pond maintenance and clearing work for Pro Natura

In the autumn, the mobile Nature Network Zivi team carried out pond maintenance and bush clearing work in several protected areas for Pro Natura St. Gallen-Appenzell. These nature conservation areas in eastern Switzerland are mainly moor and reed areas that are particularly worthy of protection and are home to amphibians, lizards, grass snakes, ground-nesting birds, migratory birds, butterflies and countless other insects and small creatures.

"Oakmoss"

In Gossau (SG), between Industriestrasse and the A1, the Pro Natura protected area "Eichenmoos" unexpectedly offers 18,600 m2 of peace and quiet, singing birds and tree frogs, tall reeds and hidden ponds. The area is a fen of regional importance and a wader resting place of local importance with characteristic wet meadows and quaking grasslands.

«Arnegger Witi / Altmoos»

Not far from Arnegg, in a depression, densely lined with dark firs, lies an idyllic clearing. The "Arnegger Witi / Altmoos" protected area, which covers around three hectares, with its meadows, ponds and woodland plots, provides a habitat for very rare plant species such as the bulbous orchid (Liparis loeselii) and the lesser marsh orchid (Orchis morio). The small sedge marsh is also an amphibian spawning area of national importance. Here, too, the meadows are to be mown every year to counteract succession. While the dragonflies were impressively chasing over the ponds, we did our work with great joy in this peacefulness and the flattering shade of the tall trees. Here, too, we mowed the uneven and partly wooded meadows with a scythe mower and brush cutter, not without skill. We also removed unwanted invasive neophytes such as goldenrod (Solidago). After a sweaty day of work, the areas of the nakedness were cut and peace returned.

The cooperation

We would like to thank Pro Natura St. Gallen-Appenzell and Samuel Häne for the commission and hope for further cooperation in the coming years.