- The Regional Nature Park Ballons des Vosges :
Spanning four departments and encompassing a wide variety of landscapes, the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park combines rounded mountains, deep forests, high-altitude meadows, and inhabited valleys. It is home to remarkable wildlife and plant species such as the Eurasian lynx, the capercaillie, and high-altitude peat bogs and beech forests. A true land of nature and traditions, the park actively works to preserve natural environments and promote the harmonious development of its villages.
 

- The Erstein Forest National Nature Reserve :
Covering 180 hectares in the former bed of the Rhine, the Erstein Forest Nature Reserve protects an alluvial forest rich in biodiversity.
Fed by the river’s floods, it harbors nearly 400 plant species and many animal species, including forest birds, amphibians, and rare dragonflies.

- The Ried Nature Reserve at Sélestat :
The Ill*Wald nature reserve, located near Sélestat, is one of the five largest regional reserves in France, covering 1,855 hectares. It features a typical Ried landscape, combining wet meadows, hedgerows, and a vast alluvial forest of 1,500 hectares. Crossed by the Ill River and a dense network of waterways, it plays a crucial role in flood regulation and water purification. This wetland supports high biodiversity, with over 160 plant species and many animal species, including fallow deer, beavers, 32 species of dragonflies, 14 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 141 bird species—some of which are endangered in Alsace.

- The Offendorf Forest Nature Reserve :
Located on a former gravel bank of the Rhine, this 60-hectare reserve protects a floodplain forest influenced by groundwater resurgence. Wet areas are home to willows and poplars, while drier zones shelter oaks, ashes, and shrubs. Many rare plant species grow here, and butterflies (such as the Poplar Admiral, Swallowtail) as well as amphibians (frogs, newts) find refuge in this diverse environment.

- The Windeck Estate in Ottrott :
Behind a 19th-century building resembling a castle, the former seigniorial estate of Windeck hides a magnificent 10-hectare landscaped park. This English-style garden, known for its vistas, harmonious paths, and tiered ponds, is home to 126 tree species, including exotic, American, and European varieties. Now owned by a charitable organization, it is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Alsace.

- Mount Sainte-Odile :
Near Molsheim, Mount Sainte-Odile (764 m) offers a stunning view over the Alsace plain, the Black Forest, and the Vosges mountains. A major pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Odile, the patron saint of Alsatians, it features an iconic convent and a rich natural and archaeological environment, ideal for hiking.
 

- The Donon, Sacred Mountain :
The Donon Massif, the highest point of the Lower Vosges at 1009 meters, marks the border between Alsace and Lorraine. A sacred site since prehistoric times and dedicated to Mercury by the Romans, it is steeped in legend. An antique-style temple, built under Napoleon III, crowns its summit. The massif hosts an exceptional forest, partially designated as a “Natura 2000” site, protecting many species such as the capercaillie, lynx, peregrine falcon, rare plants, and remarkable natural habitats. An archaeological trail allows visitors to explore this place full of history and biodiversity.
 

- Champ du Feu :
The highest point in the Bas-Rhin at 1,099 meters, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
In winter, it offers downhill and cross-country ski trails, as well as routes for snowshoeing and sledding. In summer, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding allow visitors to explore its varied landscapes.
Part of the massif is classified as a “Natura 2000” site, under the European program for the preservation of remarkable natural habitats.

- The Haslach Forest, in the Land of Giants :
In the heart of the Vosges mountains, this enchanting site blends nature and legends, featuring giant sculptures inspired by local tales. Beyond its playful aspect, the forest plays a vital role for the environment: it harbors remarkable biodiversity, including beeches, firs, oaks, and a variety of wildlife. Its sustainable management aims to protect the soil, water quality, and forest habitats. An educational trail on site raises awareness among visitors of all ages about nature conservation and the delicate balance of forest ecosystems.

Alsace stands out for its rich biodiversity, spanning forests, plains, and wetlands. This diversity of natural habitats supports a wide range of species, some of which are rare or endangered.
Protecting these species means preserving a valuable heritage essential to maintaining the balance of regional biodiversity.

Some examples of protected species in Alsace:
 

- The White Stork:
An iconic symbol of Alsace, the white stork embodies both the region’s identity and the richness of its local wildlife.
After a steep decline during the 20th century — due to the loss of wetlands and the use of pesticides — it became the focus of numerous protection and reintroduction programs.
Today, its presence on rooftops or specially built nesting platforms in Alsatian villages is the result of ongoing conservation efforts.
As a protected species in France, any disturbance, destruction of the bird, its nest, eggs, or habitat is strictly prohibited.
 

- The Grand Hamster :
The Grand Hamster d'Alsace, also known as Cricetus cricetus, is an emblematic species in danger of extinction. Once abundant on the agricultural plains of Alsace, this rodent is now threatened mainly by urbanisation, the disappearance of its natural habitat and the intensification of maize farming. Measuring around 30cm, it can be recognized by its brown coat with black and white patches. Despite protection programs implemented since the 1990s, its population remains very fragile. Protecting the Alsatian Hamster has become a crucial issue for local biodiversity.

- The Eurasian Lynx :
The Vosges Mountains are home to the third nucleus of the French lynx population, which is now close to extinction. Conservation measures in favor of the species are necessary to restore the lynx rapidly and sustainably in the Vosges range. Therefore, Alsace Nature and the Alsace Mammal Study and Protection Group (GEPMA) are joining forces to help preserve the species.

You can find the full list of endangered bird species in Alsace on the LPO website.

Some examples of threatened plant species in Alsace:

In the Grand Est region, 742 vascular plants are considered threatened, including 75 listed as endangered species in France.
Here are two examples from Alsace:

- Narcissus Anemone :
This is a perennial plant from the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) with whorled or tufted leaves that are compound or lobed and dissected. The flowers are solitary and white in color. It grows in dry, well-drained, and sometimes rocky soil, blooming from May to June. It is toxic.
 

- The Garden Speedwell : 
This is a perennial plant from the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), appreciated for its spectacular blue flower spikes in summer. It is a fairly tall herbaceous plant forming tufts, with erect stems that can exceed one meter. It blooms from June to July, producing an abundant display of long, upright, compact spikes covered in small, intensely blue flowers. It thrives in moist habitats, growing along pond and riverbanks or in meadows, and attracts butterflies and bees.

Many associations are very active in the region in terms of actions that benefit our planet.
 

- Eco-Grazing Vallée de la Bruche :
Eco-Grazing Vallée de la Bruche is a landscaping services company founded by an animal and nature enthusiast. It offers a natural alternative for green space maintenance for businesses, local authorities, and individuals. Eco-grazing has the advantage of greatly reducing the use of machines and therefore fuel consumption.

- Domaine des Bufflonnes: A farm committed to animal welfare
Located in the heart of the meadows of the Northern Vosges in Uhrwiller, on the edge of the Regional Natural Park, the estate has been run since 2018 by Mickaël Christmann, a passionate farmer who wanted to create artisanal mozzarella from Alsace. The entire herd is raised on the farm and fed with pasture-grown products. The entire production chain—from growing the cereals used to feed the buffaloes to the cheese aging—is carried out on-site.
Visits possible on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

- Bruche Piémont Nature Center :
The Bruche Piémont Nature Center aims to educate and raise awareness about nature and the environment, sustainable development, and eco-citizenship.

-  Les Bouchons Bonheur 67:
Les Bouchons Bonheur 67 is an association that collects plastic, metal, and cork bottle caps for recycling. The sale of these caps helps raise funds to support people with disabilities by financing necessary equipment.