To coincide with International Biodiversity Day, the 2026 edition of the Nature Festival will take place from 20 to 26 May and will offer a packed programme of activities, excursions and events designed for all age groups.

“Discovering the diversity of mushrooms – not just in the frying pan”

In collaboration with the Bolle di Magadino Foundation, the Bellinzona and Valleys Mycological Group and the Locarno Mycological Society, SUPSI is organising an educational walk to discover the mushrooms of our region and the environment in which they grow. Mushrooms are not merely a typical ingredient in traditional Ticino cuisine; above all, they are organisms that are fundamental to the functioning of ecosystems. They interact closely with other organisms, acting as decomposers and parasites, and their role is closely linked to biodiversity and the health of natural environments.

Andreas Bruder, a senior researcher in the Microbial Ecology section at the Institute of Microbiology, invites the public to discover the fascinating world of fungi in their natural habitat. During a walk of around three hours through the southern part of the Bolle di Magadino, participants will be able to observe fungi visible to the naked eye and those living on a microscopic scale, found in the undergrowth, on dead wood and even in aquatic ecosystems.

A unique opportunity to learn more about their role in ecosystems and understand the importance of protecting them. Further information is available on this page

Doors open for the exhibition "No Limits: Champions of the Heights"

As part of the Nature Festival, there will also be an open day for the exhibition No Limits: "Champions of the Heights".
In the presence of Samuele Roman, curator of the Piora Centre for Alpine Biology and Research Associate in Microbial Ecology at the SUPSI Institute of Microbiology, visitors will be guided through the flora and fauna of the Piora Valley to understand how different species have adapted to the alpine environment.

When: 20–22 May, 8.00 am – 5.00 pm
Meeting point: Via San Gottardo 53, Airolo
Contact: Samuele Roman, guardianocba@cadagno.ch

Further information can be found on this page