Paolina Zanatta

Favorite tree: Weeping willow

Special forest moment: Back when we used to go barbecue in the woods with the whole family on Sundays

Hobbies: Climbing, jogging, road cycling

Occupation: MPA/Communication student

Paolina participated in a Bergwaldprojekt this winter in Trin GR. During her week in the forest, she took the opportunity to try something new, work outdoors, and strengthen her connection to nature. In this interview, she talks about her motivation and the memories she’s taken away from the experience.

How did you get involved with the Bergwaldprojekt?

A friend of mine had participated in the Bergwaldprojekt herself and told me about it. Because of that, I’d had the project on my mind for a while and knew that I’d like to try it one day. Then I happened to be on vacation and wasn’t quite sure what to do, since nobody I knew had time. At the same time, I really wanted to do something in nature, so the Bergwaldprojekt seemed like a great opportunity: being outdoors, getting involved, learning something, and doing physical work.

Was there anything that felt unfamiliar or difficult for you at first?

Yes, especially the physical work outdoors was new to me. I used to work—and still do, to some extent—as a medical assistant, and I’m currently a student. That’s why I had little experience with gardening or forestry work. It was all new to me, but I could definitely see myself working outdoors, at least part-time, later on.

Is there a moment that really stuck with you?

The moment when we cut down a tree for the first time was particularly memorable. It was impressive to see the force with which the tree fell to the ground. And the fact that we did it all by hand. That made me think about how people used to work without machines.

How did you find working with the other participants?

Very positive. We were a great group with a diverse mix of people from different generations. We were able to learn a lot from one another and benefit from each other’s experiences. The atmosphere was pleasant, and working together was a lot of fun.

Is there anything you learned during the project that you now apply in your daily life?

On the one hand, how to work in the forest and use various tools. On the other hand, I learned a lot about the mountain forest—for example, about its protective functions and different tree species. I gained a lot of insight because I had almost no prior knowledge in this area. Since then, I’ve become more confident in my ability to work outdoors, for example, in the garden. Overall, I’ve gained more confidence that I can handle this kind of work well.

Did your time in the forest change your attitude toward nature?

I’ve always enjoyed being in nature and have lived in a very environmentally conscious way. Through the project, I’ve gained a better understanding of how much work goes into maintaining a healthy forest. This insight has truly strengthened my connection to nature and its resources. I pay more attention to details, such as tree species. At the same time, the forest is still a place for me to find peace and let my thoughts wander.

You signed up for another project in Val Verzasca…

Yes, exactly—I’ve made it a little tradition of mine to join a Bergwaldprojekt right after my exams. Since I grew up in Ticino, I thought it would be exciting to experience this region from a different perspective, so I signed up for the Verzasca TI project.