Pure nature in Mainz
Environmental tip from the Mainzer Umweltladen
Cities consume and emit over 70 percent of the world's energy reserves and raw materials. They displace nature, which is the basis of our existence. Doesn't this mean that they bear a special responsibility for the quality of life of the people who live there? It therefore makes sense to start with measures to preserve biodiversity and promote nature where human intervention is greatest: in the city.
For many years, Mainz has been participating in nationwide competitions such as "Lebenswerte Stadt" (Lindenmühle Nature Show Garden) and "Bundeshauptstadt der Biodiversität" (Mainz Citadel Ecological Wall Renovation Pilot Project) with projects aimed at bringing nature into the city. In 2020, the city council decided to implement the biodiversity strategy in order to counteract the loss of biological diversity as a cross-cutting task at all relevant planning and action levels. The people of Mainz are actively involved in bringing projects to life, such as the Mainz garden field in Neustadt. Here, fruit and vegetables are grown communally. In addition to organic, nature-oriented gardening, nature conservation aspects such as (perennial) flowering plants and nesting aids for wild bees, birds, bats, and others are also taken into account.
Encountering nature in Mainz
Places such as the Laubenheimer Ried, the Gonsbachtal, and In der Lach are affectionately referred to as Mainz's "natural gems." The nature conservation experts at the Parks and Environment Department classify these three areas according to legal protected area categories: nature reserve, landscape conservation area, or protected landscape feature. They are under special protection due to the animal and plant species found there, their beauty, rarity, or recreational value. The Laubenheimer Ried is a floodplain landscape. Here, for example, storks and rare dragonfly or orchid species can be observed. The renaturation of the Gonsbach Valley has created natural habitats for herons, kingfishers, dragonflies, amphibians, and fish. In the Lach, typical green structures with forests, copses, fruit trees, meadows, and herbaceous areas are being preserved and further developed.
These are just three examples of places where you can encounter nature in Mainz. The Green and Environment Office is presenting other protected areas and their inhabitants in its exhibition at the Mainz Environment Store until September 30, 2021.
How to bring nature into your home and garden
Everyone can do something to help nature and contribute to improving the quality of life in the city. We provide tips on how you can turn your home, garden, or balcony into a nature experience.
In your own garden:
- Choose native shrubs and trees that are suitable for the location.
- Create meadows with flowers for every season instead of species-poor, closely mowed lawns.
- If you leave grasses and herbs standing until spring, you will provide insects with shelter for the winter.
- Butterflies like to visit perennials (multi-year flowering plants) because they serve as food for them.
- Varied structures such as piles of stones and wood, dry stone walls, old wood stands, and habitat trees (dead standing or fallen trees) provide shelter and breeding grounds for hedgehogs, weasels, wrens, reptiles, toads, wild bees, and beetles.
On buildings:
- Roof and facade greening provide habitat for plants and animals and a pleasant living environment for you.
- Install nesting aids for birds, bats, and insects, such as wild bees.
- Native flowering plants with open flowers can also be planted on balconies to provide food for insects.
Further information on nature in the city and on involvement in nature conservation associations or projects is available from the Mainz Environmental Store.
Further information
Contact us
Address
Environmental store
Mainzer Umweltladen
Steingasse 3
55116 Mainz