Fondo Toce Natural Reserve, Regional nature reserve in Verbania, Italy
Fondo Toce Natural Reserve is a regional protected area where the Toce River meets Lake Maggiore, featuring broad reed beds and wetland habitats. The site spans 361 hectares with varied landscapes including shallow waters, marshland, and wooded sections.
The reserve received official protection status in 1990, establishing dedicated management to preserve its ecological resources and habitats. This recognition reflected the area's vital importance as a refuge for numerous animal species and rare plants.
The reserve serves as a key birdwatching destination where visitors encounter herons, rails, and migratory birds in their natural setting. The pathways pass through reed-covered sections where water blends with shorelines and wildlife appears regularly throughout the day.
Visitors can explore the area through multiple cycling paths connecting Lake Maggiore with nearby Mergozzo, making for easy navigation. Direct access from Verbania railway station means you can arrive easily, and comfortable shoes plus weather-appropriate clothing are advisable.
The water caltrop Trapa natans verbanensis grows only in these waters, making the site a critical refuge for this native plant species. This specialized variety thrives in the cold nutrient-rich water and finds few comparable conditions elsewhere in Europe.
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