The first trees of a major reforestation project have been planted along a currently exposed section of the Treviso-Ostiglia cycle route. By the end of 2025, approximately 1,700 new trees will be in the ground, creating a green infrastructure that offers significant environmental and landscape benefits.
This initiative is being implemented by WowNature, a team of researchers and specialists from Etifor, a spin-off of the University of Padua that manages and communicates forestry projects. The project is supported by Alì, a local supermarket chain.
The plan involves planting and caring for around 1,700 trees for five years. This green infrastructure aims to increase biodiversity in exposed areas of the cycle route, capture CO₂, reduce pollution, and visually enhance the landscape. The chosen species will be native to the area, sourced from local nurseries with certified seeds.
"Today marks a kind of 'ground-breaking' for this reforestation project, and we're incredibly pleased to see its very positive impact," commented Daniele Canella, Vice President of the Province of Padua and President of the Treviso-Ostiglia management body. "This cycle route is seeing extraordinary results, with huge numbers of cycle tourists choosing it for their journeys. The growth of the green areas will not only provide shade and coolness in the summer but also allow people to breathe fresh air and enjoy a rich natural landscape."
"In just a few years, once these new trees have grown, we'll have a route with a strong environmental identity, making it even more beautiful, usable, and beneficial for air quality. It's a tangible message of environmental consciousness and beauty for current and future generations."
Most of the new trees will be planted in autumn in the municipalities of Piazzola sul Brenta, Campodoro, and Camposampiero, covering a total of about two linear kilometres. Selected species include maple, hornbeam, prunus, and privet. These are a mix of tall trees and shrubs, chosen to create an "effect-tunnel" that already exists in other sections of the route.
"The Treviso-Ostiglia cycle route is hugely popular with people in the municipalities it passes through. As the Province of Padua, which owns the Padua section, we are delighted with the affection this route receives," added Canella. "In a short time, it has become a sort of 'community cycle route.' The people who saw its restoration take care of it and keep it alive alongside the management body. The cycle route is also currently at the heart of another provincial project: a public notice has been issued to award five areas along the route for the setting up of mobile catering points. The notice is published on the Province's website and closes at 12 PM on 11th April."
Massimo Momolo, Councillor for the Province of Padua with responsibility for Cycle Routes, said: "It's wonderful to see a beloved and appreciated cycle route like the Treviso-Ostiglia continue to improve. A big thank you goes to everyone who works to make this route even more beautiful and comfortable: a special thanks for their invaluable collaboration goes to the Federazione del Camposampierese, the route's management body, and Etifor, the University of Padua spin-off, who drafted and proposed this initiative. Intervening where there is no tree cover to give continuity to the 'tunnel effect' makes this route unique. Moreover, this reforestation effort is a concrete response to ongoing climate change and is certainly an added value for local communities."
The first trees for the project were planted in Piazzola sul Brenta. The mayor, Valter Milani, commented: "This is a high-impact environmental initiative that will also have positive effects on landscape aesthetics and care. Today we planted the 'first tree,' with many more to follow (the project will plant around 1,700 in total), along a route much loved by cycle tourists and local residents. It’s a great thought that this action will create more livable, welcoming, and sustainable spaces for everyone. It's a commendable reforestation initiative, involving both the Province of Padua and private organisations, that we hope will be replicated and expanded."
Federico Corrò, a project officer on the WowNature forestry team, stated: "Planting trees along the Treviso-Ostiglia cycle route is a concrete opportunity to add value to the area and bring environmental, landscape, and social benefits. Thanks to a forestry design that is mindful of the area's ecological characteristics, we will plant 1,700 native trees and shrubs, selected for their ability to absorb CO₂, improve air quality, and provide a sanctuary for local biodiversity."
"This project represents a long-term investment for the community. In addition to the ecological benefits, a well-designed green infrastructure improves the usability of the cycle route and, at the same time, strengthens the connection with nature and encourages sustainable tourism. In the coming years, we will care for these young plants so they can grow strong and healthy, guaranteeing the maximum benefit for the environment and for those who live and travel along this beautiful green artery."
Alberto Marzotto, Head of Environmental Sustainability at Alì, declared: "Expanding the green lung of the Treviso-Ostiglia, by planting 1,700 new trees, reflects our commitment to the environment. We want to take care of the communities in the areas where we operate, which is why we started a green marathon in 2010 that has allowed us to donate almost 54,000 trees. We are planting these alongside our customers. But for us, sustainability doesn’t stop there: it's a real mission that permeates every aspect of our business, with innovative solutions that allow us to reduce our environmental impact, such as photovoltaic systems, heat recovery from refrigerators, FULL LED lighting, and a more efficient logistics system. For us, this means contributing to the sustainability of our area, and today we are happy to celebrate the arrival of spring with representatives of the municipalities and associations that use this cycle route."
To watch the video presentation, click here.
To watch the video presentation, click here
