Description
Located in the south of the Rhine strip, the first nature reserve in Alsace dates from 1982. Despite the construction of the Grand Canal and landing management, it hosts exceptional environments. In this old braided sector where the Rhine constantly reshaped the landscape, the forest areas succeed the reed beds bordering numerous ponds and dead arms of the Rhine.
The mosaic of wet and dry environments promotes a specific richness: 40 species of dragonflies, 35 species of orthoptera, 12 fish species, 16 amphibians, 5 reptile species, 30 species of mammals and 174 bird species. Flora is composed of 17 sedges, 15 orchids, 4 nationally protected species (Siberian iris, Marguerite de la Saint-Michel), 35 regionally protected species (Epipactis des marais, Oenanthe de Lachenal, Staphylier).
The proposed circuit passes through an area of Rhenish forest where 6 species of woodpeckers are present. Ponds are the kingdom of Sakarmeke, Tepeli patka, Elmabaş patka, Çıkrıkçın, Çamurcun, Boz kaz, Küçük balaban, Yalıçapkını. During migration, shorebirds are at ease in the mud flats on the banks : Dere düdükçünü, Su çulluğu, and more rarely Balık kartalı. In winter, Balaban and Büyük ak balýkçýl are on the lookout. Wet flood meadows and reed beds are home to Kızkuşu, Bataklık kirazkuşu, herons and Bahri.
Details
Access
On the A35 motorway towards Basel, exit at Bartenheim-la-Chaussée; enter the village then take the RD66 on the right towards Saint-Louis-la-Chaussée. After 3 km, follow the sign "Réserve Naturelle" on the left, walk along the stadiums, cross the Huningue canal and park in the lock house car park. Access to the reserve is indicated.


