Butterfly conservation at Zurich airport

environment

Environnement

Projet: Butterfly conservation at Zurich airport
Liste des participants Au min. 8 / Au max. 30
Langue (du projet) Allemand, Anglais

Options d’intervention

Localité Rohrholzstrasse 67
8152 Opfikon
Date Possible à partir du 20.09.2025
Temps passé par les bénévoles Se déroule sur une journée
Heure 09:00 h - 16:00 h

The rare Black Hairstreak and the Lesser Purple Emperor butterflies can be found near Zurich Airport. During this assignment, you will work in a newly reforested area, where measures have already been implemented to promote the two butterflies.

The females of these butterflies lay their eggs individually on Prunus and Populus species. These plants were replanted last spring, but as part of this operation they must be freed from overgrown plants such as blackberries.

Under the guidance of our experienced guides, you will carry out this meaningful and satisfying activity. The maintenance and improvement of habitats often requires labor-intensive measures that would not be manageable without the helping hands of volunteers. Help create invaluable added value for biodiversity and habitat conservation.

Duration:

  • One-day assignment
  • Assignment time from around 9:00 a.m. to around 4:00 p.m.

Location:

Rohrholzstrasse 67 in 8152 Opfikon (ZH)

How it will work:

  • The day begins with a welcome at the assignment area. After a short round of introductions, the instructor presents an overview of the program and explains why the planned conservation work is important for the natural habitat.
  • Participants then learn the basics of the respective work steps and how to use the tools safely. Under expert guidance, techniques are demonstrated and practiced so that the work can be carried out efficiently and gently.
  • Then it’s off to the field, where everyone puts what they have learned into practice.
  • The day ends with a short feedback session where volunteers can share their impressions and experiences.

Introduction:

The introduction is carried out by conservation professionals directly on site.

Support:

  • You will be accompanied by experienced conservation professionals who – with their expertise, enthusiasm, and keen eye for nature and biodiversity – will ensure that your on-site work is meaningful and effective. They will show you what is important, explain the ecological context and give you practical tips so that you can quickly find your way around and can tackle the work with pleasure.
  • Whether you need help with handling tools, working techniques, recognizing plants and animals or protecting sensitive habitats: our experts will assist you throughout the entire assignment, providing individual support and answering any questions you may have.

 

Tasks:

Practical nature conservation tasks in the young forest

What you’ll need:

  • No special prior experience required.
  • Above all, it is important that you enjoy being active in nature, are open to new things and are willing to take part in practical work.
  • Since we stay on our feet all day, you should have a certain basic level of fitness for physical activities.

 

 

Assignment:
Possible seasonally from February to November.

Team assignment:
Working in nature not only gives you the opportunity to actively contribute to preserving biodiversity, but is also a personally enriching experience. Experience a day away from the day-to-day, in the fresh air and an inspiring environment. You can tackle the work with others, strengthen team spirit and be proud of the visible results of your efforts at the end of the day.

Food and drink:
On request, you can book a catering offer through the association.

Le partenaire de notre projet:
Association Naturnetz

L’association Naturnetz est une organisation à but non lucratif et l’une des plus grandes pour le service civil en Suisse. Depuis de nombreuses années, nous mettons notre grande passion et nos connaissances approfondies au service de la protection et de la préservation de la nature, Arbeitseinsatz.ch est un département de Naturnetz spécialisé dans l’organisation de missions bénévoles dans la protection de la nature. Grâce à nos nombreuses années d’expérience, nous créons des missions sûres, bien structurées et efficaces dans lesquelles les bénévoles contribuent activement à la préservation et à l’amélioration des habitats de plantes et d’animaux rares