www.ermesambiente.it/parchi Life in the Protected Areas The hill The Po Delta The low mountains and hills are like a rich mosaic of environments and landscapes that contain a good share The Po Delta is the the most extensive system of wetlands in Italy, of regional biodiversity: hardwood forests, meadows, shrubs and cultivated fields; rocky cliffs, gullies and gypsum where you can still feel the atmosphere of the great lonely spaces and sa-

outcrops. vour the slow pace of the relationship between man and nature that has

14 nature reserves nature 14

and and The High Apennines This is the part of the regional territory where the relationship between human activities and nature is most intense helped shape an area in constant evolution.

17 parks 17 Discover it in in it Discover and where there is an important and well-known historical patrimony, made of archaeological sites, castles, The regional park protects the southern sector of today’s deltaic area, while The Apennines represent the backbone of the region, topped by Mount churches, monasteries, medieval villages and stately homes. There are also remains that bear witness to minor the rest of it falls within the Venetian regional park of the same name. Cimone (2165 m) in Modena. These mountain environments consist of aspects of life in the past: small stone villages, chestnuts dryers, mills and majesty. Sand-banks, reed beds, coastal lagoons, pine forests, flooded forests, brack- As of today, the Protected Nature Areas established in Emilia- blueberry heaths, meadows and pastures, vast hardwood and coniferous There are several protected areas that have been established since the ‘80s in the hills in order to protect both the ish valleys and freshwater wetlands form a natural heritage of European Romagna consist of: 2 national parks, 1 interregional park, 14 trees forests, lakes and peat-bogs. The wolf and the Golden Eagle are the best preserved and the most endangered regional particularities. importance. regional parks and 14 nature reserves. Together with sites of the emblem species of these territories, whose return was certainly encour- First is the Parco regionale dei Boschi di Carrega in the Parma area, which hosts the splendid “Casino dei Boschi”, The other invaluable wealth of the delta is represented by its wonderful Natura 2000 Network they represent a true system of protected aged by the abundance of prey, especially ungulates. There is no lack of originally a summer resort and hunting lodge. The most recently formed park is the Parco regionale del Trebbia in monuments, such as the Este Castle of Mesola, the Romanesque Abbey of natural heritage which extends over nearly 300,000 hectares, other rare species such as the Snow Vole, a small mammal that is a true the foothills and plains of the Piacenza area. Pomposa, the Etruscan Necropolis of Spina, the lagoon city of Comacchio equivalent to about 13% of the regional surface area. relic of the Ice Age, the Fire Salamander, the Alpine Newt, the Apennine It protects the final stretch of the Trebbia River up to its confluence with the Po River. Monte Sole, in the Bologna and the Basilica of St. Apollinaris in Classe with its famous mosaics. Stream Frog, the European Common Frog among the amphibians, and area, is the region’s only history park. It combines a natural environment of great value with the keeping of evidence PIACENZA rare butterflies such as the Parnassius apollo and the Parnassius mne- National parks Sillara lakes of the massacres of 1944. The Abbey of Pomposa mosyne. There are cultural remnants as well: ancient villages, churches and These are areas with ecosystems, biological communities, geo- Just outside Bologna, you may discover the Parco regionale dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa, with morphological and geological formations whose scientific, aes- hermitages bear witness to the history of this territory, once densely popu- FERRARA its spectacular karst landscape made of sinkholes, blind valleys and caves. With its large number of birds (which include very rare species of great natu- lated and intensely PARMAused. The High Apennines territory is almost entirely ralistic relevance) the Parco Delta del Po stands among the most important thetic, cultural, educational and recreational value is of national