HSZG plants over 1,000 trees and shrubs and, together with the Upper Lusatian Future Forest Initiative, sends a strong signal for sustainability and regional solidarity.
Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences has continued its traditional sustainability project this year: Together with students, staff, regional partners and representatives from politics and administration, a total of 1,150 young trees and shrubs were planted on Oberer Geldsteinweg near Lückendorfer Spitze. The HSZG is thus sending out a strong signal of responsibility in action - and a tree for each new freshman.
The campaign took place in close cooperation with the Upper Lusatian Future Forest an initiative of the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research, the IBZ St. Marienthal and the Oberlausitz Foundation. The project is supported by the KoMoNa funding program of the BMUV.
Among those present at the planting were
Species adapted to the location were planted, such as hawthorn, coneflower, sea buckthorn, blackthorn, field maple, bird cherry, small-leaved lime and red oak - carefully adapted to wind, moisture, soil conditions and ecological resilience.
The tree planting campaign is much more than a symbol. It shows that we as a university are taking responsibility for our region and working together towards a sustainable future. Each winter lime tree and each red oak also stands for the path that our first-year students begin with us - rooted in Upper Lusatia, growing with each academic year.
”This year, first-year students will once again receive a digital tree sponsorship. The certificates are currently being digitized and will soon be easily accessible via the university app - thanks to the HRZ team for the technical implementation.
Every year, we feel the enthusiasm of our students who plant their own tree. This creates a bond with the university, the region and the idea of genuine sustainability. The cooperation with the Oberlausitzer Zukunftswald has enriched the content of the campaign enormously.
”Whether computer science students or environmental scientists, professors, administration or StuRa - the tree planting has once again shown how strong the HSZG community is and how naturally commitment to the climate and the region is lived at the university.
Anyone who hasn't had enough of swinging a spade after the HSZG tree planting campaign is cordially invited to take part in the public planting campaign in the Ostritz city forest. Together with the Oberlausitzer Zukunftswald, 250 more young trees will be planted there - a perfect opportunity to actively contribute to ecological forest conversion in the region.
When: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Where: Meeting point: 10:00 am, Ostritzer Stadtwald entrance
Link to the map and further information.
From there it is a 10-15 minute walk to the planting area. The event is expected to last until midday.
Notes on participation:
The soil is currently excellent to work on - and planting a few trees in the winter forest has its very own charm.
Anyone interested is cordially invited to come along and set a visible example for the future of our region!
