Kalverpolder, Protected polder in Zaanstad, Netherlands
Kalverpolder is a protected polder of peat meadows spanning about 170 hectares in northern Zaandam. It is bordered by the Zaan river and neighboring settlements, with a network of drainage ditches and pathways running through the landscape.
Land transformation started in the 11th century when drainage ditches were dug into the peat area. By 1638, the completion of the Kalverringdijk established it as a formal polder.
The Laarzenpad pathway divides different sections and reflects how communities historically organized their land use. Walking along it shows how water management shaped the way people lived and worked across these meadows.
The polder is accessible through several paths and routes suitable for walking and exploring. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be muddy in wet areas, especially near drainage ditches.
The polder is part of the Natura 2000 protected network, hosting rare flora and fauna within its waterway system. Many visitors miss that these meadows serve as breeding grounds for specialized bird species found only in wetland environments.
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