Ash trees and poplars
The Frassineto natural area extends over an area of 81 hectares. A forestd tall tree that covers the bordering territories of Calvanico and Fisciano.
The area is about 15 km from Salerno, has an average altitude of 700 meters, and lies between a wooded area called "Acqua dei Faggi" and the "Costa della Traversa" on the western slopes of the Picentini Mountains. In fact, it is part of the protected area of the Picentini Mountains Regional Park.
The name, obviously, suggests the predominant tree species in the area: the ash trees, precisely.
The door is always open
As usual to say, “the door is always open.” Admission is free and the area is suitable for all types of audiences. Despite this, the constant work of volunteers maintains constant order and cleanliness.
I hope the reason is also that those who approach these places do so for the love of nature, to feel at one with the trees. To be immersed in the scent of grass and undergrowth and flowers and fresh air.
At the entrance, we're greeted by a charming little stone house, the kind everyone has dreamed of at least once in their lives for a romantic getaway or a relaxing weekend. Outside, a stone bench and colorful flowerbeds provide a welcome respite from the effort of the first climb.
The cottage actually houses the Museum of Forestry and Pastoral Civilization, set up in 1997. The mini museum presents a collection of tools and utensils used in artisanal and pastoral activities, peculiar to the area. and objects used for harvesting fruit. In the area, some people still dedicate themselves to the artisanal production of these tools.
Trekking, educational tours, and romantic walks
Periodically, always with an eye to environmental protection, various initiatives are held in the area. These involve residents and school groups, including excursions and guided tours, as well as ecological, educational, folkloric, and sporting events.
There are various activities that can be done within the Area: trekking, photography, nature studies, jogging, birdwatching. From the first stop, there are 3 possible paths.
A wooden staircase that seems to rise from the ground leads the more daring, or more trained, visitors to the panorama that stands out between the branches. At the foot, the entire Irno Valley with a view that reaches as far as Vesuvius.
The work carried out at the Frassineto Naturalistic Oasis, alongside schools, is of fundamental importance for environmental education that can shape tomorrow's generations.
Not to raise future scientists or botanists, but to raise people who are aware and respectful of the land we have been called to tread and protect. So that our children may know that it's important to protect, not to trample. From the smallest leaf to our neighbor.
This is the program that Legambiente is running. “Irno Valley” from more than 25 years.
