Schinias Marathon National Park (GR3000003)

An area of 1322.26 hectares [ha] that is located at the north eastern part of Attica, 40 kilometers from Athens, at the Marathon plain that is surrounded by the low-lying mountains of Karoubalo, Pounta and Drakonera to the north east. The central part of the site is covered by the remaining part of the once extensive Marathon wetland, which has been suffering from drainage works (canalization) since 1923. Today, the slightly brackish Drakonera spring, located at the foothills of Drakonera hill features a reduced provision, which is only evident during wet periods.

A sandy coastal zone that is extended from east to west to the southern part and where the Kynossoura peninsula delimits the south eastern part. Up to 2004, the longitudinal zone near Makaria spring with a total surface of 450 hectares at the western part of the wetland was occupied by a small airport. In 2004 the Olympic Rowing Center was constructed at the area formerly occupied by the airport. A USA military communication base with a total surface of 100 hectares used to operate for several years at the central part of the wetland.

The Schinias coastal zone consists of sandy-gravelly dunes of the Holocene age. Northwards, the swamp area is covered by silty-clayey, and topically sandy, alluvial deposits of the same age. Eastwards, the Mytika and Drakonera hills consist of the upper cretaceous marbles of Agia Marina, which are topically covered by scree and talus cones.

The area is part of the broader geographical region of Attica and shares its typical climatic conditions. The climate is Mediterranean, with characteristically hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The atmosphere’s average annual temperature ranges from 16.5˚C to 19˚C. The coldest month of the year is January, while the hottest months are July and August. The annual rainfall averages around 378mm, while humidity ranges between 59% and 64%. There are an average of about 50 cloudy days per year and about 130 sunny days, giving a total of 2,920 hours of sunshine each year.

Prior to 1923, the outflow of both the Makaria and Drakonera springs provided the wetland with slightly brackish water, which then flowed into the sea via Lake Stomi, formed near the eastern coast of the area. It is estimated that the Makaria Spring alone supplied the wetland with 6-7 million cubic meters of water each year. Runoff from the upstream mountain catchment basin was an additional source of water. In order to convert the marsh into agricultural land, a drainage canal was constructed in 1923 along the western borders of the area. This canal diverted the waters of Makaria directly to the sea. Subsequently, a network of flood control and drainage canals was constructed upstream of the wetland, which also diverted floodwaters directly to the sea. Secondary flood control and drainage canals were incorporated into this network during the 1960s and 1970s to protect the military installations and the airport, which had been constructed in the meantime within the wetland area. As a result, the wetland’s freshwater supply was limited to the rainfall received by the plain (which was quantified at around 0.7 million cubic meters of water per year), while at the same time it received significant quantities of seawater both underground and through the surface communication of Lake Stomi.

Consequently, the once-permanent Stomi salt marsh was transformed into a seasonal lake, and the wetland area shrank significantly due to the ensuing dry conditions and land reclamation projects. The wetland flooded during the rainy season and dried up in the summer. It exhibited variable salinity, with brackish or saline water generally prevailing in most of its parts, while the freshwater or slightly brackish element was restricted to a small area around the Makaria spring, along a drainage ditch west of the Drakonera hill, and, to a lesser extent, along other drainage canals.

The hydrological conditions described above and the changes in land use have shaped the previous state of the wetland natural habitat type and have affected the sandy coastal zone of the area. As mentioned before, in 2004 the Olympic Rowing Center was constructed in the area previously occupied by the airport. Two artificial water bodies were constructed within the Olympic Rowing Center. Water from the Makaria spring is directed, through hydraulic structures, to the water bodies of the Olympic complex and then discharged into the central wetland. Also, the following have been done: the removal of the airport’s constructions and runway, the removal of the inert military installation and the remediation of the area’s soil, the abolition of an extensive network of support structures for telecommunication antennas, which fragment the habitat and severely disrupt wildlife.

The construction of the Olympic complex and the permanent presence of two water bodies, which channel freshwater/brackish water into the wetland have benefited the biodiversity of the National Park. At least thirty-five bird species have been favored, including the strictly protected Aythya nyroca. Moreover, it has been observed that the reed surface has increased significantly. Halophytic vegetation occupies the central and most extensive part of the wetland, as a result of intensive drainage activities and human pressure in the area over the past 80 years.