LOMBARDIA VENETO and European importance. Two national parks are located in protected by national and regional parks as well as by sites belonging to European birdwatching sites. REGGIO PIEMONTE Emilia-Romagna: that of Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona the Natura 2000 Network. EMILIA Valbona The most remarkable sightings can be accomplished in spring and autumn, MODENA di Berceto e Campigna and that of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano. Both EMILIA - ROMAGNA at the peaks of migration. LIGURIA parks also extend into Tuscan territory. Langhirano The Kentish Plover, the Little Tern and the Oystercatcher nest in undis- Valbona di Berceto Parco regionale BOLOGNA turbed spots along the coast. The brackish marshes are important nesting Regional parks Valli del Cedra e del Parma TOSCANA MARCHE areas for the Spoonbill, the Sandwich Tern, the Mediterranean Gull and the These are territorial systems which are managed in a unified way in RAVENNALa Verna Castelnovo ne’ Monti Passo Great Egret. Next to fresh water pools one can spot large “garzaie” (places order to conserve and rehabilitate natural, scientific, historical, cul- della Cisa tural and landscape features that are of particular interest within the UMBRIA where herons nest in colonies). There, Little Egrets, Night Herons, Squacco Pavullo Parco regionale Passo Passo Borgo region, and in order to promote sustainable economic activities. del Cerreto Montefiorino nel Frignano Vena del Gesso Romagnola Tossignano Herons, Purple Herons and cormorants breed. The Po Delta also hosts true di Lagastrello Vergato Regional parks are established by regional law and are man- Parco nazionale Appennino Tosco-Emiliano Monghidoro Castel Brisighella international rarities such as the only colony of Pygmy Cormorants in West- Passo del Rio aged by a consortium of Municipalities, Provinces and Moun- delle Radici Castiglioni ern Europe, the only breeding pairs of Lesser crested Terns in the entire con- Ponte dei Pepoli FORLÌ tain Communities. della Venturina Passo della Raticosa tinent, and one of the very few European colonies of flamingos. Abetone Parco regionale The Mesola Castle Marradi Rocca S. Casciano CESENA Alto Appennino Modenese RIMINI Nature reserves Parco regionale Corno alle Scale Parco regionale These are areas of limited size. They are classified as general, if Laghi Suviana e Brasimone I. P. they protect the complexity and the functional mutual relation Passo between the natural environment of a territory and its historical del Muraglione Passo and cultural resources. They are classified as special if they pur- della Calla Bagno di Romagna Passo Published by sue the preservation of characteristic and peculiar features of dei Mandrioli Parco nazionale geological, geomorphological, botanical, zoological and forest Foreste Casentinesi, particular interest. The management of the reserves is entrusted Monte Falterona e Campigna to the Provinces. La Verna Regione Emilia-Romagna Along the ridge runs the “Alta via dei Parchi”, View of the Parco storico di Monte Sole Assessorato Ambiente e Sviluppo sostenibile Natura 2000 Network a picturesque itinerary between Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and Liguria Servizio Parchi e Risorse forestali This is the system of European areas for the conservation of which crosses 2 national parks and 5 regional parks, making it possible to enjoy an area of great natural, scenic Via dei Mille 21 - 40121 Bologna biodiversity and the protection of a range of habitats, animal and historic interest. From Berceto, in the Parma area, to La Verna, in Tuscany, the “Alta via dei Parchi” is a journey Bike lane of the parks tel. 051 5276080 - fax 051 5276957 and plant species that are rare and endangered in the European of over 450 km composed of 29 stages. The route, which can be traveled on existing trails, is connected to the Thanks to the regional railways you can reach the main entrances to parks [email protected] Community territory. Following the Community “Habitats” and ancient pilgrims’ roads. A regional project, aimed at reorganizing the trail signage and restoring accomodation and and nature reserves by train, bringing a bicycle along. Both easy and chal- www.ermesambiente.it/parchi “Birds” Directives, in Emilia-Romagna 134 Sites