Restoration of dry meadows and pastures in a landscape mosaic of national importance
The Dötra plateau: A natural jewel in Ticino
The Dötra plateau is a unique natural and landscape jewel in Ticino. The area between Olivone and the Lukmanier Pass is registered in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments (BLN). It is characterized by swamps, subalpine forests and species-rich dry meadows that provide a habitat for many rare animal and plant species. However, silvicultural measures have left behind large quantities of branches and wood that hinder grazing and damage sensitive dry meadow species.
Volunteering: Promoting biodiversity
In order to promote the development of species-rich dry meadows, Naturnetz organized a week of voluntary work with a female class from the Alpenquai Cantonal School (LU) and in collaboration with the Dötra Foundation. The students worked on three areas, collecting branches and litter and creating piles in the shade of larch and fir trees. Thanks to their motivation and skill, over three hectares of pastureland were cleared.
Education and Excursions: Nature and Astronomy
During the week, the students learned about the region's nature and its fragility thanks to presentations by Lara Bernasconi (Trifolium), Nicolas Sironi (Ornithological Institute), Andrea Guidotti (Nature Network) and Ismael Invernizzi (Nature Network). On Thursday evening, Leonardo Azzalini (FASV) led an astronomical excursion that provided insights into the nocturnal animals of the Dötra region.
Future: More volunteer weeks planned
Given the success of the project and the need to continue these activities, Naturenet will organize more volunteer weeks in Dötra in the coming years.