Four days of hiking between Emilia and Liguria, along the ridges and valleys of the Apennines, where dense beech forests alternate with high-altitude meadows and sudden glimpses of the sea. Dispersal is an experiential camp designed for those who want to experience the mountains with a more informed perspective, approaching the wolf and the theme of coexistence in a concrete way, through an investigation that will lead us to explore tracks, habitats, daily choices, and relationships between people, wildlife, and the landscape.
During the trek, we'll learn to read the environment like a book, deciphering signs of presence, marking sites, trails, and movements, interpreting what we observe with a respectful and realistic approach. We'll alternate moments dedicated to wildlife observation with opportunities for discussion, to understand how to monitor an area and what information can be gleaned from natural environments, without ever forcing encounters with the creatures that inhabit them. We'll also give ample space to nature photography: together with photographer Simone Giosso, we'll explore questions of photographic ethics, learning techniques for proper movement and positioning, and even "disappearing" into the landscape to document the wildlife without disturbing it.
The camp includes an in-depth scientific educational component led by Daniele Ecotti, president of the "I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf" association, during which we will discuss wolf biology and ethology. A guided reading of what we observed in the field will be offered, linking signs of presence to the species' actual dynamics, behaviors, forms of communication, and land use. This is a way to go beyond simple observation and truly understand what we're seeing and why.
The experience will be enriched by encounters that will deepen the journey. Tommaso D'Errico, photographer and author of the book "I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf," will discuss perceptions, fears, and coexistence. Elena and Nicola from La Caprasanta, a small goat-raising farm in the upper Taro Valley, will offer a discussion on the topic of coexistence, hearing firsthand the experiences of those who work daily in a territory shared with large predators. During the encounter, for a small fee, you can enjoy a snack of local products.
The daily stages will range from 6 to 13 km, with approximate elevation gains of 400 to 800 meters. Good mountain walking training is required. We will stay in mountain huts with shared dormitories and shared facilities.
We'll tackle all stages with a light backpack, carrying only what's necessary for the day's excursion. The organization will transport your belongings from one refuge to the next, and a support vehicle will always be available at each refuge for any eventuality.
July 16-17-18-19, 2026
EVENT LOCATION
Upper Taro Valley (PR) and Aveto Regional Park (GE)
RECIPIENTS
Reserved for members of I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf who have paid their annual membership fee.
FEE
€180,00 association contribution
Registration deposit: €90,00
The total cost of the refuges is €235,00, payable directly to the facilities. This includes overnight stays, breakfasts, packed lunches, and dinners (drinks not included).
PARTICIPANTS:
min. 8 – max 14
REGISTRATION CLOSES BY
30 days from the start date
AIGAE TRAINING CREDITS
No – Recognized training credits:
INFORMATION
campi@iononhopauradellupo.it
STAGE 1 – From Santa Maria del Taro (PR) to the first high-altitude base
13 km | +800 m
Meet at 9:30 in Santa Maria del Taro (PR). From there, we'll hike up to the first base, crossing beech forests and ridges overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Along the way, we'll visit some of the usual marking sites and have a good chance of spotting birds of prey such as short-toed eagles, buzzards, honey buzzards, and, with a bit of luck, even golden eagles.
In the evening, before dinner, nature photographer Simone Giosso will share images and videos, discussing Ligurian wildlife and the importance of ethics in nature photography.
(In-house treatment: dinner, overnight stay, breakfast and packed lunch; drinks not included)
STAGE 2 – Crossing to the second base in Aveto Park
9 km | +400 m
From the Monte Penna forest, through beech forests and meadows, we'll enter the heart of the Aveto Regional Natural Park. Camera traps will be checked throughout the day. Arrival at the second base in the afternoon.
Before dinner, an in-depth workshop on wolf biology and ethology led by Daniele Ecotti will follow. Wildlife observations at sunset and dinner will follow.
(Treatment in facility)
STAGE 3 – Field trips and activities
For those who wish, we can also observe at dawn. After breakfast, we'll go on a hike to search for the wild horses that inhabit the area and for signs of wolves and other wildlife, with a good chance of spotting birds of prey in flight. In the afternoon, we'll return to base.
A meeting with Tommaso D'Errico to discuss his book "I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf" and the challenges of coexistence between humans and predators. Finally, a new wildlife outing at sunset.
(Second night in the facility with treatment as per program)
STAGE 4 – Return to Santa Maria del Taro (PR)
12 km | -800 m
Wildlife observation at dawn (optional). After breakfast, we'll descend towards Santa Maria del Taro, crossing secluded valleys and habitats frequented by wolves. On the way back, we'll stop at Elena and Nicola, goat farmers in the upper Taro Valley, who will share their experience as a small mountain farm. For a small fee, you can enjoy a snack made with their produce.
The camp closes in the afternoon, with arrival expected by 17:30 pm at Santa Maria del Taro (starting point).
TRAINERS
Daniel Ecotti
Founding member and President
Environmental Hiking Guide – Environmental Educator
AIGAE ER940
Simone Giosso
Member and Volunteer
Nature Photographer – Videomaker and Environmental Hiking Guide
AIGAE LI267
Thomas D'Errico
Member and volunteer
Writer and photographer
It's recommended to bring a backpack, a water bottle (at least 1 liter), layered clothing appropriate for the season, hiking boots with treaded soles, and a waterproof or rain jacket. Also helpful, though not essential, are binoculars and a camera, a blanket to sit on, and a notebook. It's best to wear dark, unobtrusive clothing to reduce visibility.
Registered participants will receive further information and details about clothing and logistics by email.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The event will take place once the minimum number of participants is reached. It will continue even in the event of rain, except in exceptional weather conditions, in which case we reserve the right to cancel. A full refund will be given if cancellation is made within 60 days of the event start date or if the cancellation is due to reasons attributable to the organizers. Alternatively, the fee is non-refundable but can be used to pay for other I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf events.
Minors must be accompanied by at least one adult.
The program may be subject to changes decided by the organizers due to contingencies and weather conditions.