Center for Storks and Anatidae, Racconigi
Center for Storks and Anatidae (Centro Cicogne e Anatidae), located near Racconigi, is working on the protection and reproduction of rare and endangered species of wild birds. They not only preserve the biological diversity of the Apennines, but also increase the population of fauna species of local marsh ecosystems. During the excursions in the center you will get acquainted with the life of graceful birds.
History
The Center was founded in 1985 as a result of the fruitful cooperation of the Italian Association for the Protection of Bird and the ornithologist Bruno Vaschetti. Its original task was the reproduction of a white storks that were extinct in Italy in the 18th century. Literally after 4 years, the first results of the work were visible. And in 1989 the center created a project to protect and reproduce rare Anatidae species – ducks, geese and swans. Particular attention was paid to the species of red-nosed duck and the white-headed ducks that had died out a few decades earlier. In 1995, the Center launched a project to expand and create wetlands to stop migratory birds. As a result, the area of the center increased from 2 to 15 hectares.
Structure and services
The center deals not only with the protection and restoration of endangered species of birds. It also conducts scientific research and there is a veterinary clinic. Its territory includes the habitat of storks and wetlands for other birds. And a visitor center was established in order to get acquainted with representatives of protected species and ecological education. Here, from two observation huts, located along the nature trail, you can observe the birds in their habitats. The entire route is accompanied by signs with brief information. In addition guides can conduct a full tour of it, including multimedia educational materials. The center provides a green area for picnics and free parking.
Flora and fauna
Local flora grows in the protected area: oaks, willows, poplars, elms, mulberries, hops, other trees and bushes. Among the representatives of the fauna, the white storks play a significant role, its image appears on many houses and palaces in this region. On the territory of the center you can see other birds: the white-headed duck, the red-nosed duck, the wader, many species of ducks, geese, swans and other anatidae. Each season here is interesting in its own way, because you can observe the spring and autumn migration of birds, the breeding season, as well as the wintering of birds arriving from the north.
How to get there
The center is located near the town of Racconigi, on Via Stramiano, 30. It is only 35 kilometers south of Turin. Near the protected area there is a large medieval Royal Castle and a beautiful park as its complement. Sfm trains goes every hour from the Porta Susa train station in Turin to the municipality, the journey time is about 45 minutes. If you are traveling by car, you should leave Turin on the SR20 motorway and follow the signs to Racconigi.
Opening hours: from 9:30 until sunset. From March to June, it is open every day, from July to October – Monday is a day off, and from November to February you can visit the center only from Friday to Sunday. Phone number (+39) 0172 83457.
Admission: the cost of a full ticket is 6 euros, with a discount (children from 5 to 14) – 4 euros. For children under 5 – admission is free. Data of April 2018.
