Butterfly conservation at Zurich airport

environment

Ambiente

Progetto Butterfly conservation at Zurich airport
Partecipanti Min. 8 / Max. 30
Lingua (del progetto) Tedesco, Inglese

Possibilità di volontariato

Località Rohrholzstrasse 67
8152 Opfikon
Data Possibile a partire dal 20.09.2025
Durata del volontariato Si svolge in un giorno
Orario Dalle 09:00 alle 16:00

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.

Il nostro partner del progetto:
Associazione Naturnetz

L’associazione Naturnetz è una delle maggiori organizzazioni di utilità pubblica e servizio civile in Svizzera. Da molti anni ci impegniamo con grande passione e solide competenze per la protezione e conservazione della natura. Arbeiteinsatz.ch è una sezione di Naturnetz specializzata nell’organizzazione di attività di volontariato per la conservazione della natura. Grazie alla nostra esperienza pluriennale, organizziamo attività sicure, ben strutturate ed efficaci in cui i volontari contribuiscono attivamente alla conservazione e miglioramento degli habitat di piante e animali rari.