The Pietra Corva Alpine Botanical Garden, located in the municipality of Romagnese in Oltrepò Pavese, is gearing up for a weekend packed with activities for hikers, families, and science enthusiasts. The program for Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, features a trekking route to the highest peak of the Pavia Apennines and a series of initiatives dedicated to biodiversity conservation and discovery.

• Event Dates: Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26

• Main Location: Pietra Corva Botanical Garden and Oltrepò Pavese Protected Nature Area (Romagnese, Pavia)

• Saturday, July 25 Program (10:00 AM): Guided hike with Francesco Gatti to the summit of Mount Lesima (1,724 m a.s.l.) through the Le Torraie Special Area of Conservation.

• Sunday, July 26 Program (from 3:00 PM): World Nature Conservation Day activities, including a children's workshop by ADMaiora Srl and a book presentation by author Marco Ferrari.

The weekend kicks off on Saturday, July 25, with a hike led by naturalist and local expert Francesco Gatti. The trail guides participants to Mount Lesima, the highest peak in Oltrepò Pavese at 1,724 meters above sea level, traversing the protected area of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Le Torraie.

Technical Trail Details & Schedule

• 10:00 AM – Meeting Point: Participants gather in Prodongo (GPS coordinates: 44°41'43.1"N 9°15'50.0"E).

• Transfer: From Prodongo, a short carpool transfer leads to Prati di Cavanna, located at 1,360 m a.s.l. (GPS coordinates: 44°41'02.1"N 9°15'59.7"E).

• Trekking Route: The hike follows an easy trail with an elevation gain of approximately 500 meters up to the summit of Mount Lesima (1,724 m a.s.l.).

• Lunch: Packed lunch at the summit (brought by participants).

• Return: Return to the cars along the same trail, arriving at approximately 4:00 PM.

This outing offers a unique opportunity to observe high-altitude flora of the Lombard Apennines and understand the ecological features of a European protected habitat.

In celebration of World Nature Conservation Day, Sunday, July 26, is dedicated to science education and outreach at the Pietra Corva Botanical Garden.

3:00 PM – Educational Workshop: "Animals Under the Lens"

Led by scientific educators from ADMaiora Srl, this hands-on workshop is designed for children aged 6 and up. Young participants can try their hand at scientific classification of invertebrates, getting a close-up look at the morphology and ecological role of nature's smallest inhabitants.

3:30 PM – Book Presentation: "Plants Are Not Green Animals" with Marco Ferrari

At 3:30 PM, science writer and journalist Marco Ferrari will present his book "Le piante non sono animali verdi" ("Plants Are Not Green Animals"). The talk will explore original perspectives on biological strategies, adaptation, and the complexity of the plant kingdom, moving beyond common misconceptions.

Located in Val Tidone within the municipality of Romagnese, the Pietra Corva Alpine Botanical Garden is a key center for mountain flora conservation in the Province of Pavia. Founded to protect Alpine and Apennine plant species, the garden is surrounded by ophiolitic rock formations and dense forests, making it a premier destination for sustainable tourism and environmental education in Oltrepò Pavese.

What is the difficulty level of the Mount Lesima hike on Saturday, July 25?

The hike follows an easy trail. However, it features an elevation gain of about 500 meters from Prati di Cavanna to the summit, requiring a basic level of fitness and proper hiking boots.

Where is the exact meeting point for the hike?

The initial meeting point is at 10:00 AM in Prodongo (GPS 44°41'43.1"N 9°15'50.0"E), from where participants will carpool to Prati di Cavanna.

Are Sunday's activities at the Botanical Garden suitable for families?

Yes. The "Animals Under the Lens" workshop at 3:00 PM is specifically designed for children aged 6 and up. The book presentation at 3:30 PM is open to visitors of all ages interested in nature and science.

What should I bring for Saturday's hike?

You should wear hiking boots with good grip, dress in layers appropriate for high altitude (the summit reaches over 1,700 meters a.s.l.), and bring water and a packed lunch.

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