Think of a hidden world. It thrives just beyond the city’s edge. That world is Gaisenmoos.
Gaisenmoos is a nature reserve near Freiburg. It is in Baden-Württemberg. The area protects unique wetlands. These wetlands feature rare plant life. One notable example is the black alder swamp forests.
Established on September 22, 1995, Gaisenmoos spans 25.54 hectares. This protected area has the number 3.213. It is managed by the Freiburg Regional Council. Gaisenmoos falls into IUCN Category IV. This means it is a habitat and species management area.
The purpose of Gaisenmoos is threefold. First, it preserves the structure-rich wetlands. These wetlands have rare plant communities. Black alder swamp forests are among them. Second, it maintains populations of rare species. This includes endangered animals and plants like fern species. Finally, it secures an outstanding example of the Dreisam alluvial fan’s spring outlets.
Gaisenmoos sits on the edge of the Dreisam alluvial fan. It is southeast of Blankenberg. The Blankenberg is a loess-covered Jura rock. This rock formed after the Earth’s crust sank in the Upper Rhine Graben. This rock dams up the groundwater flow. The flow comes from the Dreisam River in the Black Forest. As a result, groundwater reaches the surface here. It sometimes emerges as springs.
The area has branching channels from the north. Some channels are more than one meter deep. Gaisenmoos features a broad depression from the east. Streams from the east carry water. The current course is artificial. The dammed groundwater flow ensures water in the streams. This happens even without inflow from the east. The resulting wetness creates peaty soils.
Water courses and springs permeate the moss forest almost all year round. The diverse marsh and wet forests are home to the extremely rare royal fern. This is just one of the many natural treasures found here at Gaisenmoos. Take a moment to appreciate this unique environment. It is a testament to the importance of preserving our natural heritage.