Evettes lake

A wetland is an area in which water is present in significant quantities and for a prolonged period of time over a large part of the year. There are many different types of wetland: marshes, ponds, peat bogs, alluvial environments, reed beds, etc. Wetlands are considered to be of public importance, as they regulate (store or release water), filter water and provide a vital ecosystem for many species. For a long time, wetlands were considered to be polluted environments of no interest whatsoever. By the end of the 20th century, as a consequence of urbanisation, changes in farming practices and hydraulic engineering (particularly drainage), wetlands had shrunk by more than 50%. Since 2017, Asters-CEN74 has been carrying out consultation work, maintenance and a management plan for the commune of Praz-sur-Arly with the SMBVA (Syndicat mixte du Bassin versant de l'Arly - Joint Association of the Arly catchment basin).

A perennial plant (which re-grows several years in a row) 30-70 cm tall, common in pastures and open woods at altitudes of between 800 and 2200 m. It should not be confused with mountain violets or blue violets. The plant is not currently under threat, but it does play a role in balancing the landscape, providing food for pollinating insects and working with other plants to help the soil get richer in organic matter. Picking them in large quantities (by several hikers in a row over the season) has an adverse impact on ecosystems, so let's admire the mountain flowers instead of picking them, and let’s keep a sweet memory of such beauty!

A spruce tree is innately adapted to the high-altitude climate and is not afraid of the cold! It produces pine cones that are prized by many birds and small mammals. The pointed, elongated and pendulous shape of its cones distinguishes it from the fir, which has more rounded, upright cones. Fir cones do not fall off, but they do decay. As a result, only decayed fragments of fir cones do fall off. Therefore, a whole cone found at the foot of the tree is more likely to be that of a spruce. And lastly, the needles. Fir needles do not sting and are very flat. They have one green side and two white stripes on the other. Spruce, on the other hand, has sharp needles. They are not flat, but their cross-section forms a green diamond shape on both sides.