of Community parking facilities, will be inaugurated in spring 2011. lenging bike routes, which wind through charming rural landscapes, de- Importance (SCI) have been designated for the protection of part from those entry points. Editors habitats and species and 81 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) to Taking bike paths, dirt paths, gravel forest tracks or long and straight em- Enzo Valbonesi, Monica Palazzini and Maria Vittoria Biondi protect rare birdlife. In our region 50% of the sites that belong Birdwatchers in action Spoonbill bankments covered by grass is a sustainable and pleasant way to spend to the Natura 2000 Network, coincide with parks and nature re- Contributors serves that have already been established. Snow and nature the day. One can stop occasionally to observe flying birds, explore the his- Servizio Geologico, Sismico e dei Suoli and A. Lizzani The mountain parks of Emilia-Romagna organize tours that combine sports toric buildings along the way, or to taste delicious culinary delights at with respect for nature. In addition to traditional downhill skiing you can restaurants or trattorias. Birdwatching practice ski touring and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh ex- Two cyclists at the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi Iconographic references Birdwatching fans ought to not miss the International Po Delta Birdwatching Fair, which cursions, or simply observe nature in a calm and friendly atmosphere. Photographs by takes place every year between late April and early May in Comacchio. On this occasion a A. Samaritani, A.L. Cuccarini, B.M. Rizzoli, E. Razzetti, Environmental education number of different activities are organized: photo workshops, photography and nature L. Callegari, F. Ferretti, F. Liverani, F. Rossetti, I. Fabbri, Protected areas are open-air laboratories, useful in enriching children’s documentary competitions, shows and guided tours of the most outstanding areas in the M. Bonora, M. Marchetti, M. Palazzini, M.V. Biondi, and teenagers’ education. Every year, protected areas offer a very wide Parco Delta del Po. V. Arbali, V. Rossi, W. Vivarelli, C.V. Saline Cervia, and diversified range of educational activities which attract tens of thou- Archivio Parco Stirone, Archivio Parco Boschi Carrega sands of students, from kindergarten to high school. They participate into guided tours and other in-depth activities, in search of a direct and The park can be visited by several different means of transporta- Drawings by Tiziana Gironi engaging relationship with nature and the territory. tion: on foot, bringing along binoculars to use in the cabins and in the This is especially true for schools located in municipalities of the pro- birdlife observation towers located at various strategic points; by bike, Translation by tected area. For them, parks and reserves are the usual work background riding along the many marked cycle routes; on a horse, departing from Silvia Rambaldi and Russell Bekins for field, classroom and laboratory activities. Educational programmes in- horse-back riding centers; by canoe, gliding along the many navigable clude activities that last a few hours, workshops and guided tours, but canals; on a motorboat, either by booking a boat trip to Comacchio that Project also - when the students are spending “green weeks” with full immer- departs from the ports of Goro, Gorino and Porto Garibaldi and navigates sion in nature - activities that take several consecutive days. toward the silent mouth of the Po River, or by leaving from Casal Borsetti, Golden Eagle Snowshoeing Cedar in the garden of the “Casino dei Boschi” Porto Corsini and Cervia for excursions along the coast. Excursion on an electric boat www.wedoadv.it paper ecological on Printed

