On April 11, 2025, students from the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences – Entomology Area at the University of Bologna, accompanied by Prof. Serena Magagnoli, visited the Life4OakForests project area between Carnè and Rontana. The day unfolded along the scenic Nature Trail and within the forest conservation and monitoring site in Rontana.
During the excursion, the project’s technical coordinator, Serena Petroncini, presented the conservation actions implemented in the oak forests, passionately explaining the interventions carried out and the results achieved to date.
The event was further enriched by the contributions of two experts: Massimo Bertozzi, who described the monitoring techniques and data collected on bats, and Roberto Fabbri, an entomologist, who introduced students to the fascinating world of saproxylic insects, ground beetles, and spiders, sharing the research methods and findings from the Life4OakForests project.
On this occasion, the naturalist Petra Cattano, also involved in the Life4OakForests event, presented the ongoing research of the Meiogypsos project, promoted by the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC).
April 17, 2025, was another special day dedicated to nature and science. Students from the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Natural Sciences, accompanied by researcher Riccardo Testolin from the BIOME Lab – BiGeA Department, together with technical coordinator Serena Petroncini, took part in a new excursion along the Nature Trail and within the monitoring area of the Rontana site.
Once again, the objectives of the Life4OakForests project were explored in depth, with a special focus on forest conservation measures and the tangible results achieved thanks to the collaborative efforts of researchers and field technicians.
Across both days, the students demonstrated great enthusiasm and curiosity, showing strong interest in the project and its significant impact on the conservation of oak forest biodiversity.