Avers GR
In the Avers project, volunteers engage in nature-based work in a unique high-mountain landscape. They actively contribute to the maintenance of open pasture forests, alpine meadows, and tree monuments worthy of protection. In this way, they help preserve the distinctive cultural landscape of the Avers and safeguard its impressive biodiversity for future generations.
Forest and cultural landscape
The high valley of Avers, in the heart of the Viamala region, is one of the highest valleys in Europe that is inhabited year-round. Shaped by centuries-old Walser cultural landscapes, open pastures alternate with sparse larch and Swiss stone pine forests. These forests provide valuable habitats rich in biodiversity and of great scenic value. Protective forests also shield the valley from avalanches. Impressive monumental trees have shaped the landscape for centuries. Due to structural changes in agriculture and climate change, many areas are becoming overgrown with scrub. Without targeted maintenance, the unique openness of the Avers cultural landscape is in danger of being lost.
Idea and goals
The goal of the Avers Project is to preserve the openness and biodiversity of the Avers cultural landscape and to protect its unique monumental trees. Through targeted maintenance work, the diversity of the pasture forests and alpine meadows is safeguarded—an active contribution to the preservation of a unique natural and cultural heritage.
Project partnerships: The work is carried out in collaboration with local farmers, with the involvement of the Forestry Service and the Office for Forests and Natural Hazards (AWN).
What you can expect
The work will be flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and may vary. The main tasks in the Avers project include thinning pasture forests, maintaining forest edges, and keeping alpine meadows open and free of shrubs. All work is carried out under the guidance of experienced project and group leaders.
We kick off on Sunday with an introduction to the Mountain Forest Project and the week’s schedule. Each day starts early: breakfast is at 6:30 a.m., followed by work. A highlight is the weekly forestry excursion in the surrounding area. In addition to forestry work, volunteers also take on simple household tasks at the lodging, such as tidying up or doing the dishes.
Check out more photos from the project!
Organisatorisches
Cozy, rustic vacation home at 1,600 meters above sea level
- Dormitory
- Shower/toilet
- Running hot water
- Electricity throughout the house
- Camping not permitted
Breakfast and dinner at the accommodation, lunch in the forest
- Whole-food
- regional
- seasonal
- organic
- Low meat content (vegetarian alternative available)
- Sturdy, high-top hiking boots (above the ankle) with a treaded sole (two pairs recommended)
- Work clothes, work gloves
- Rain jacket, rain pants (gaiters recommended)
- Warm clothing (we’ll be in the mountains)
- Slippers
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Daypack, pocket knife, water bottle (thermos recommended)
- Hand towel/shower towel
- Personal toiletries
- Bedding provided (no sleeping bag required),
- Luggage: Travel with a suitcase or bag is possible
- Good physical condition and sure-footedness. The work may take place on steep terrain.
- Please arrive at the meeting point on time. Late arrival or early departure is not permitted.
- Participants must follow the instructions of the project staff.
- Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
- Photos will be taken during the project week and may be published in our publications. Please contact the project leadership if you do not consent to this.
For environmental reasons, please use public transportation or carpool to the event—parking is not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 5:46 p.m., PostBus stop “Avers, Cröt”
The accommodation is located right next to the meeting point.
Departure: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. from the meeting point.
Registration is binding. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration immediately by calling +41 (0)81 650 40 40 or emailing info@bergwaldprojekt.ch. We will be available on
the day of arrival in case of emergencies. The relevant phone number will be posted in the project information section of your profile shortly before the project begins.