The forest becomes a classroom: 500 oaks for the Monte forest

On 22 March 2025, some 30 children and parents made a statement on the climate together with the Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald (SDW) and HessenForst. In the Kronberg town forest we planted around 500 sessile and red oaks to replant an area of spruce damaged by bark beetle.

Forest knowledge first-hand

Guided by Hendrik Bickel of HessenForst, we learned how to plant oak seedlings properly: do not damage the roots, and tread the soil down firmly afterwards to avoid air pockets. “Tread it down firmly” was the phrase the children in particular took up with enthusiasm.

Another highlight was the stand run by Julia Weerda, a member of the association's committee and an experienced huntswoman. She brought badger and roe deer pelts and explained vividly how the animals of the forest live.

Why the spruce has to give way

A member of the SDW Kronberg explained why the spruce is under pressure: originally planted in the Taunus when a colder climate was expected and timber was needed quickly after the war, it is no longer resilient enough against rising temperatures and bark beetle infestation.

Horst Lorenz and Ulrich Petzoldt of the SDW Kronberg stressed that planting is only the first step. For the forest to thrive it needs regular care. We plan to come back next year at the latest to see how our Monte forest has grown. Our thanks go to Fiskars for donating three spades.