Val Müstair GR
In the Val Müstair project, volunteers experience first-hand how important it is to preserve species-rich dry pastures and conservation forests. They actively help with conservation work, grazing projects and the protection of unique habitats. In this way, they make a direct contribution to preserving the natural diversity and cultural landscape of this special region.
Forest and cultural landscape
The remote Val Müstair behind the Ofen Pass is a unique cultural landscape and important natural oasis. The entire valley has been protected by the Biosfera Val Müstair Nature Park for over ten years. The region is characterized by a mosaic of meadows, pastures, forests and rocks. Protective forests above the villages hold back falling rocks, stabilize soils and prevent avalanches. The south-facing dry pastures between Müstair and Sta. Maria are particularly valuable: almost 20% of European butterfly species live on just 2 km². This unique diversity makes Val Müstair a biodiversity hotspot.
Idea and goals
The Val Müstair faces the challenge of preventing its species-rich dry pastures from becoming overgrown. Less agricultural use has led to an increase in woody plants and bracken, which are changing the open landscape. The aim is to maintain these unique habitats in a targeted manner: by removing woody plants, keeping them open and promoting sustainable grazing with cattle, sheep and goats.
Project partnerships: The Bergwaldprojekt supports the Biosfera Nature Park, local farmers and the local forestry service in keeping the landscape open.
What you can expect
The work is flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and can vary. The focus of the work in the Val Müstair project is on keeping this valuable dry site open and on important infrastructure measures such as building fences and laying water pipes. All work is carried out under the guidance of experienced project and group leaders.
We start on Sunday with an introduction to the Bergwaldprojekt and the week's schedule. The days start early: breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m. and then the work begins. One highlight is the weekly forestry excursion in the surrounding area. In addition to forestry work, volunteers also take on simple household tasks in the accommodation, such as tidying up or washing up.
Discover more photos from the project!
Organisatorisches
Chasa Balcun Tort at 1700 m above sea level.
- Multi-bed room
- Shower/WC
- Warm running water
- Electricity throughout the house
- Camping not possible
Breakfast & dinner at the accommodation, Lunch in the forest
- Full value
- regional
- saisonal
- organic
- little meat (vegetarian alternative available)
- Feste, high mountain boots (above ankle) with treaded sole (two pairs recommended)
- Work clothes, work gloves
- Rain jacket, Rain pants (gaiters recommended)
- Warm clothes (we are in the mountains)
- Shoes
- Stirn- oder Taschenlampe
- Sonnenschutz (Sonnencrème, Sunglasses, headgear)
- Daypack, pocket knife, Drinking bottle (thermos flask recommended)
- Hand/shower towel
- Personal items
- Schlafsack
- Gepäckstück: Arrival with suitcase or bag possible
- Good physical condition and sure-footedness. The work may take place on steep terrain.
- Punctual arrival at the meeting point. Late arrival or early departure is not possible.
- The instructions of the project staff must be followed.
- Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
- Photographs will be taken during the project week and may be published in our publications. Please contact the project management if you do not agree to this
For ecological reasons, please travel by public transport or in carpools - parking spaces are not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 17:15 Postbus stop "Tschierv, Biosfera"
The accommodation is located in the immediate vicinity of the meeting point.
Departure: Saturday, 11:00 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 info@bergwaldprojekt.ch.
In case of emergencies, we can be contacted on the day of arrival. The relevant telephone number will be posted in the project information in your profile shortly before the start of the project.