Halophytic communities often form mosaics: salt meadows with Juncus (habitat type 1410) and salt scrubs are intermixed, giving way to glasswort swards (habitat type 1420) near Stomi Lake, where the vegetation is established on a substrate of decomposing sea-grasses (mainly Posidonia oceanica). Juncus maritimus is the dominant species, while other characteristic species include Juncus heldreichianus, Limonium narbonense, Aster tripolium, Scirpoides holoshoenus, Scirpus littoralis, Bolboschoenus maritimus (Scirpus maritimus), Puccinelia distans, Plantago crassifolia. Salt shrublands are the main vegetation type, dominated by the species Sarcocornia perennis (at the lower sites) and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (at the higher, better aerated sites), while other species participating are Puccinelia festuciformis, P. distans, Limoniun narbonense, L. virgatum, L. bellidifolium, Centaurium spicatum, Suaeda vera, Salsola soda, Atriplex portucaloides. Annual halophilous pioneer communities (habitat type 1310) with Cressa cretica develop along dry channels and sometimes in areas with increased salinity that remain flooded for longer. Other Saginetea species, such as Spergularia salina, Parapholis incurve, P. filiformis, Salsola soda, appear among the salt shrublands but rarely form representative communities. Reedbeds with Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia (Corine 53.1) mainly occupy parts of the central and north western part of the wetland, with indications that they are expanding.

Saltmarsh tamarisk (habitat type 92D0) develop on the banks of the canals and embankments throughout the wetland and notably at the main channel of Makaria spring with Tamarix tetrandra (mainly at the eastern part) and Tamarix hampeana (mainly at the western part). These two habitats form mosaics at the north western part of the site. Freshwater aquatic habitats develop at Makaria spring and along its drainage channel. In the stagnant waters at the small pond that is created at Makaria spring, Magnopatamion vegetation with Potamogeton nodosus appears (habitat type 3150). Along the channel, in slow flowing areas, there are floating communities of Apion nodiflori (habitat type 3260) with a Chara benthic layer (habitat type 3140 is included in 3260).

Near the river mouth, the flow is not permanent and communities of Potamogeton pectinatus and Nasturtium officinale develop (habitat 3290). Typical communities of the “Mediterranean temporary ponds” (habitat type 3170) have not been identified in the wetland. A single small patch of dwarf pioneer annuals characterized by Crassula sp. and Herniaria hirsute has been identified on a roadside bank (southwest part part of the area) on a sandy, temporarily waterlogged substrate. Also, small communities with Juncus bufonius, Poa annua, Plantago coronopus develop in small temporary lakes between the juniper matorral at the lower parts of Drakonera. These communities, with the participation of Isoeto-NanoJuncetea species, could be assigned as vegetation of habitats (such as Juncus articulatus, Mentha pulegium, Serapias lingua, Centaurium pulchellum, and Lotus angustissimus) have been reported from the site.

The site’s coastal sandy part maintains successive zones of ammophilous habitats. At a zone of 50 meters from the sea there is only naked sand with loose drift line communities of Cakile maritime, Matthiola tricuspidata, Salsola kali (habitat type 1210), followed by ridges of low embryonic dunes (habitat type 2110) with Elytrigia juncea (Elymus farctus), Eryngium maritimum, Medicago marina. Pseudorlaya pumila, Lotus halophilus, Allium staticiforme, Rhagadiolus stellatus, Silene colarara also participate in the ammophilous communities. To the western part, closer to the mouth of Makaria channel and in front of the Park’s inhabited zone the structure of the dunes is even more degraded. There is where ammophilous communities with Cyperus capitatus, Sporobolus pungens and a low dune front with Centaurea spinose are developed. Behind this zone and all along the coast there are low, stabilized dunes, forested with Pinus pinea at the western part and Pinus halepensis at the eastern part (the two pines intermix towards the center).

