First date
The first event dedicated to young primary school students on the theme of "The Raptors of the Porta Cliffs" took place on the morning of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Forte dei Marmi, as part of the project "The Raptors of the Porta Cliffs: observing, participating, sharing." The initiative was organized with the patronage and contribution of the UNA Foundation, with the support of the Apuan Alps Park, the Consorzio di Bonifica 1 Toscana, Autolinee Toscane, and Arci Caccia Toscana. The event, made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Nature Photographers of Lago di Porta, the "Artigli Alati" falconers led by Matteo Giannetti, and volunteers from the Arci Caccia Club of Montignoso, attracted enthusiastic and attentive participation from over 150 children from the "Ugo Guidi" Comprehensive School of Forte dei Marmi, and students from the Pascoli and Don Milani primary schools.
Observation activities
The meeting was divided into two distinct parts. The first took place in the school auditorium, where expert ornithologists explained to the students the phenomenon of raptor migration, sharing information gathered through observation activities in the area, particularly from the ramparts of the Montignoso Fortress. During the presentation, the booklet created for the project was also presented, featuring photographs and notes and insights into the migratory passage of birds of prey, as well as the emotions experienced by observers while awaiting sightings.
UNESCO heritage
The second part of the initiative took place outdoors. The children had the opportunity to observe some splendid birds of prey up close thanks to the falconers of the Artigli Alati di Massa, asking questions and discovering the secrets of the art of falconry, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2016. "A heartfelt thanks to headmistress Nella De Angeli, assistant headmistress Bettina Nardini, and all the school staff," said Stefano Cattani, provincial president of Arci Caccia "I compagni della natura" (Nature's Companions), at the end of the event. "With their commitment, they made this encounter possible, introducing the young students to the extraordinary world of birds of prey with curiosity and enthusiasm." The project will continue with a second event scheduled for Thursday, March 12, involving students from the Carducci school (source: Arci Caccia).
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