Bregaglia, Graubünden
In the Bregaglia Project, volunteers actively contribute to maintaining stable protective forests, preserve the valuable cultural landscape, and support biodiversity initiatives. In this way, they help ensure that the unique landscape of the Bregaglia Valley and its natural heritage are preserved for future generations.
Forest and cultural landscape
The municipality of Bregaglia stretches from Maloja to Castasegna on the Italian border. The Bergell region impresses with its steep mountain slopes, unspoiled villages, and rich cultural history. Mountain forests provide protection against avalanches and rockfalls but are severely threatened by ungulates. The silver fir, in particular, is at risk of disappearing. Above the tree line, mountain meadows and hard-to-reach alpine pastures characterize the landscape. The Maloja area is home to raised bogs of national importance.
Idea and goals
The goal of the project is to establish and maintain stable protective forests that safeguard the mountain pass road and settlements. At the same time, the project aims to preserve valuable cultural landscapes that are ecologically, culturally, and economically significant.
Project partnerships: The Mountain Forest Project works in collaboration with the local forestry operation
What you can expect
The work is flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and may vary. The tasks are very diverse. They include, among other things, building wildlife fences, maintaining larch-pasture forests, constructing trails, clearing logging sites, tending young forests, and controlling invasive non-native plants.
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. Days start 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 accommodation, such as tidying up or doing the dishes.
Check out more photos from the project!
Organisatorisches
Group accommodation at Villa Pia in Vicosoprano, 1,060 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 items
- Sleeping bag, fitted sheet, pillowcase
- 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, 5:12 p.m. PostBus stop “Vicosoprano, Helvetia”
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.