The understory is composed of maquis species, mainly Pistacia lentiscus and also Quercus coccifera, Juniperus phoenicea, Myrtus communis, Rhamnus alaternus, Rubia peregrine, Ruscus aculeatus, Smilax aspera, Asparagus acutifolius and of phryganic species such as Helichrysum stoechas, Phagnalon graecum, Anthyllis hermaniae, Cistus incanus, C. salvifolius, Coridothymus capitatus. The herb layer includes species such as Cyclamen hederifolium, C. graecum, Ophrys lutea, Serapias lingua. A zone at the northern part of the Pinus pinea forest is covered by low to medium height matorral, which is dominated by Pistacia lentiscus (habitat type 2260). Malcolmietalia annual grasslands (habitat type 2230) with dominance of Silene colorata, Anthemis tomentosa, Medicago littoralis, develop mainly at extended areas of the flat, stabilized sand of the rear dune at the western part of the site. In the more disturbed zone towards the wetland synanthropic grassland of Stellarietea mediae develops to the expense of the typical dune grassland. Isolated Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa individuals and small stands of Pinus pinea grow at these places. It is worth noting that the Malcolmietalia (2230) sand dune therophytic meadows of the area, which belong to the Thero-Brachypodietea syntax, were previously clssified as habitat type 6220, which is of a similar floristic composition. However, since these communities are part of the dune system, there are better described as habitat type 2230. In a narrow zone between the embryonic dunes and the forest there are small stands of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa (habitat type 2250) with Pistacia lentiscus. Pistacia lentiscus formations on dunes constitute habitat type 2260. These formations most probably remnants of previously well-developed post glacial communities of the type found elsewhere in the Aegean.

The Kynosoura peninsula is covered across its greatest part by maquis, medium to high, at places scattered but generally quite thick. Juniperus phoenicea (habitat type 5210) dominates the greatest part of the area while other shrubs participating are Pistacia lentiscus, P. terebinthus, Ceratonia siliqua, Olea europaea ssp. oleaster, Ephedra foemina, Quercus coccifera, Rhamnus alaternus, Calicotome villosa, Prunus webbii, Prasium majus. In the herb layer and at the openings, a multitude of therophytes, grasses and geophytes develop, including the endemics Fritillaria obliqua and Scorzonera crocifolia, as well as some orchids. Phryganas Satureja Juliana, S. nervosa, S. graeca, Euphorbia acanthothamnos, H. stoechas, Phagnalon graecum, Coridothymus capitatus, Teucrium capitatum, T. divaricatum develop in the understory and at openings of the maquis mainly at the western part. In the open rocky places with boulders, in the crest of the promontory and also in some slopes Euphorbia dendroides dominates the scrub, growing along with Anagyris foetida, Phlomis fruticosa, Ephedra foemina. At the same areas small chasmophytic communities with Asplenium cetarach, Cheilanthes acrostica, Cosentinia vellea, and Umbilicus rupestris develop in the crevices of the rocks. Srubs are present at the steep slopes above the sea.

Juniper matoral, which has a similar composition but is generally thinner and lower (due to recent fire and grazing), also covers Drakonera hill. Chasmophytic vegetation of good representative develops at a small rock facing the hillcrest. Therophytic grassland areas (Thero-Brachypodietea, habitat type 6220) grow at the openings of the scrub. However, at the flat areas of the foothills Stellarietea and Artemisetea species take over. Schinias wetland has traditionally been an important waterfowl and water bird migration station. Species include Plegadis falcinellus, Botaurus stellaris, several Ardeidae, Rallidae, Ciconiidae, Anatidae, Tringa, Calidris species, as well as numerous raptors (mainly Falconidae).

The area’s significance has been enhanced following the aforementioned interventions in the hydrological regime. The wintering birdlife includes, among others, the protected Acrocephalus melanopogon. Although small in numbers, the presence of several species of raptors in the surrounding hills is important. These species, which scour the wetland plain, include Circaetus gallicus, Buteo rufinus, Falco peregrinus, Bubo bubo, as well as the more common Buteo buteo, Falco tinunculus, Tyto Alba, Otus scops. At the maquis vegetation covering the hillsides, protected species typical of this habitat type, such as Sylvia hortensis and Sylvia rueppelli can be found. Along the canal and the lakes on the banks, one can find the reptiles Emys orbicularis, Mauremys caspica, Testudo hermanni, Testudo marginata, Elaphe situla, as well as the endemic fish Pelasgus marathonicus.

