In 1957, the Hollywood star Rock Hudson tried to hide amongst these reeds while playing the protagonist in ‘A Farewell to Arms’, based on Hemingway’s eponymous novel that was set, in part, on Lake Maggiore. Having made its cinema debut and, thanks to its extraordinary environmental value, in 1990, that same cane thicket became part of the Fondo Toce Nature Reserve, an area of 360 protected hectares comprising the mouth and the alluvial plain of the River Toce.

The reed wetland is the most characteristic environment in the Nature Reserve because as it acts as a ‘green filter’ by absorbing numerous polluting substances and contributing to purifying the local water. Furthermore, the marsh reed offers an ideal ecosystem for the reproduction of abundant lake fish and for nesting bird species, which is why the Centre for Migration Studies was created within the reserve.

Wetlands are one of the world's most biodiverse habitats so, consequently, there are over a hundred species in the reserve, from fish (carp and pike) to birds (such as kingfishers, grebe and mallard), including many migratory species that stop off in this oasis on their long journey. Not forgetting, of course, reptiles (such as marsh turtles), amphibians (such as the crested newt) and mammals (foxes, badgers, weasels and rabbits).

The entire area is criss-crossed by numerous cycle paths which enable cyclists to follow the cane thicket canal that connects Lake Maggiore to that of Mergozzo. They can also ascend the river Toce, reach lakeside beaches or access observation points.

A panoramic cycle-pedestrian path connects the reserve to the centre of Verbania and the local railway station.