Haslen, Canton of Glarus
In the Haslen project, volunteers are working to stabilize the protective forest in the Kärpf wildlife reserve and preserve valuable habitats. Through reforestation efforts, the maintenance of wildlife fences, and targeted management measures, they are helping to preserve a diverse, resilient forest that protects settlements and infrastructure from natural hazards.
Forest and cultural landscape
The village of Haslen is located in the Grosstal valley in the canton of Glarus, surrounded by the striking peaks of this mountainous region. As in many places in the Alps, the forest was once heavily used and overexploited. Following the introduction of the Forest Police Act of 1876, large-scale reforestation took place on the Schwanderberg. As a result, today’s forests are uniform and vulnerable to storm and beetle damage. In particular, Storm Vivian (1990) and the subsequent bark beetle infestation caused lasting damage to the stands. The affected areas are located in the Kärpf Wildlife Reserve, the oldest and largest in Switzerland. The high wildlife population poses special challenges for sustainable forest management.
Idea and goals
The goal of the project is to establish and ensure the long-term stability of a diverse, resilient protective forest. In collaboration with the local forestry office, the Mountain Forest Project promotes sustainable forest development through targeted maintenance and reforestation efforts. A key focus is on measures to prevent wildlife damage, ensuring that young trees can successfully regenerate despite high wildlife density and that the forest can continue to fulfill its protective function in the long term.
Project partnerships: The project is being implemented in collaboration with the local forestry office and the Canton of Glarus.
What you can expect
The work is flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and may vary. Key tasks include maintaining the protective forest, building and maintaining trails, mowing and maintaining wildlife fences, and maintaining grazing areas. All work is carried out under the guidance of experienced project and group leaders.
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 accommodation, such as tidying up or doing the dishes.
Check out more photos from the project!
Organisatorisches
Skihaus Stäfa, group lodge at 850 meters above sea level
- Dormitory
- Shower/toilet
- Running hot water
- Electricity throughout the house
- Camping available
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: You must arrive with a backpack (all luggage must be carried to the accommodation well-packed in a backpack).
- 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.
Special requirements: The hut can only be reached by a 10-minute walk with luggage along a hiking trail.
For environmental reasons, please use public transportation or carpool to the event—parking is not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 5:14 p.m.; PostBus stop “Haslen GL, Tannenberg”
From the meeting point, it is a 10-minute walk to the accommodation with luggage.
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.