Schinias National Park retains significant ecological value despite its proximity to the city of Athens. In fact, its importance and priority for conservation are heightened by its proximity. The ecological value of the area is primarily based on the following characteristics:

1) An abundance of habitat types, which alternate in a relatively small area. The forest of Pinus pinea though currently in a declining state of conservation, is quite representative and also one of the few in Greece and unique in Central Greece. The dune system, despite its degraded structure, consists of a variety of communities (only the remnant of a previously well-developed system) and is the only one surviving in the Attica region, with species that have already disappeared from everywhere else in the wider area. The coastal wetland is the largest and most important in the Attica region with typical halophytic communities. The tamarisk stands form an ideal forest in areas, where soil salinity prevents the growth of other trees and provides a refuge for birds and other wildlife. The remaining stands are impressive in places (and these have disappeared from other parts of the Attica region). The freshwater aquatic habitats have only adequate representation and low floristic diversity but with favorable conservation prospects. The J. phoenicea matoral is well preserved and supports a multitude of species that make Kynosoura a natural botanical garden.

2) The flora is rich in common species and also includes some endemic, rare and protected plants.

3) Fauna presence is rich, in spite of the severe degradation and continuous heavy human pressure. The site has a high potential to become an important bird migration station as it lies on the Eastern Europe-Balkan Peninsula-Africa central migration axis and comprises one of the very few freshwater stations in the Attica region (and the Eastern Greece in general), which is part of the reason for the inclusion of the site in the National Important Bird Areas (IBA) catalogue. It is estimated that the area’s ecological potential is much greater than what its currently degraded status implies and that it will be manifested as soon as the wetland’s original hydrology is restored. However, improvement has been noticed since the construction of the Olympic complex. The area’s role as a breeding and migration site for many aquatic birds could be further upgraded.

4) Cultural, educational and social aspects of the area. The area holds some very strong historical relations (Marathon battle – 490 BC) and it is located near important archaeological sites (Marathon tomb, Rhamnous). Furthermore, it is ideal for educational and research purposes in the area of biology and nature’s conservation. Finally, it is one of the most important sea recreation areas for the citizens of Athens and one of the very few in the area that still retains its aesthetic value and the classical beauty of Attica’s landscape. The Presidential Decree for the designation of the site as a National Park and the Ministerial Decision set its Management Plan and Operation Rules. However, it requires a lot of effort for its adequate implementation and so that the human pressure on the biotope would be minimized in order for the area to serve as a model of Integration and a pillar of ecology, environmental education, culture, sustainable development and mild recreational activities.

Other important fauna and flora species include: Hipparchia aristaeus and Anax imperator: Protected by the Greek Law (Presidential Decree 67/1981). Anacamptis pyramidalis, Cyclamen hederifolium, Orchis laxiflora, Serapias lingua, Serapias parviflora.

6 species and 20 habitats are protected according to the EU habitats and birds directives.

Green turtle – Chelonia mydas, European pond turtle – Emys orbicularis, Mauremys rivulata, Testudo hermanni, and Marginated tortoise – Testudo marginata, Zamenis situla

Annual vegetation of drift lines, Arborescent matorral with Juniperus spp, Calcareous rocky slopes with chasmophytic vegetation, Caves not open to the public, Cisto-Lavenduletalia sclerophyll sand dunes, Coastal lagoons, Embryonic shifting dunes, Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous shrubs (Sarcocornetea fruticosi), Mediterranean salt meadows ( Juncetalia maritimi), Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation, Posidonia beds (Posidonion oceanicae), Reefs, Salicornia and other annuals that colonize mud and sand, Sandbars lightly covered by seawater all the time, Sarcopoterium spinosum, Southern riparian galleries and thickets (Nerio-Tamaricetea and Securinegion tinctoriae), Thermo-Mediterranean and pre-desert scrub, Steep Mediterranean coastal cliffs with endemic Limonium spp., Lowland to montane streams with Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation, Wooded dunes with Pinus pinea and/or Pinus pinaster.