San Daniele Biotope

• Departure: Loc. Lago Verde (Torreglia)
• Arrival: Torreglia
• Involved Municipalities: Torreglia

A LIFE Natura site - which falls within the habitat category of ‘Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation’ - the San Daniele biotope takes its name from the nearby hill and is a typical example of marshland of enormous natural importance. It is located in an area that is partly set up for game fishing, also known as Lago Verde di Torreglia, and consists of several artificial ponds, the remains of a network of lagoons left behind by clay quarrying activities associated with brick production. The ponds have different depths; some are waterlogged all year round, while others partially dry up during the summer months. They are part of a water collection network connected to two canals: Rio Calcina, produced from the springs of Mount Rua, and Scolo Rialto.

Throughout the area between Torreglia, Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme, water tends to accumulate on the edges of fields and fills many ditches, even in summer, creating the ideal conditions for the survival of many bog plant species, some of which are in decline (Cardamine pratensis, Oenanthe fistulosa, Euphorbia palustris) while others are seriously threatened throughout the Po River plain (Ludwigia palustris, Taraxacum palustre).
The park authority has taken action to clear the area of rubbish, cut down weeds, repair and strengthen the banks where necessary and set up a circular trail that is suitable for everyone, including those with disabilities. Along the path, a boardwalk has even been built above one of the ponds, complete with a sheltered spot for bird watching.
Opposite the ponds, many native plants form a natural habitat that encourages the arrival of animals typical of marshlands, apart from those found in the ponds themselves. Many water bird, reptile and amphibian species populate the biotope today.

Download the Map (2,7Mb)