Nature Reserve of the Isonzo River Mouth

Environments, flora and fauna in the Nature Reserve of the Isonzo River Mouth

The Grado Lagoon, which is, for that matter, a must-see for all visitors of Grado, is part of a larger protected area, namely, the Nature Reserve of the the Isonzo River Mouth (Riserva Naturale della Foce dell’Isonzo). The Isonzo River flows into the Adriatic Sea some 10 kilometers northeast from the island of Grado, and the biological value of the reserve has already been acknowledged. This huge protected area stretches from the River Isonzo Mouth to the Po River Delta in the immediate vicinity of Venice, filling a surface of 2,400 hectares.

Its flora and fauna are significant nature assets which, along with the specific environments, yield a highly vulnerable yet balanced and unique ecosystem. Thus, the reserve consists of a fair array of environments which shelter a vast diversity of plant and bird species. These environments range from alluvial woodlands, sandbanks, mires, sand and gravel islets, riverbeds, pastures and meadows to fresh water ponds, reed beds, submerged marine areas and cultivated areas.

These environments shelter a rich plant and animal life. Flora is represented by arboretums consisting of poplar, alder, white willow, oak, hornbeam and ash, but fauna is much more spectacular as to its diversity. Mammals, reptiles and insects alike have found the reserve to be a perfect habitat for them, but a special attention is drawn by the bird life. Some 300 species of birds live and nest throughout the reserve, and the entity managing this huge nature oasis capitalizes on this asset from a tourist point of view, providing a generous platform for observing birds in their natural habitat, which is always construed as an opportunity not to be missed by keen birdwatchers.

The evolution of a particular mammal species is also carefully supervised. The Camargue horses have been introduced in the reserve in order to help preserve the natural balance of the ecosystem. This is an ancient species of horses that had to adapt in order to survive, which is why they stand out by their atypical physical features.

For complete details on the nature asset of the reserve, please use the following information:

Name:

Nature Reserve of the Isonzo River Mouth (Riserva Naturale della Foce dell’Isonzo)

Address:

provinces of Gorizia and Udine, Mediterranean Sea, Italy

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

www.isoladellacona.it

Tourist activities in the Nature Reserve of the Isonzo River Mouth

Consorzio Il Mosaico, the entity which manages the reserve, does not confine to exclusively supervising the nature-related affairs of the reserve. On the contrary, it is also in charge with exploring the tourist potential of this nature oasis, which is precisely why it organizes trips and cultural and informative activities. In this respect, the visitors’ center of the reserve, the eco-park museum and the museum of ducks, as well as the bird watching courses and the bird watching observatory and paths have been set up to serve such purposes.

Guided tours, boat trips and equestrian activities are also organized, and in order to give visitors the genuine feel of a tourist activity, a refuge providing accommodation and a bar (more of a restaurant) have also been established.

Reservations and information on the tourist activities in the Nature Reserve of the Isonzo River Mouth

For reservations and details on the services provided by the reserve, and well as on the activities valuable from a tourist point of view organized by the reserve, please resort to the following information provided on Consorzio Il Mosaico, the entity which manages the cultural and tourist affairs of the reserve:

Name:

Consorzio Il Mosaico

Address:

48, Via Roma, 33050, San Vito Al Torre, Udine, Italy

Telephone:

0039 0432 998133

Fax:

0039 0432 997021

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

www.consorzioilmosaico.org

Mediterranean Sea, Italy