Punkaharju has a long custom in backwoods research and administration. Escalated administration of the esker backwoods began as of now in the mid nineteenth century, when autocrat Alexander I of Russia paid an investigation visit to this piece of Finland in 1803.

At the point when the Finnish Forest Research Institute set up its first research ranges in 1924, one of them was situated in Punkaharju. A nursery garden was additionally established in the region yet it was shut down later. Directly after the examination range had been set up, research work began in Punkaharju with Professor Olli Heikinheimo's investigations in timberland hereditary qualities. Punkaharju was the focal point of backwoods hereditary qualities in Finland as of now in the 1920's.

The research forests are primarily situated in the districts of Punkaharju and Kerimäki, however to some degree additionally in Kitee. The exploration range aggregates 1 250 hectares arrive territory.

Geobotanically, Punkaharju has a place with eastern Finnish herb-rich region. The dirt in the examination timberlands is rich in supplements: 2/3 of the backwoods speak to mesic mineral soil woodland destinations or more fruitful timberland site sorts. The timberlands close to the exploration station in Laukansaari are mostly develop backwoods, however there are additionally broad sapling and youthful diminishing stands somewhere else in the examination territory.

The Punkaharju Unit is universally renowned for its exploration on timberland hereditary qualities, and functional uses of backwoods tree change techniques. Administration of fascinating tree species and uncommon trees is likewise learned at the examination unit.

The Punkaharju, which incorporate research and nature preservation regions, give guests an understanding into timberland research and its outcomes while in the meantime getting a charge out of the lovely lake perspectives and green forested scenes.

The exploration did at Punkaharju has throughout time grew altogether; it is presently diserse, current and exceptionally respected likewise globally. To total up, Punkaharju investigate station has for more than 70 years done global research encompassed by one of the Finnish national scenes.

The heads of the Research Station (Breeding Station):
Martti Ryynänen 1982 - 1985
Leena Ryynänen 1985 - 1989
Juhani Häggman 1989 -

The managers of the research area:
Emil Siira 1924 - 1952
Erkki Häyrynen 1952 - 1972
Antero Mikkola 1972 - 2002
Katriina Huttunen 2003 - 2007

Contacts

Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla)
Punkaharju Unit
Finlandiantie 18
FI-58450 PUNKAHARJU, FINLAND
Tel: +358 29 532 2111