Between dense forests, ancient villages and wild streams lies a little-known natural paradise: the lower Misox, near Verdabbio.

The area is home to structurally rich floodplain remnants, extensively used meadows, hedges, dry sites, and wetlands – a refuge for many endangered species such as tree frogs, grey wagtails, and rare butterflies. However, changes in land use are also noticeable here: meadows are becoming overgrown with scrub, hedges are becoming matted, and invasive plant species such as the Canadian goldenrod and Japanese knotweed are displacing the native flora. This results in the loss of valuable structures and, with them, numerous ecological niches. As part of this effort, teams of volunteers are taking on specific conservation tasks: they are removing neophytes and maintaining protected alluvial forests along streams.

A commitment with great leverage – and a direct contribution to the preservation of biodiversity in the Misox.