SCI Pietra Perduca and church of St. Anna (Piacenza) NATIONAL PARKS Province Biodiversity The geology Surface (ha) Parco nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano LU - MS - RE A unique heritage A great geodiversity 1 DELTA DEL PO tel. 0522 890111 / 890001 - [email protected] - www.parcoappennino.it 22.724 Not to be missed Parco nazionale Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna AR - FI - FC The park protects the most extensive system of wetlands in Italy 2 tel. 0575 50301 - [email protected] (Pratovecchio) and is among the largest natural havens in Europe for vast 36.837 numbers of nesting, migratory and wintering waterfowl. tel. 0543 971375 - [email protected] (Santa Sofia) - www.parcoforestecasentinesi.it The area’s rich natural and artistic heritage includes the splendid Taro Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna, the Trepponti of Comacchio Province INTERREGIONAL PARK Surface (ha) The park extends for about twenty and an expanse of blooming water lilies in Campotto. km along the valley of the Taro, Parco interregionale Sasso Simone e Simoncello PU - RN SALSE DI NIRANO A group of flamingos in flight 3 one of the main migration routes for tel. 0722 770073 - [email protected] 12.000 A wide basin contains numerous birds, between the Po Valley and the mud cones, which lend a lunar VENA DEL GESSO Tyrrhenian Sea. Birds are therefore Province aspect to the landscape and attract ROMAGNOLA REGIONAL PARKS Surface (ha) the item of greatest interest and visitors from all over Europe. They attraction of the protected area. are called “salse” and they are an The park protects the gypsum ridge Parco regionale fluviale del Trebbia Piacenza that arises on the first hills between 4 The historic heritage of the area is important geological phenome- tel. URP 0523 795346 / 795444 - [email protected] - www2.provincia.pc.it/partecipa/parcotrebbia 4.049 also very important. It is linked to non which originates from deposits Imola and Faenza. The Messinian gypsums create a complex karstic Parco fluviale regionale dello Stirone Piacenza the Via Francigena and the Court of mainly gaseous hydrocarbons. 5 of Giarola, the magnificent forti- Coming to the surface, they soften system with dolines, sinkholes, blind tel. 0524 574418 - [email protected] - www.parcostirone.it 2.380 valleys, deep chasms and caves of fied rural complex that houses the the clay and give rise to typical cone great spelaeological and archaeological Parco fluviale regionale del Taro Parma headquarters of the park. A view of the gravel bed of the Taro formations. 6 value (such as the “Tana del Re Tiberio” tel. 0521 802688 - [email protected] - www.parcotaro.it 3.074 Biodiversity, that is the variety of plant and animal species Emilia-Romagna’s long and fascinating history of geologi- A mud cone and the “Tanaccia”). The wide variety of on the planet, is in danger everywhere. As a consequence, cal and geomorphological change is evident in the com- environments is a valuable refuge for Parco regionale dei Boschi di Carrega Parma F iu rare animals and plants. 7 the valuable “services” that nature provides humankind - posite mosaic of rocky outcrops, landforms, karst systems, me tel. 0521 836026 - [email protected] - www.parchi.parma.it 2.660 P in terms of air, water and soil quality, as well as beauty - are springs and phenomena such as the “salse”. PIACENZA o Myotis myotis Parco regionale delle Valli del Cedra e del Parma (Parco dei Cento Laghi) Parma 8 at risk. That is why the European Union requires the states Protected areas are important elements of the regional Parco regionale F o tel. 0521 880363 - [email protected] (Corniglio) - www.parchi.parma.it 9.236 4 ium e P to halt the loss of biodiversity, engaging themselves in the geological heritage and the most outstanding examples Trebbia Riserva naturale Parco regionale dei Sassi di Roccamalatina Modena very difficult challenge of safeguarding it and fighting the are recognized as geosites. Parco regionale 20 Parma Morta Riserva naturale 28 9 tel. 059 795721 - [email protected] 2.300 pressure exerted by human activities. Emilia-Romagna has Exemplary in this regard is the Riserva naturale geologica Stirone FERRARA Dune Fossili 5 Riserva di Massenzatica more than 2,700 plant species, over 350 vertebrate ani- PARMA Parco regionale Alto Appennino Modenese (Parco del Frignano) Modena del Piacenziano established to protect the cliffs, gullies Riserva naturale 10 mals and 71 habitats of European interest, spread over naturale 18 Parco Parco and outcrops that record the Piacenzian geological age. Fontanili di 16 tel. 0536 72134 - [email protected] - www.parcofrignano.it 15.352 Piacenziano regionale 6 Corte Valle Re regionale a territory that goes from the Apennine ridge to the vari- Along the Secchia valley there are significant Triassic Delta del Po Taro 21 Parco regionale dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa Bologna egated hill landscape, up to the wetlands of the Po delta. gypsum outcrops, whereas important ophiolites mark REGGIO 11 Parco regionale EMILIA tel. 051 6254811 - [email protected] 4.802 It’s a unique and extraordinary patrimony, due to the re- many places in the Emilian Apennines. 