Free 11 May Sampola Lecture to Help Tampere Residents Fight Invasive Plants and Pests

A free public lecture on dealing with harmful invasive species will take place at Sampola Auditorium in Tampere on 11 May 2026, offering practical guidance for gardeners and residents.

The Adult Education Centre of the Tampere Region is organising the event as part of its Comprehensive Sustainability project. It aims to teach participants how to identify problematic plants and animals, choose safe eradication methods and decide where control measures are most effective.

Nature management expert Essi Kupari from the environmental association Villi vyöhyke will lead the session, covering topics from distinguishing Himalayan balsam from other balsam species to dealing with Spanish slugs and disposing of garden waste.

Attendees can bring photographs for a question-and-answer segment, learn about summer volunteer and excursion opportunities and sample recipes using Himalayan balsam. The lecture is free. No registration is required.

The event will be held in Finnish and will not be streamed. Sampola Auditorium is accessible by lift and offers designated seating for visitors with reduced mobility.

The Comprehensive Sustainability project is funded by the Finnish National Agency for Education until 30 June 2027. Enquiries can be sent to the Adult Education Centre at the email address listed in the event notice.