Students plant trees
As the area was snowed over last year, the planting was carried out in the spring.
The HSZG plants a tree for every freshman. For the 2023–24 winter semester, this tree-planting event was scheduled to take place on November 29, 2023, but right on the night before the planting date, what felt like 30 cm of fresh snow fell, so the event had to be postponed. Shortly after Easter, the time had finally come, and the “freshman trees” were planted under the expert supervision of Mr. Forgber, head of the Jonsdorf Forest District, and his colleagues.
Eleven student volunteers from various faculties and degree programmes, including three members of the Student Council (StuRa), Environmental Coordinator Ulrike Bobek, and Rector Prof. Alexander Kratzsch, planted 400 European beech trees on the site. “That’s not quite enough, ” says Ulrike Bobek, “after all, we enrolled 536 students last October, but the rocky and steep terrain simply wouldn’t allow for more.” Forestry staff will plant the remaining trees, and even more will be added to the area above the Sorge Pond in Waltersdorf. Silver firs will also be included. Fencing off the area will promote the natural regeneration of mountain ash, which can already be seen here and there.
Whether beech, silver fir, or mountain ash, choosing the right tree species is particularly important in light of increasingly dry summers. “We’re doing our best for future generations, ” says District Forester Forgber. On this day, he patiently answers all questions and actively and helpfully supports precisely this future generation—our students.
With today’s tree-planting event, we were once again able to fulfill a promise that is very important to the entire university. I’m especially pleased that so many students participated again. They’re sure to remember exactly where “their” tree is located later on. A big thank you goes to the Zittau Forestry Office and its director, Angela Bültemeier, for organizing the event and providing their active support.
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A sustainable concept that works!
In the upcoming 2024–25 winter semester, Zittau/Görlitz University will once again plant one tree for each newly enrolled student.
The tree planting campaign was a lot of fun. It was quite exhausting, but a great change from everyday student life. We as StuRa are in favor of keeping this campaign going and are happy to support it.
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