Forest exhibition in Hünfeld: Climate change threatens our nature!

Forest exhibition in Hünfeld: Climate change threatens our nature!

The fascination and importance of the forest are the focus of the new exhibition “Discover the Forest”, which opened today in the Konrad Zuse Museum in Hünfeld. Mayor Benjamin Tschesnok took the time to thank the employees of the Burghaun Forestry Office for the elaborate construction and creative conception. The exhibition is part of the 25th anniversary campaign of the Hessentag and offers visitors the opportunity to get to know the local forest world. In addition to numerous exhibits and interactive elements, accompanying events are also planned that address the importance of the forest for people and the environment as well as the challenges of climate change. Rhön Canal reports that the exhibition can be visited daily during regular opening hours until September 30th, with entry based on donations.

A very special highlight for visitors: every 25th guest receives a certificate and a seed bag with garden herbs. Tree planting campaigns are also planned for the coming season, in which a tree will be planted for every 25th visitor. A great incentive not only to discover the forest, but also to actively contribute to reforestation!

Forest adventure days and lectures

The Burghaun Forestry Office has also organized forest adventure days for families and school classes, which offer another opportunity to actively immerse themselves in the topics of forest and nature conservation. Several lectures will also take place during the exhibition, including on July 16th with Sebastian Keidel, who will talk about tree species selection in climate change. On September 3rd, Jürgen Dickert will talk about wood use and sustainability.

But the forest is not only a place for recreation and education, it is also under pressure. Climate change is also noticeable in the forests of the eastern Hesse forestry authorities of Burghaun, Hofbieber and Fulda. East Hesse News informs that the beech tree in particular suffers from a lack of water, which leads to dead trees and increased safety risks for forest visitors. Forestry department manager Florian Wilshusen emphasizes that many trees often appear healthy on the outside but are already dying. High temperatures and extreme drought last summer left their mark, which is why dying trees often have to be felled.

Sustainable forestry as an answer

To counteract this, the forestry authorities are increasingly relying on sustainable forestry and planting native tree species such as oaks and firs. These are better adapted to the changed conditions. A colorful mosaic of tree species should not only contribute to the preservation of the forest, but also promote biological diversity. The Forest Protection Association emphasizes that the challenges posed by drought, heat and pest infestation absolutely require silvicultural measures. Monocultures must be replaced by species-rich mixed forests in order to increase the resilience of the forests.

The future of the forest in Hesse not only depends on the appropriate measures taken by the forestry authorities, but also on community support and awareness of the importance of sustainable forestry. With a good hand and the right knowledge, together we can preserve the forests for future generations.