Geo-Tourist Map of the Natural Reserve of Salse di Nirano
A Geo-Tourist map can be considered as a thematic map; those are maps which focus on a particular aspect and, consequently, are aimed at specific categories of users.
The Geo-Tourist map combines geological-geomorphological data with basic tourist information. The Geo-Tourist Map of the Natural Reserve of Salse di Nirano elaborated was derived, with appropriate simplifications and integrations, from the Geomorphological Map of year 2007.
The goal of this elaboration was to make a map which could be easy to read for a tourist of average education. Since the immediacy of a map depends essentially on the simplicity of the symbols used (Papotti D. (2002) - Riflessioni preliminari ad una standardizzazione della simbologia per l'escursionismo. Bollettino dell'A.I.C., n. 114-115, 55-66), the use of symbols was limited to the essential ones.
The legend was subdivided into two clearly distinct sectors. In the first sector the symbols representing geological and geomorphological aspects are illustrated, whereas in the second one the symbols concerning tourism information are shown.
Regarding the geomorphological aspects, the Geo-Tourist map pinpoints all the elements of the landscape that a tourist can observe and identify. An effort was made to use simple, clear, graphically pleasing symbols with short captions, avoiding specialized terminology. In any case, the legend adopted is scientifically correct.
The geological and geomorphological aspects are described in the notes of the Geomorphological map.
As for tourist information, the commonly used symbols for tourist maps have also been adopted in this case. They include: i) general information (e.g., Cà Tassi visitor centre, meteorological station, excursion and educational trails, main panoramic points along the excursion trails; ii) wildlife information (bird-watching points); iii) logistic information (main access roads, parking places, refreshment and overnight-stay, picnic areas, fountains.
As previously stated, in the Geo-Tourist map the excursion and educational trails are shown for the tourists willing to walk along the suggested trails.
The trails are as follows:
1) Tour of the "Salse" (trail nr.1): h-2,00 walking time. This trail winds around the core of the Natural Reserve allowing the phenomenon of mud volcanoes to be observed from both close up and from a panoramic viewpoint.
2) Trail of the hedgehog (trail nr.2): h-0,30 walking time. The trial starts from the public parking and runs along the municipal road of the Salse di Nirano. It can be used by pedestrians and by handicapped persons.
3) Trail of the kerstrel (trail nr.3): h-2,00 walking time. This is a walk from the Chianca valley to the Salse depression and to the Chianca valley: it comprises some panoramic points from which the view of the entire depression of mud-volcanoes can be appreciated. Along this trail it is possible to observe at close quarters the western "calanchi" (badlands) of the Reserve and a typical example of marsh (where bird-watching can be practiced).
4) Trail of the owl (trail nr.4): h-0,30 walking time. It is a small access road to the Cà Tassi visitor centre from which it is possible to have a panoramic view of the Salse's depression.
5) Trail of the badger (trail nr.5): h-0,30 walking time. It links the Cà Tassi visitor centre and trial nr. 1.
6) Trail of the roe deer (trail nr.6): h-1,20 walking time. It principally runs along the southern watershed of the Reserve, allowing a wide view over the surrounding territories.
7) Trail of the crested newt (trail nr.7): h-1,30 walking time. This trail follows the valley floor of the Rio Serra as far as the two artificial ponds SE of Prà Rosso (where bird-watching can be practiced), then it continues upwards as far as the southernmost watershed of the Reserve.
The trial network of the Reserve is completed by two educational trails:
a) Educational trail of the bees: It lies at the western margin of the Salse's depression. Some beehives can be found along its course, with educational panels that explain the life and work of the bees.
b) Educational trail of the Flora: It runs through three glass showcases, near the visitor centre Cà Tassi, with information on the vegetation species of the Reserve with certain characteristics.
Being a protected area, visitors of the Reserve are invited to respect some simple behaviour rules that are clearly visible in many places on specific panels.
It is suggested not to hike under wet-ground conditions since clay can be very slippery favouring falling.
