Naturalistic Guide at Museo del Termalismo Antico e del Territorio
1. Roots in the Hills
Stefano was born in a small village in northern Italy, near Padova and the Euganean Hills—landscapes that would shape his lifelong love for nature. “I started to love nature and mountains thanks to my family since I was a child,” he shares. His early passion led him to study geology at university, combining scientific knowledge with his deep connection to the land.
2. From Passion to Profession
In 2017, Stefano began working in the Euganean Hills, blending his two greatest passions: nature and human connection. “Being a naturalistic guide allows me to live both these characteristics,” he explains. Through his eco-tourism work, he leads visitors on immersive experiences—hiking, biking, and even snowshoeing—allowing them to truly live with nature.
3. Protecting and Exploring the Regional Park
Stefano works with a small naturalistic enterprise that follows ecological practices and is part of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (CETS). “We balance conservation and tourism by offering experiences that respect nature while allowing people to discover its beauty,” he says.
His favorite moments in the regional park? “A good group, the sun, pleasant temperatures, and being surrounded by nature.” Among the park’s biodiversity, he particularly admires the oak, chestnut, and hackberry trees, as well as wildlife like deer, roe, and foxes.
4. Witnessing Climate Change Firsthand
Stefano has seen climate change reshape the landscapes he loves, particularly in the Alps. “Glaciers are retreating very fast—I see it through photos and annual measurements,” he notes. In the Euganean Hills, seasonal shifts have become more pronounced. “It’s now easier to be outdoors in November and February than it used to be,” he says. Recently, a strange rise in mallard duck populations has raised questions about shifting ecosystems.
5. The Balance Between Conservation and Tourism
Attracting visitors while preserving the environment is a challenge, but Stefano believes it’s possible. “If we love our area, we can offer experiences that balance tourism with nature,” he says. His goal is to welcome more ‘park visitors’—travelers who want to explore ecosystems with care and respect.
6. Hope for the Future
Despite the challenges of climate change, Stefano remains hopeful. “The possibility of shifting to lower carbon production and a higher level of environmental awareness gives me hope,” he says. He believes that education and mindful action can drive positive change.
7. How You Can Help
Visitors can actively support conservation efforts by:
✅ Joining ecological days with waste collection hikes
🚲 Using more bikes and fewer cars to reduce emissions
🏫 Supporting environmental education—allowing guides like Stefano to speak in schools about conservation
“They are welcome to walk with us and be part of our efforts,” Stefano says. His work proves that by immersing ourselves in nature, we can learn not just about the environment—but about how to protect it.
My Ecological Odyssey 