A student from Häme University of Applied Sciences, Jonna Yli-Eerola, has started an invasive alien species survey in Janakkala and will be working in the municipality’s lands in Leppäkoski, Turenki and Tervakoski in the coming weeks. The field visits aim to determine the current presence of invasive alien species on lands owned by the municipality. The survey focuses especially on stands of Himalayan balsam: their locations plotted on maps and an estimate of stand density. The invasive alien species survey is part of Jonna’s thesis as a student of environmental planning.

– The survey work will begin with field visits; in addition, the work includes writing a report and producing the final maps, Jonna says.

As part of the survey work, the municipality will receive information not only on the locations of the stands but also on how best to eradicate Himalayan balsam in each location. Methods for invasive alien species control can include, for example, volunteer work, sheep and involving residents through the Crowdsorsa mobile application. In Janakkala, Crowdsorsa will be used in summer 2026 primarily to control Himalayan balsam and lupin.

From the website’s invasive alien species pages you can read more about what harmful invasive alien species are, for example.