- The Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park :

This park is known for its gentle terrain and landscapes dotted with clearings and ponds. Forests cover nearly 65% of its area, providing an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
It’s not uncommon to spot deer or stags there, and with a bit of luck, perhaps even a shy lynx or a coal tit.
This remarkable biodiversity earned the park recognition by UNESCO as a "World Biosphere Reserve", as well as the EDEN label, which rewards "European Destinations of Excellence".

- The Rohrschollen Island Nature Reserve (309 hectares) :

Located just 10 km from downtown Strasbourg, Rohrschollen Island is a remarkable nature reserve nestled in a unique alluvial environment. The richness of its habitats makes it a prime refuge for a wide diversity of animal and plant species, some of which are protected.
Among them are the emperor dragonfly, the scarce copper butterfly, the grey heron, the stone loach, and the early marsh orchid.
Marked trails invite you to explore this natural sanctuary and discover its variety of ecosystems — while respecting the code of conduct to preserve the tranquility of the area and the biodiversity it shelters.
For more information, you can visit the website.

- Sainte-Croix Wildlife Park :

Since its creation, the Sainte-Croix Wildlife Park has been actively involved in the preservation of endangered species. It participates in numerous European conservation, research, breeding, and reintroduction programs aimed at protecting biodiversity.
In collaboration with many partners and conservation stakeholders, the park works to maintain natural balances.
Through its actions, it seeks to raise public awareness, restore fragile ecosystems, and encourage the return of extinct species to their natural habitat.
For more information, visit the official website.

– Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park :

Spanning four departments and offering a wide variety of landscapes, the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park combines rounded mountains, deep forests, high-altitude meadows, and inhabited valleys. It is home to remarkable flora and fauna, such as the Eurasian lynx, the capercaillie, as well as peat bogs and mountain beech forests. A true land of nature and traditions, the park is actively engaged in preserving natural environments and supporting the harmonious development of its villages.

- The Treetop Walkway (Chemin des Cîmes) :

Located in the heart of the Northern Vosges Nature Park, the Treetop Walkway offers a 1,050-meter immersive stroll that gently leads you to the top of a 29-meter panoramic tower. From there, enjoy breathtaking 360° views of the Northern Vosges, the Rhine plain, and the Black Forest. A 75-meter slide adds fun to the descent, and playful discovery stations are spread along the way. You can also explore the Adventure Forest, a 14,000 m² area with over 20 natural-material play and learning installations for the whole family.

- The Haguenau Forest, in nothern Alsace :

The Haguenau Forest, the sixth largest lowland forest in France, stretches across 21,000 hectares and is a true haven of nature at the gateway to Northern Alsace.
Awarded the Forêt d'Exception® label, it offers a unique ecological and cultural richness, ideal for relaxation, discovery, and outdoor activities all year round.
The iconic site of the "Gros Chêne" (Great Oak) is its vibrant heart, combining heritage, leisure, and trails accessible to all.

Alsace stands out for its rich biodiversity, spanning forests, plains, and wetlands. This diversity of natural habitats supports a wide range of species, some of which are rare or endangered.
Protecting these species means preserving a valuable heritage essential to maintaining the balance of regional biodiversity.

Some examples of protected species in Alsace:
 

- The White Stork:
An iconic symbol of Alsace, the white stork embodies both the region’s identity and the richness of its local wildlife.
After a steep decline during the 20th century — due to the loss of wetlands and the use of pesticides — it became the focus of numerous protection and reintroduction programs.
Today, its presence on rooftops or specially built nesting platforms in Alsatian villages is the result of ongoing conservation efforts.
As a protected species in France, any disturbance, destruction of the bird, its nest, eggs, or habitat is strictly prohibited.
 

- The Hazel Grouse:
The hazel grouse is a strictly forest-dwelling species that rarely ventures out from tree cover.
It is gradually disappearing due to changes in forest habitats: loss of undergrowth, monoculture conifer plantations, and the closure of clearings. These changes also make it more vulnerable to predators.
 

You can find the full list of endangered bird species in Alsace on the LPO website.

Some examples of threatened plant species in Alsace:

In the Grand Est region, 742 vascular plants are considered threatened, including 75 listed as endangered species in France.
Here are two examples from Alsace:
 

- Campanule à fleurs en tête:
A perennial herbaceous plant classified as vulnerable on the national red list.
It mainly grows at the edge of forests and in logging areas. It is threatened by the clearing of path edges and the conversion of woodland areas into agricultural land.
 

- Lady’s Slipper:
This rare, perennial orchid thrives in light woodlands, scrublands, and forest edges.
It is in sharp decline, especially in the lowlands, and is threatened by vandalism — including mass picking, illegal removal, or resale by irresponsible collectors.

Many associations are highly active in the region, working with dedication to protect our planet.

For example, Alsace Nature has been committed for over 50 years to preserving biodiversity, defending natural areas, and raising ecological awareness. Through its many initiatives — protecting endangered species, advocating for sustainable urban planning, and engaging with citizens — the organization takes concrete action for a greener future in our region.

Website: www.alsacenature.org

- Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels d'Alsace :
As part of our commitment to preserving natural heritage, we have chosen to support the Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels d’Alsace (CEN). This organization has been working for many years to protect and sustainably manage sites of exceptional biodiversity. Through our donation, we contribute to the preservation of these fragile natural spaces — hidden gems that are often little known, yet essential to the balance of our environment.

Website:  https://www.conservatoire-sites-alsaciens.eu/