Lithuania
The Forester
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In the 17th—18th centuries, when the forests which had flourished for centuries were felled, the Curonian Spit became a wasteland of drifting sand: 14 villages were buried under the sand in 80 years. Fearing that the sands might encroach on the port of Klaipéda, measures were taken during the 19th century to build a protective embankment, and to strengthen the dunes with wattle-work and peg fences, and by planting them with sand-loving grasses. In the end they planted birch, alder, and pine-trees. All Of these endeavours — started by Soren Biörn, father and son Kuwert, Ludwig Hagen, and others — are being carried on to this day; nearly 75% of the existing forests on the Curonian Spit have been planted. This sculpture is dedicated to the foresters who plant small trees here every year.
