Klaipėdos universiteto Botanikos sodas – darnios ir sveikos aplinkos pavyzdys

Abstract

The Botanical Garden of Klaipeda University is situated in the northern part of the city of Klaipeda, in the valley of the Dane River. In general, the width of the area is 9.3 hectares. The Dane River was flowing through the last moraines strips by the Tauralaukis, so here was formed this expressive valley and its terraces. The former riverbeds survive on the grounds of the terrace. Springs erupt from some places, from which flow small streams. The slopes of the Raguva rise from twelve (12) to fifteen (15) metres above sea level. The Dane River channel, through the premises of the Botanical Garden, is very-winding. The length of the riverbed is more than two (2) kilometres; the width is approximately twenty (20) to forty (40) metres. This part of the river is suitable for adaption to water tourism. Here are some glorious views, and a wonderful view of the landscape. On the left side of the river have survived relicts of our ancestors (i.e., the Balts and the ancient peoples of Lithuania-Minor). There are the embankments of defence-works, the old cemetery, and the stone of "The Devil" (which is described in legends). This impressive stone: four (4) metres long, three and one-half metres (3.5) wide, and about fifty (50) tons in weight, is protected by the State as a national geological monument. Major activities of the Botanical garden are: conservation of biological diversity; scientific research, monitoring and information management; education; and public awareness. Since the establishment of the Botanical Garden in 1993, ornamental and other valuable plants are collected. These are exhibited in three (3) collections: dendrological, medicinal and spice plants, and herbaceous ornamental plants (perennial and annual flowers). There are more than three thousand (3,000) taxa in the living plant collections, and about two hundred (200) indigenous taxa on the total premises. Various exhibits, competitions, and celebrations, as well as consultations on plant growing, have become a very- significant part of the Botanical Garden program. At present, the Botanical Garden is used, not only for scientific research and for training purposes but also, to provide educational and recreational services. The architectural composition of buildings, the forms of expression, the planned structure, the materials, the scale, and the colouring: totality will be established according to the preparation of the entire complex, and its separate technical building projects. The planned technical project of the premises is prepared, together with its volumetric-spatial composition. "Green Auditorium Zones” are planned for the northern portion of the premises. For pedestrians and cyclists there will be a main pathway, which will be replaced according to the exposition and review of the collection. The embankment of the Dane River is also planned to be managed, with its structure to remain unchanged. Only in the zones for recreation are the embankments to be made stronger for visitors’ boats and water-taxis. Council terraces are planned to provide for landing-places for small maritime vessels. Observation points will be here, also. The new quality of the area and the geographical environment corresponds to the functional needs, standards, and matters of today’s premises. According to the ‘General Plan’ of the city of Klaipeda, the premises of the Botanical Garden are organically connected with the ‘green plantation system’ of the city of Klaipeda. The existing and future elements for nature are planned to be used as much as possible, not only for students, teaching, and scientific research but, for all of the visitors.