Zonser Grind

Zonser Grind is a protected natural area along the Rhine near Dormagen covering fertilized meadows, poplar groves, and wide undeveloped riverbanks. The landscape transitions between cultivated fields and floodplain zones that regularly flood during high water periods.

Before the 20th century, this area functioned as part of a river transport system where workers and animals hauled boats upstream. Its designation as a protected zone reflects a shift in understanding the value of undisturbed riverbanks.

This protected area serves as a vital habitat for river fish and waterfowl that depend on its open banks and wetland vegetation. The flowing water and natural shorelines shape how local people relate to this stretch of the Rhine.

A gravel path crosses the area without motor vehicles and connects the northern section of Zons to the Stürzelberg district. The route works well for cycling and walking, though it can be slippery when wet.

Along a short stretch between river kilometers 723 and 724, rare plant species such as foxtail grasses and stonecrop grow side by side. This location draws botanists and nature watchers hoping to spot species that often go unnoticed.