Educational Activities Related to *La Rondine*: 2025–2026 school year

The Rondine Interreg 2025–2027 Project

In 2025, a cross-border conservation project was launched as part of the Interreg Italy–Switzerland program “ECOsistemi di COnfine,” which promotes shared and sustainable management of the Ticino River Ecological Corridor, one of the main natural arteries of the Insubric region.

A symbol of spring and the deep connection between humans and nature, the swallow is one of the focal points of this project, which also involves schools through educational activities and cross-border partnerships.

The project is being carried out jointly by three organizations: in addition to Ficedula, the Bolle di Magadino Foundation and the Piano di Magadino Park Foundation.

Why “La Rondine”?

The swallow has always been a symbol of spring and of the deep connection between humans and nature. A central figure in proverbs, legends, and folk traditions, it is also an important ecological indicator. It feeds exclusively on flying insects, such as flies and mosquitoes, and is particularly sensitive to the use of pesticides. It nests in environments where its relationship with humans is still in balance, a factor that makes it vulnerable to environmental changes. The decline in prey populations, resulting from the intensive use of chemicals, poses a real threat to its survival. Monitoring swallow populations therefore allows us to assess, albeit indirectly, the health of our environment with a certain degree of accuracy.

“La Rondine” lends itself well to an interdisciplinary activity that allows for the inclusion of all or nearly all subject areas.

Phase of the process; duration; period

Teacher Training (2 hours, in-person or online) February 11, 2026: 5:30 p.m.

Identify the “swallows” found in Italian-speaking Switzerland

Teacher Training (2 hours, in-person or online) March 4, 2026: 5:30 p.m.

Bird Migration and Ideas for Projects

Citizen Science Field Trips

2 hours March – April / May / June 2026

Costs:

The tour is free.

To sign up or for more information

Send an email to Chiara Scandolara at chiara.scandolara@gmail.com