Grabs, St. Gallen
In the Grabs project in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley, volunteers are working to restore near-natural mixed forests. Through tree planting, young forest management, and protective measures, a climate-resilient forest is being created that can fulfill its protective role despite high pressure from wildlife, while also providing valuable habitat for rare animal and plant species.
Forest and cultural landscape
Grabs, located in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley, is surrounded by striking mountain ranges. Over the centuries, intensive forestry practices have transformed the forests of Grabs into unstable stands dominated by spruce. Storms such as Vivian (1990) and Lothar (1999) caused widespread forest damage. The resulting open areas offer ideal conditions for reintroducing natural tree species such as beech and fir. This return to natural diversity strengthens the forests’ indispensable protective function in the long term. A characteristic feature is the close interconnection of the forests with raised bogs of national importance, such as those around Lake Voralp, which provide habitat for rare species like the capercaillie. However, climate change and high game pressure hinder natural regeneration and require targeted management.
Idea and goals
The goal of the project is to develop stable, climate-resilient mixed forests that can fulfill their protective function over the long term. Weakened areas are stabilized through clearing, planting tree species suited to the site, and targeted young forest management. Fences and browsing protection shield young plants from heavy wildlife pressure.
Project partnerships: Since 2003, the Bergwaldprojekt has been supporting the Grabus Forestry Association in the management of protective forests and the conservation of raised bogs.
What you can expect
The work will be flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and may vary. The project focuses on young forest maintenance, clearing logging sites, planting, and building trails and fences. 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
Chalchofen Mountain Lodge, basic group accommodation at 1,183 meters above sea level
- Dormitory
- Restroom / Wash at the fountain
- Running cold water
- Limited solar power
- Camping allowed
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
- Luggage: Traveling with a backpack is recommended
- 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, 5:15 p.m., “Grabserberg, Lehn” bus stop
From the meeting point, directly to the accommodation in Bergwaldprojekt vehicles
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.