7 Boschi di Carrega MODENA Riserva Parco regionale Abbazia di Monteveglio Bologna gion’s peculiar geographical location: a true border area of The gypsum sequences in the Bologna and the Romagna naturale 23 16 12 Riserva 19 16 Parco tel. 051 6701044 - [email protected] - www.parcoabbazia.it 882 transition from the continental biogeographic zone - cool area - protected by two regional parks - document in an naturale Riserva Cassa di regionale and moist - to the Mediterranean - hot and dry. exemplary way a geological event considered unique in Monte Prinzera 22 naturale Espansione Delta del Po Parco storico regionale di Monte Sole Bologna Stirone Rupe di del Fiume Secchia BOLOGNA 13 the history of the planet: the “salinity crisis” which occurred Campotrera tel. 051 932525 - [email protected] - www.parcostoricomontesole.it 6.250 Protected areas, together with the Natura 2000 Net- Starting from Fidenza, the park covers about 14 30 Riserva during the Messinian age. The landforms along the plain Parco regionale Riserva 24 work sites are the main instruments in a strategy for bio- km along the valley of the Stirone, the stream 8 naturale Parco regionale naturale Parco regionale Corno alle Scale Bologna Valli del Cedra Parco regionale Alfonsine 14 and the coast as well are places where the intriguing sto- Salse di Nirano 12 Gessi Bolognesi RAVENNA diversity. that starts in the Parma Apennines and reaches e del Parma Abbazia di 11 tel. 0534 51761 - [email protected] 4.681 ries of geomorphological and human history intertwine. the plain, flowing into the Taro river.Fossils are the e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa Parco regionale Monteveglio Parco Parco regionale dei Laghi Suviana e Brasimone Bologna priceless treasure of the park: the richest vein is lo- Sassi di 9 16 regionale 15 cated between San Nicomede and Laurano, where Roccamalatina 27 Riserva 26 Riserva Delta del Po tel. 0534 46712 - [email protected] 3.718 the Stirone river flows in adeep canyon carved in naturale naturale 1 Parco storico Bosco della Parco regionale Delta del Po Ferrara clay dating back to the Pliocene Epoch. Riserva regionale 13 Contrafforte 16 The flora The fauna Parco nazionale naturale 25 Pliocenico Frattona tel. 0533 314003 - [email protected] - www.parcodeltapo.it 53.914 Canyon carved by the Stirone stream Appennino Tosco-Emiliano Sassoguidano Monte Sole Many exclusive species Many protected species 17 Parco regionale Vena del Gesso Romagnola Ravenna Parco regionale FORLÌ 17 Vena del Gesso Romagnola CESENA tel. 0546 81066 (sede operativa) - [email protected] - www.venadelgesso.org 6.064 10 29 Riserva Province 14 naturale Parco regionale NATURE RESERVES Surface (ha) Alto Appennino Modenese 15 Bosco di RIMINI Parco Parco regionale Scardavilla Riserva naturale geologica Piacenziano Piacenza regionale Laghi Suviana 18 Corno alle Scale e Brasimone tel. URP Provincia Piacenza 0523 795346 / 795444 - [email protected] 313 Riserva naturale orientata Monte Prinzera Parma 19 tel. 0525 30195 - [email protected] 309 Riserva CORNO 31 Riserva naturale orientata Parma Morta Parma naturale 20 Appennino ALLE SCALE 2 Onferno tel. 0521 669706 - parmamorta@comune.mezzani.pr.it 65 Parco nazionale Tosco-Emiliano The massif of the Corno alle 3 Riserva naturale orientata Fontanili di Corte Valle Re Reggio Emilia Scale, the highest peak in Foreste Casentinesi, 21 Monte Falterona e Campigna tel. 0522 677907 - [email protected] - www.riservavallere.it 37 This mountain range extends between Emil- the Bolognese Apennines Parco interregionale Riserva naturale Rupe di Campotrera Reggio Emilia ia and Tuscany with imposing massifs, that (nearly two thousand me- 22 reach up to 2,000 m. From the tops one can tres tall) is marked up to the Sasso Simone e Simoncello tel. 0522 248413 - riservacampotrera@comune.canossa.re.it 27 enjoy fantastic views of peaks meadows, summit by a succession of Riserva naturale orientata Cassa