
Karla (Voiviida) Lake
Karla Lake, also known as Viveiida, is located southeast of Larissa, near the northern slopes of Pelion, at the borders of the prefectures of Larissa and Magnesia. It dried out in 1962, because at that time it caused flooding around farmland, while some marshy areas around it caused the strong presence of insects. During excavation work, significant archaeological finds (including jewelry, vases, coins, kilns, building remains, pipes, graves) came to light. The Ministry of Culture decided to preserve and transform the place into a visiting archaeological site, a section of prehistoric settlement of 3.5 acres, dating from the end of the Neolithic Age.
However, it was found that the impact on the ecosystem of the area was greater than the benefit of its desiccation. In December 2010, the «reborn» of Lake Karla started with the pumping of water from the Pinios River. The project contributed, among other things, to flood protection, irrigation of 100,000 acres, to boost the water supply of the city of Volos with 15 million cubic meters of water per year - 50% of the city's needs, partial restoration of the microclimate of the area and restoration of flora and fauna.
Today Carla is one of the most important wetlands of our country, as it hosts many species of birds among them, endangered birds such as, the silver pigeon and the kestrel. In the new Lake Carla live 181 bird species and 14 species of fish: Carpini, Tsironi, Potamokeefalos, Sarka of Thessaly, Thessologovios etc. It is the proof that the ecosystem of the area has been reborn. The lake level is monitored electronically and the irrigation network constructed is used when the lake level allows it.