Valle Cavanata Nature Reserve, protected area in Italy (EUAP0980)
Valle Cavanata is a nature reserve in the Grado Lagoon covering about 330 hectares with wetlands, ponds, coastal areas, and forests. The area includes saltwater basins and tidal channels that shift with the tides, creating varied landscapes throughout.
The reserve was established in 1996 to protect the natural landscape that was once used for fishing activities. This shift from a working fishing area to a protected zone reflects the region's decision to prioritize conservation over traditional resource extraction.
Access is through marked trails and paths, with a visitor center near the road from Grado to Fossalon offering free binoculars for birdwatching. Guided tours can be booked to explore the area with a naturalist guide.
Over 260 bird species have been recorded here, including Greylag geese that have bred regularly in the area since 1987. The reserve also supports diverse mammals such as roe deer, hares, squirrels, and badgers, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the habitat.
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