Lornaz trail in Verchaix

3 points of interest

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  Fauna

  Grey wagtail

  A small passerine species (like tits, sparrows or finches), the grey wagtail has a slim appearance, a long wagging tail and yellow feathers (wing edges, belly, tail...). Its singing is similar to that of swallows. It can be recognised by its long tail, which it wags rapidly to keep its balance, spending most of its time on the ground. The wagtail frequents the same aquatic environments as the common dipper, sometimes even claiming old dipper nests as their own!
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  Lake

  La Valentine: Watercourse management

  A tributary of the Giffre, the Valentine stream originates at the Col de Joux Plane. Like most mountain streams, this watercourse is subject to various threats, such as the growth of outdoor recreational activities, the emergence of new sports, the proliferation of invasive species, changes to the water balance and global warming. The management of watercourses is a responsibility entrusted to local authorities, which we call GEMAPI (gestion des milieux aquatiques et prévention des inondations - management of aquatic environments and flood prevention). The Montagnes du Giffre Community of Municipalities is responsible for managing the Giffre valley, with the SM3A acting as manager.
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  Flora

  Identifying beech and hornbeam trees

  Here's a reminder so you never confuse hornbeam and beech again! The beech leaf has a smooth, slightly fuzzy edge, whereas the hornbeam leaf has a serrated edge. Beech (Fagus sylvatica) belongs to the Fagaceae family, together with oak and chestnut. The beech blooms every spring but only yields fruits every 5 years. The beechnuts resemble small triangular chestnuts, which are loved by birds, deer, wild boar, etc.