvesting of Aquatic Plants: <\/b>Overgrowth of aquatic plants can sometimes choke parts of lakes, hinder boating, swimming, or natural shoreline processes. By carefully trimming or cutting excess aquatic vegetation, we help maintain open water where needed, ensure healthy plant diversity, and keep the lake usable and beautiful.<\/p>\n
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