di Espansione del Fiume Secchia Reggio Emilia blueberry heaths, beechwoods and conifer sandstone layers (hence its 23 forests. Along the river Secchia, one can see name “Scale”, “Stairs”). tel. 0522 627902 - [email protected] - www.parcosecchia.it 255 Emilia-Romagna’s flora plays a key role in the national In Emilia-Romagna, there are over 200 animal species of Triassic gypsum outcrops. Solitary valleys, small ONFERNO Riserva naturale Salse di Nirano Modena panorama both in terms of quantity and quality. European interest, including 80 birds. In particular, the spe- The unmistakable outline of the Bismantova villages that emerge from 24 Quantity, because it includes one out of two of the 7,634 cies at risk of extinction currently reported in the region are: Stone, mentioned by Dante, also stands out. the forest, sanctuaries and The reserve, about thirty kilom- tel. 0536 921214 - [email protected] - 0536 833276 - [email protected] 209 Mount Prado species and subspecies that constitute the Italian vascular The sturgeon, an extremely rare fish, linked to clear waters; wonderful waterfalls are eters from Rimini, protects a Riserva naturale orientata Sassoguidano Modena 25 flora. Quality, because it includes endemic species, relict The Rosalia alpina, a beetle of the family Cerambycidae arrayed fanlike at the foot of small karstic complex. tel. 0536 29974 / 347 1969163 - [email protected] - www.riservasassoguidano.it 280 the mountain. that lives in some well-preserved beechwoods on the Corno alle Scale The most outstanding element species and some unique features. is the cave, 700 meters long Riserva naturale orientata Bosco della Frattona Bologna High Apennines; 26 In Emilia-Romagna there are about thirty plants of Euro- and 70 deep, which houses the tel. 0542 602183 - [email protected] - www.comune.imola.bo.it/boscofrattona 16 pean interest, considered absolute rarities. They include The beetle Osmoderma eremita and the butterfly largest bat colony in the re- Euplagia quadripunctaria, that live in hills and plains Riserva naturale Contrafforte Pliocenico Bologna lichens, algae and mosses. gion, with six different species. 27 There are two species whose value is a priority. The Primu- environments; FORESTE CASENTINESI, Uniform conical protuberances tel. 051 6598477 - [email protected] 757 The sea turtle Caretta caretta, elusive beach-goer in - the so called mamelons - la apennina, also known as “the Apennine bear’s ear”, can Riserva naturale orientata Dune Fossili di Massenzatica Ferrara some parts of the Ferrara and Ravenna coastline; Monte falterona e campigna protrude from the Sala Quarina’s 28 be found only in the cracks of some of the Emilian Ap- ceiling: they are among the tel. 0533 790159 - [email protected] 44 The toad Pelobates fuscus, that can be found only in the The Casentino Forests, composed of the Lama, Campigna and ennines’ rocks. The Salicornia veneta, a pioneer plant of biggest and most beautiful in Parco Delta del Po; Badia Prataglia Forests, are among the oldest in Europe. Riserva naturale orientata Bosco di Scardavilla Forlì-Cesena salty mud, can be found only in a few spots in the Po del- Europe. Cave: sala Quarina 29 The wolf, elusive and mobile predator, spotted in the They hold an immense patrimony of biodiversity and include tel. 0543 499411 - [email protected] - www.comune.meldola.fo.it/areenaturali/museoecologia.html 29 ta. The regional government, through the Regional Law area that goes from the Apennine ridge to the hills. the first pristine natural reserve established in Italy: the gorgeous Riserva naturale speciale Alfonsine Ravenna number 2 of 1977, has already issued specific regulations In recent years, thanks to extensive studies, we are witness- Riserva Naturale Integrale di Sasso Fratino. 30 to safeguard the most valuable and rare species of native The Acquacheta waterfall, seventy metres tall, is emblematic of tel. 0544 869808 - [email protected] 13 ing the discovery of new species in the regional fauna: first the natural resources of the national park. regional flora. the Black Woodpecker and then the wild cat were found Acquacheta waterfall Riserva naturale orientata Onferno Rimini 31 in the Parco nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi. tel. 0541 984694 - [email protected] - www.grottedionferno.it 274