Valle Maggia: Someo-Lodano-Maggia-Someo

Vallemaggia is the valley with the largest surface area in the whole Locarno region. The waters of various rivers and streams coming from lateral and upper valleys merge into the Maggia River, creating one of the largest and most vital river ecosystems in Europe. In these particularly dynamic environments, you can come across species such as brook trout, grayling, and chub, as well as small invertebrates belonging to the caddisfly family (provided they do not become prey to the dipper). Pools and ponds are breeding grounds for toads, frogs, and dragonflies, including the scarce chaser dragonfly. Among the pebbles, the dice snake, a fish-hunting snake, sometimes perches. Along the riverbanks, plant species such as Dodonaeus' pink, alpine tamarisk, and crack willow find space. In less frequently flooded areas, carpets of moss and sea buckthorn shrubs grow. The blue-winged grasshopper also frequents these zones, where it perfectly camouflages itself. In areas less influenced by floods, white alder, willow, and poplar grow (in wetter zones), as well as ash, linden, and oak (in drier areas). To brighten the surroundings, various types of birds (such as the wryneck or the lesser grey shrike) and mammals (such as the hare) inhabit adjacent extensive agricultural zones.

Discover many other walks "Discovering biodiversity" in the printed guide. Information at: www.a-pro.ch