Top 20 Natural Monuments around Steenokkerzeel

Look carefully which path you take. With this roundabout, you can go in any direction.

The Duisburg Dolmen Stone is a large historical erratic boulder in Duisburg (a district of Tervuren). It is often associated with prehistoric rituals and may have been part of an ancient burial monument (dolmen), although this has not been proven with certainty. The stone is primarily considered a local archaeological and folklore monument, commemorating the very early settlement of the region.

A change of scenery guaranteed...but also a sad observation...global warming is causing terrible damage to certain species of trees...visit this arboretum quickly before many trees die 😩😩😩

Nice location because you can imagine yourself in different parts of the world by the large number of exotic trees that were planted here sorted by their habitat. This allows you to walk from the West Coast of America to China through the different forests that were planted to imitate nature there as closely as possible.

Regardless of how many paths, lanes, avenues, and other sunken roads converge here, this place is known as the Zevenster (Seven Star). And in the middle lie those famous stones. They too have a name: together, they form the Duisburg Dolmen Stone. Specifically, it refers to three remaining fragments of this Dolmen Stone, which originally, in their unbroken state, had a diameter of approximately 2.45 meters. The stone (a chunk of quartzite, or compressed sandstone) was unearthed in 1883 in a field near Duisburg. Locals initially thought it was an impacted meteorite, which subsequently earned it the name "dry thunderstone." After considerable debate, it is now believed to be polishing stones. So, no remains of a megalithic monument, although several Stone Age artifacts have been found in the Sonian Forest. The stone was unbroken when it was found. This happened during its transport to the Warande Park or the Warande (Tervuren Park) here, where it was brought by horse and cart in 1897 and was a showpiece at the World's Fair—although the 267 Congolese who were forcibly brought to Belgium to be exhibited as animals in a zoo that same year likely attracted more attention. The Zevenster itself is, of course, a rather special spot with all its avenues and paths converging. You can enjoy it from various benches, including a picnic table and a "wooden throne." Incidentally, the Zevenster isn't that old. In the past, it was entirely laid out in a checkerboard pattern. The redevelopment of the Warande, with a star-shaped instead of checkerboard pattern, took place under Charles of Lorraine in the eighteenth century. Quote: "The Warande itself also received a thorough facelift, and the original checkerboard pattern was changed to a star-shaped layout, with the various avenues converging into the 'Zevenster'." Sources: https://ernstguelcher.blogspot.com/2024/02/dolmen-in-tervuren-en-chaumont-gistoux.html http://www.megalitica.be/megasite/belgie7a.htm https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/300554

Beautiful to walk in any weather. Many paths around here are also bike-free, which is still pleasant for the walker.

Mispeldonk Nature Reserve is a beautiful and valuable nature reserve in Bonheiden, located in the province of Antwerp. The area is known for its unique ecosystems, rich biodiversity and the natural beauty of the landscape. Here are some key points about Mispeldonk: Location and Size Mispeldonk is located between Bonheiden and the nearby municipality of Rijmenam, along the banks of the Dijle. The area is part of the larger Dijle landscape, which is known for its wet meadows, meandering waterways and rich flora and fauna. Mispeldonk covers approximately 50 hectares and consists of a mix of marshlands, meadows, forests and ponds. Ecological Importance Mispeldonk is a protected nature reserve because of its special ecological value. The area has a typical structure of a flood plain of the Dijle, which makes it an important habitat for many plant and animal species: • Flora: Various rare and protected plant species grow in the area, such as marsh marigolds, cuckoo flowers and water violets. The wet grasslands and marshes provide unique vegetation that is less common elsewhere in the region. • Fauna: Mispeldonk is an important habitat for birds such as the bluethroat, water rail and reed warbler. Amphibians such as the crested newt and the green frog can also be found there. Furthermore, the area is rich in insects, including butterflies and dragonflies, that thrive in the moist environment. Water management The nature reserve plays an important role in local water management. It is located in a flood-prone area along the Dijle and functions as a natural buffer against flooding. In the event of high water levels, the area can collect water and thus help prevent flooding in nearby villages. The nature reserve contributes to the preservation of water quality by filtering and purifying the water through natural processes. Recreation and Experience Mispeldonk is a popular place for nature lovers and hikers. The area is accessible via various hiking trails that lead through the meadows and forests. There are signposted routes that give walkers the chance to explore the diversity of the landscape and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Birdwatchers enjoy visiting the area because of the variety of bird species that can be seen, especially during the breeding season and the migratory bird periods. Management and Protection The nature reserve is managed by Natuurpunt, a Belgian organisation that is committed to nature conservation. Natuurpunt carries out management work to protect biodiversity and maintain the landscape. This includes mowing grasslands, removing invasive plant species and maintaining the walking paths. There is collaboration with local farmers for nature-friendly agriculture, whereby meadows are extensively grazed or mowed, so that they remain suitable for meadow birds and rare plants.

There are numerous ponds in the Tervuren Park. The Vossemvijver and the southern Kanaal- and Gertrudisvijver were recently restored and give part of the southern park area back its former glory. Fish and amphibians find it pleasant to stay there thanks to a varied aquatic plant growth and the construction of spawning grounds. (Nature and Forest)