Orto Botanico delle Alpi Apuane "Pellegrini-Ansaldi", Botanical garden and nature reserve in Massa, Italy
The Orto Botanico delle Alpi Apuane "Pellegrini-Ansaldi" is a botanical garden and nature reserve in the Apuan Alps region of Tuscany, positioned at high elevation in a mountain valley. The site displays plants native to this alpine area and includes different environments such as meadows and wetland zones.
The garden was established in 1966 and named after botanist Pietro Pellegrini, who spent decades studying the plant life of the region. Its creation reflected a broader effort to document and share knowledge about the alpine flora found in these mountains.
Student guides from Tuscan universities lead visitors through the collections and share what they know about protecting local plant species. This direct connection between research and education helps visitors understand why the gardens matter to the region.
The garden is open daily during warm months and on weekends during shoulder seasons, so check timing before your visit. Guided tours with knowledgeable people help you understand the plants and make the most of your time exploring the site.
The site maintains a specialized pond for wetland plants and conducts research experiments with different conifer species. This mix of public garden and active research location gives it a purpose beyond displaying plants.
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