Bannwald Galgenen SZ
In the Galgenen project above Lake Zurich, volunteers are making an important contribution to the reforestation and maintenance of the Ober Bawald and surrounding protection forests. Through clearing, planting and young forest care, a stable, climate-resistant mixed forest is being created that offers long-term protection against natural hazards and strengthens the landscape ecologically.
Forest and cultural landscape
Galgenen in the canton of Schwyz lies at the foot of the foothills of the Alps on upper Lake Zurich, nestled between hills, steep slopes and extensive forests. These forests perform an important protective function against floods and debris flows. Historically protected as "Bannwälder", many areas were later used for forestry. Fast-growing spruce trees that were not native to the site were often planted in order to efficiently meet the demand for timber. This had a lasting impact on the stability of the forests. A hailstorm in 2021 damaged over 17 hectares of forest, injured the crowns of silver firs, beeches, sycamores and spruces and led to the death of many trees. The damage favors pest infestation and endangers the remaining forest. Large areas had to be forcibly felled. In addition, due to climate change, bark beetle damage continues to occur in the pure spruce stands outside the perimeter affected by the hailstorm.
Idea and goals
The aim of the project is to reforest the heavily damaged Ober Bawald forest above Galgenen and secure its protective function in the long term. It also supports the conversion of the surrounding pure spruce stands into climate-resistant mixed stands. Stable mixed forests are being created by clearing and planting site-appropriate, climate-resistant tree species. Young trees are protected from browsing by game with fences and other measures and are regularly pruned to ensure they grow up healthy. In addition, footpaths are created and maintained so that the areas remain easily accessible for maintenance work.
Project partnerships: The work is being carried out in collaboration with the local forestry service and the Galgenen cooperative.
What you can expect
The work is flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and can vary. The Galgenen project focuses on planting, young forest maintenance and the construction and maintenance of fences and paths. All work is carried out under the guidance of experienced project and group leaders.
The week starts on Sunday with an introduction to the Bergwaldprojekt and the course of the week. The days start early: breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m. and then the work begins. One highlight is the weekly forestry excursion in the surrounding area. In addition to forestry work, volunteers also take on simple household tasks in the accommodation, such as tidying up or washing up.
Discover more photos from the project!
Organisatorisches
Group accommodation HELAMU at 950 m above sea level.
- Matratzenlager
- Dusche/WC
- Warm running water
- Electricity throughout the house
- Camping not possible
breakfast & dinner at the accommodation, lunch in the forest
- Full-value
- regional
- seasonal
- biological
- less meat (vegetarian alternative available)
- Feste, high mountain boots (above ankle) with treaded sole (two pairs recommended)
- Work clothes, work gloves
- Rain jacket, Rain pants (gaiters recommended)
- Warm clothes (we are in the mountains)
- Shoes
- Stirn- oder Taschenlampe
- Sonnenschutz (Sonnencrème, Sunglasses, headgear)
- Daypack, pocket knife, Water bottle (thermos bottle recommended)
- Hand/shower towel
- Personal items
- Schlafsack
- Gepäckstück: Arrival with suitcase or bag possible
- Good physical condition and sure-footedness. The work may take place on steep terrain.
- Punctual arrival at the meeting point. Late arrival or early departure is not possible.
- The instructions of the project staff must be followed.
- Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
- Photographs will be taken during the project week and may be published in our publications. Please contact the project management if you do not agree to this
For ecological reasons, please travel by public transport or in carpools - parking spaces are not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 16:48, "Siebnen-Wangen" train station
From the meeting point directly to the accommodation with mountain forest project vehicles
Departure: Saturday, 11:00 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 info@bergwaldprojekt.ch.
In case of emergencies, we can be contacted on the day of arrival. The relevant telephone number will be posted in the project information in your profile shortly before the start of the project.