Why not come and see the work of a researcher firsthand? We have excursions for everyone who wants to find out more and be let into the secrets of the natural world by an expert in the field.

Number of participants is limited. Registration obligatory!

Cost:

Amphibians April 20, 2012
Pfyn-Finges Forest is an important amphibian spawning ground of national significance. At dusk and during the first part of the night, we will take you into the mysterious world of these animals. We will observe what are referred to as the "green frogs": the marsh frog, the pool frog and the edible frog.

Reptiles April 28 - April 29, 2012
In the course of this excursion we will try to locate reptiles and gain an understanding of their way of life. Such reptiles include the green lizard, which favours sunny, fallow land, the grass snake, which hunts its prey on the banks of ponds and the Aesculapian snake, which can grow to a length of 1.5 m...

Plants in the nature park - Botany May 6, 2012
Plants in the Matthiola genus (commonly known as stock) exist in only three locations in Switzerland. One of these is Pfyn-Finges Forest, in the old alluvium of the River Rhone. Where do they come from? Why are they becoming scarcer? What can be done to stop these plants from disappearing completely? We will find this out and a lot more, too! Join us and enter this unique alluvium-covered steppe landscape. We will explore this rare ecological environment and the initial steps that have been taken to preserve it and the plants in the Matthiola genus.

Birds in the Rottensand May 19, 2012

For many species that live in meadow zones, the Pfyn forest is one of the last oases in the Rhone area. Here one can find almost 20% of the entire supply of the river bank runner and river rain piper species.

This excursion is carried out in collaboration with the ornithological station.

Leuk forest fire June 17, 2012
In the expansive forested area above Leuk, a wildfire destroyed 300 hectares of woodland in August of 2003. The re-colonization of the area by plants and animals has been the subject of research since 2004. Just two years after the fire, a great number of species could be encountered, and this re-colonization process is an ongoing one. This excursion from Albinen to Guttet gives an impression of the many facets of nature's regenerative power.

This excursion is carried out in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL.

Insects July 29, 2012
Take an excursion into the fascinating world of insects. Professor Jürg Zettel and his wife have been observing the insects in this region for more than 20 years now. On this excursion, the professor will bring his observations and findings vividly to life. He will also relate some stories from his work in this field, all in an accessible way. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in these fascinating creatures to get firsthand information.

Bats August 17, 2012

During the excursion in Salgesch, we will try to catch a glimpse of these animals when they go to take a drink over a stretch of water on a hot summer evening. This is a unique opportunity to observe these animals at very close quarters and discover a lot of interesting facts about their way of life! Bats are very useful; in fact, they are responsible for getting rid of a vast number of insects. They never attack people, but instead benefit from humans in that they make their homes in buildings.

Mammals September 16, 2012
Valais is home to a diverse range of animals. This is demonstrated alone by the fact that, to date, no fewer than 49 different species of mammal have been found here. Most of us are certain to have, at some time, taken a deer or a stag in a clearing by surprise or spotted a hedgehog or a shrew along a trail. But many species of mammal remain largely hidden from our view. For this very reason, we wish to invite you all to come and discover the mammals of Pfyn-Finges Forest.

Stag rut September 23, 2012
During the deer mating season, there are truly majestic scenes in the forest. Rival stags fight each other and bell impressively.

Geology October 6, 2012
The landscape of the Pfyn-Finges Regional Nature Park has been shaped by a wide range of different historical geological processes, which have in turn given it its unique character. This landscape is still undergoing change today. During our excursion, we will explore these dynamic processes of nature and look for answers to questions such as: 

What makes the Illgraben regularly the largest debris flow torrent in the world?

What is the relation between the Pfyn-Finges Forest ponds and hills and the Illgraben? 
What does the wild course of the Rhone tell us? 

We look forward to sharing the geological secrets of Pfyn-Finges Forest with you!

Chamois rut November 24, 2012
We will observe the subtle body language of chamois during mating season. Experts can draw lots of interesting conclusions from their behaviour.