Golena di Cà Pisani

The Golena di Ca' Pisani covers an area of approximately 43 hectares and is currently managed by the Veneto Region, which purchased it in 1997 thanks to funding from the European Community (LIFE Program), with the aim of renaturalizing this area. It is preserved through the Regional Forestry Service in collaboration with the Veneto Regional Park Authority of the Po Delta.

The Golena di Ca' Pisani includes a picturesque stretch of river on the left side of the Po di Maistra, some wetlands enclosed by internal embankments, about 4 hectares of wooded formations (mainly willows), and some areas that were once cultivated, now intentionally left fallow and renaturalized. The excessive water supply from the Po di Maistra had caused problems for the fish fauna, making the valley less productive. Hunting was also practiced in the area, but it is now prohibited.

The wetland area today represents a rare environment, as evidenced by the presence of a rich birdlife that includes the Little Egret, the Grey Heron, the Great Egret, the Purple Heron, the Squacco Heron, the Black-winged Stilt, the European Bee-eater, the Great Crested Grebe, the Little Grebe, the Western Marsh Harrier, the Black-crowned Night Heron, the Great Spotted Woodpecker, the Eurasian Hoopoe, the Savi's Warbler, and other more common species.

From a botanical point of view, the environment is characterized by the presence of typical marsh species and various tree specimens, such as the Common Reed, along with several halophytic herbaceous elements. The wooded formations occupy the strip of land emerging along the Po di Maistra. Here, the predominant species is the Willow, followed by the Poplar, the Black Alder, the Ash, and the English Oak. The False Indigo Bush, the Black Locust, and the Bramble are also widespread.

Before being managed by the Region, the Golena was a characteristic example of a private fishing valley, used for breeding mullets, sea bass, and eels. Thanks to European funds, several nature trails have been created in the area, equipped with observation points for birdwatching. A small visitor center, housed in a traditional cottage, illustrates the features of the place. Outside, some traditional river fishing dwellings have been reconstructed for educational purposes.