On Friday, 24 March 2023, it was that time again: employees of accadis Bildung as well as students of accadis Hochschule and parents of accadis International School made their way to the accadis educational forest (Bildungswald) in Schmitten to plant more trees. Every year, accadis Bildung plants trees for the new students of the university as well as the new students of the accadis International School (accadis ISB) and is thus committed to reforestation in the Taunus region. With the first planting campaign in April 2022, over 550 trees in the educational forest now ensure a healthy climate.
Support from the Herzenswald Schmitten team
Once they arrived at the educational forest, the volunteers were welcomed by Brigitta Brüning-Bibo and her team from the Herzenswald Schmitten and immediately equipped with spades and buckets. After a short briefing, they took the more than 200 seedlings out onto the approximately 30,000-hectare site. Birgitta Brüning-Bibo and experienced HessenForst employees also lent a hand and were available to answer questions throughout the morning.
Climate-resistant and resilient trees for the Taunus region
The seedlings were carefully selected: Sweet chestnut, walnut, Norway maple and wild apple varieties are considered climate-resistant and are known to adapt to changing conditions. They also attract important insects and birds with their flowers and fruits.
Although it rained most of the time, the joy of being able to help with the important reforestation in the Taunus region was always palpable, and when the sun came out at the end, everyone was all the more pleased about it. Besides, the helpers all agreed that the young trees prefer rain to sweltering heat.
Planting trees in five steps
Planting the trees involves five steps: First, a hole is dug, which must be large enough for the root of the seedling to completely disappear into. After that, the seedling is inserted, the hole is filled up and filled with fresh soil. The next step is to put a game protector over the seedling and fasten it. Finally, the buds are wrapped with sheep's wool - another step designed to keep game away from the young trees. For these tasks, the helpers quickly got together in small teams so that everyone could contribute his or her strengths. According to the motto #weareaccadis, the different groups mixed together and, for example, lecturers and students formed a team.
Inauguration of the educational forest with students of accadis ISB
Last year in autumn, children of Grades 1 and 2 of accadis International School placed wooden hearts on their trees and spent a nice day in nature: They went for a walk in the forest, collected natural materials and did handicrafts and painting in the nearby Homburger Haus. We are looking forward to showing the new students their trees this year.
Good to know: The educational forest is freely accessible - feel free to drop by (Hegewiese, Schmitten).