Matt GL
Through the Matt Project, volunteers in the Sernftal valley are working to protect protective forests and valuable habitats. They are actively contributing to a stable, resilient protective forest that safeguards the roads and homes in the valley from rockfalls, avalanches, and flooding, thereby ensuring safe living conditions in the mountain valley.
Forest and cultural landscape
Matt is located in the Sernftal valley in the canton of Glarus, nestled between steep mountain slopes. Historically, agriculture, livestock trading, and slate quarrying have shaped the region. The forest above the villages protects against rockfalls, stabilizes the slopes, and prevents avalanches from starting. At the same time, it acts like a sponge, reducing the risk of flooding. This natural wealth and the landscape structure are under threat.
Idea and goals
The Mountain Forest Project collaborates with the forestry department of the municipality of Glarus South to preserve protective forests and valuable biotopes. In particular, the monotonous spruce forests are selectively thinned and maintained. This creates the necessary light and space for young trees and other tree species. The goal is to ensure the forest’s protective function in the long term and to promote biodiversity.
Project partnerships: In collaboration with the local forestry department and the Canton of Glarus, long-term management measures for protective forests and biotopes are being implemented.
What you can expect
The work will be flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and may vary. The focus is on maintaining the protective forest. Wildlife protection measures will be implemented, particularly through the construction of fences. The young forest will be tended, and walking trails will be created to ensure the forest is accessible. 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
Simple forest cabin at 1,420 meters above sea level
- Dormitory
- Toilet / Wash at the spring
- Running cold water
- No electricity
- 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 and sleeping pad, fitted sheet, pillow (if desired)
- Luggage: We recommend traveling with 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.
For environmental reasons, please use public transportation or carpool to the event—parking is not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 4:46 p.m., PostBus stop “Matt, Dorf”
From the meeting point, we’ll head 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.