Villanova di Bagnacavallo is situated along the Lamone river's left bank. In the past it belonged to a complex territorial system of water courses and wetlands. The first inhabitants of those places used the few resources the environment gave them, starting the collection and the processing of spontaneous herbs with which they realized different types of artifacts. Over the years this particular form of handicraft developed until it became one of the main economic activities in the area between 19th and 20th century.
The Ecomuseo delle Erbe Palustri (Eco-museum of the swamp herbs) keeps the memory of that know-how and productive season, and it documents the environmental and economic context of the village in that time.
The museum's management is entrusted to the Civiltà delle Erbe Palustri Cultural Association.