On Thursday morning, the students and teachers woke up to a sunny new day. The picture-perfect weather and the view of the mountains surrounding Chiavenna was the best invitation to explore the area. After a typical sweet breakfast and a delicious Italian coffee, everyone grabbed a packed lunch and headed to the square, where two guides were already waiting for them. They divided the students into two groups, and the adventure could begin. After a brief introduction and the usual instructions on how to behave in the mountains while hiking, both groups set off toward the Cascate Acquafraggia waterfall. Along the way, both guides introduced the students to various interesting facts about geology and biology. From the time when the area was still covered in ice and the ice shaped this valley. The topic of plants and their adaptation to changing living conditions was also interesting. The students learned how plants themselves can adapt to their environment and disperse using water and wind. Those that get caught near water can float on the surface because they have cork in their outer layer. And many other interesting facts regarding the biodiversity of the environment. After a hearty break right below the waterfall, the group dramatically waded across the river and continued on a steep but doable uphill trail to the top of the waterfall with breathtaking views of the valley and mountains around.
After a short lunch break (packed lunch in the sun) the route descends along a path through the forest. After a short walk the students took part in one more creative activity using the land art method. Their task was to use what they had learned about plants, seeds, and how they adapt to changing living conditions to create an entirely new species of plant and depict its life. The students had access only to materials provided by the surrounding forest and meadow. And you can see for yourself in our photo gallery just how well they did
On the way back, the students learned many more interesting facts, this time about the history of the valley.
The most notable development began during the 15th century, when the summer grazing pastures and the transit areas towards Val di Lei began to be permanently inhabited. Borgo di Crana is one of hidden places where architecture of a spontaneous or improvised nature, characterized by the development of houses making use of the only available building materials to be found: stone and wood. The vertical nature of the buildings followed the natural terracing. (https://www.valchiavenna.com/en/itineraries/Rural-settlement.html)
Down in the valley the bus was already waiting for the transfer back to Valmorea, where the group arrived in the early evening, filled with many new impressions and insights from this wonderful field trip.
