Réserve naturelle régionale de la tourbière de la Grande Pile, Regional nature reserve in Saint-Germain, France
This peat bog reserve spans approximately 60 hectares and showcases various wetland ecosystems with carnivorous plants, cranberries, and numerous dragonfly species. The ground consists of peat layers that preserve environmental history going back thousands of years.
Mining operations for peat extraction began here in 1866, but the site was later protected as a natural area. In July 2016, it gained official status as a regional nature reserve.
This protected space serves as an outdoor research site where scientists study climate patterns and environmental changes documented in the peat layers. Visitors can observe how the land is managed to maintain its natural variety.
A roughly 5-kilometer loop trail called 'Balade à 1000 temps' starts from the visitor pavilion at Monts Reveaux pond and guides you through the reserve. Educational signs along the way explain the local plants, animals, and ecological importance of the peat bog.
The site holds one of the largest populations of Large White-faced Darter dragonflies in the Franche-Comte region, identifiable by their distinctive color patterns. Bird and insect watchers often travel specifically to observe these dragonflies and other rare species here.
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