The Reserve has been managed by the State Forestry Corps since the 1930s. The area also boasts sites of archaeological (medieval buildings and roads) and historical interest (with the remains of war relics from the Gothic Line). Furthermore, thanks to numerous Pro Loco associations, there is significant promotion of folklore, food and wine, and the rich rural culture of the region in general. All this combined represents a true protection and conservation of natural environments and biodiversity, as well as a vital green lung located a short distance from heavily urbanized areas. It also offers an extraordinary opportunity for the development of a sustainable local economy focused on cultural and nature tourism, as well as environmental education.

The State Forestry Corps Building is located within the Reserve, a large structure with apartments and spacious indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for conferences. The CFS itself has entered into an agreement with Legambiente Pistoia to lease the building for environmental education projects in the area, in collaboration with local associations and cooperatives that pursue the protection and promotion of the environment and legality.

With 40 beds, a kitchen, a refectory, and large indoor and outdoor spaces, the Cea Acquerino is ideally suited as a scout house for groups from all over Italy.

The Acquerino State Nature Reserve is located in the municipality of Sambuca Pistoiese (province of Pistoia) and extends over an Apennine area of 243 hectares, between 880 m above sea level (Ponte Rigoli) and 1,319 m above sea level on Monte La Croce. It is characterized by extensive forest cover, consisting of mixed woodlands, beech forests, and artificial conifer plantations. Small expanses of meadows and pastures complete the range of habitats and are occasionally covered with blooms of asphodel and foxglove. The dead trees left in the forest provide a rich habitat for saproxylic insects and consequently a rich community of small mammals and insectivorous birds, such as shrews and woodpeckers. Large mammals are also numerous, especially the deer, which was successfully reintroduced here in the 1950s. Roe deer, fallow deer, and wild boar are also present, all of which have recently become part of the wolf's diet. The natural recolonization of this predator, which has recently reconquered the Northern Apennines, has closed the ecological cycle, which was broken over a century ago due to its disappearance, to the benefit of the entire ecosystem. Other predators present include the fox and the beech marten, as well as various bird species, such as the sparrowhawk and the buzzard. It is also not uncommon to spot the golden eagle.

Within 1 km, there's a bar/restaurant. Between 1 and 5 km, there's a residential area. Between 5 and 10 km, there's a church and a bus stop. Over 10 km, there's a train station, ATM, supermarket, pharmacy, and hospital.

Minimum stay 6 nights in July and August.

By provisions of the Ministry of Tourism, the facility is exempt from the National Identification Code as it does not charge fees but accepts donations to the management body.

This property has not activated a direct contact service. To contact them, you'll need to search their contact information online.

What to DO, SEE and EAT in the surrounding area