Students and university management plant trees in the Zittau city forest and make a contribution to the region.
"We don't just want to teach environmental protection, we also want to practice it," says Ulrike Bobek, who is responsible for environmental management at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, visibly satisfied. Sophia Keil, Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs at HSZG, nods in agreement: "As a university of applied sciences, we work hands-on and make a very tangible contribution to the region!"
Together with University Chancellor Karin Hollstein, Zittau's Lord Mayor Thomas Zenker, the head of the Zittau forestry operation Angela Bültemeier and around 20 students, the two took part in a reforestation campaign in the Zittau city forest near Eichgraben on November 23. The group was led by forestry employees, who also selected the ideal location and variety and provided equipment. The university covers the cost of the trees. The cost per tree is €3.
The plan was to plant as many trees as there were students starting their studies at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences in October. And so 526 English oak seedlings were planted with the help of hewing, physical strength and a lot of joy. "It's just great to do something ," summarizes student Franciszek aptly.
It is precisely this enthusiasm that is needed, because the planting campaign is just a prelude: "Then the real work begins," smiles Ulrike Bobek, not only with a view to everyday student life in the lecture hall. After all, the new trees need support to grow into a good piece of forest over the next five years. An initial maintenance campaign is planned for next spring. The Zittau forestry company will also help with this. Ulrike Bobek admits: "However, we are dependent on the support of the students. There will be tasks such as pruning the trees, removing feeding damage, erecting protective fences or even replanting in some cases."
The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is optimistic that many volunteers will come forward and is thinking even bigger. In 2023, a planting campaign will also be offered for the Görlitz area.
