Lerchenberg pond
The green space is known as the "duck pond," whether among young and old, newcomers or long-time residents of Lerchenberg. Protected by railings, the area offers a worthwhile destination for a walk at any age, whether in the morning or afternoon.
There is plenty to discover in all seasons, whether in the water or around the rainwater retention basin. It has been in place since the district was built below the high-rise buildings on Regerstraße. Visitors can take a closer look at the flora and fauna from the footbridge. Signs provide information about what there is to see here. The project to redesign the pond area was realized with the support of the urban development program Social City/Social Cohesion.
Who's hiding there? Special bird species
Among the bird species that can be found at Lerchenberger Pond are moorhens. They are about the size of pigeons and have slate-black plumage with white flanks. You can also see coots, which are recognizable by their bright white forehead and beak. With a little luck, you may also see gray herons stalking their prey slowly in the water or on land.
Further information can be found on the information board about native bird species.
The pond ecosystem
An ecosystem comprises many animal and plant species that share the resources of this habitat. The rainwater retention basin is also a small ecosystem in its own right. In the pond, all life forms are interconnected through material cycles. The nutrient concentration influences the growth of all plants. An unnaturally high nutrient input, for example through feeding ducks, can lead to significant problems for the ecosystem. For the sake of animal welfare, feeding should therefore be avoided—it may be well-intentioned, but it is unhealthy.
Further information can be found on the information board on the pond ecosystem.
The retention basin yesterday...
The rainwater retention basin was built in 1969/1970, parallel to the development of the new Lerchenberg district. At the time, it was designed to ensure a permanent water level of approximately 1.50 meters. Since its inception, there has only been one occasion when it was empty: following an oil spill in 1991/92, the retention basin had to be completely emptied due to contamination.
... and today
Today, dense vegetation consisting of weeping willows, silver poplars, alders, and small-leaved lime trees surrounds the retention basin. Water lilies and irises, among other plants, grow on the water.
Further information can be found on the information board about the history of the pond.
Keep moving
The area surrounding the pond also invites people of all ages to linger. In keeping with the redesign of the area, three exercise machines have been installed. They encourage people to do small exercises—fun and exercise in the fresh air. There are benches along the path for relaxing.
If you want to explore other beautiful spots on Lerchenberg, you can continue from the pond through the shopping arcade and past the fountain to the Mainzelbahn tram terminus and through a small wooded area.
Fancy playing ball games or meeting new people over a game of boules? The Lerchenberg district sports facility also has a boules court and a playing field.
Walk through the Drais Valley
From Lerchenberger Pond, it takes just a few minutes to reach the Draiser Senke valley. It's well worth taking a long walk there, whether during the spring blossom season, to see the ripe fruit in summer, or the colorful leaves in fall.
And if you'd like to lace up your hiking boots for a longer tour, you'll find the entrance to the Kleiner Mainzer Höhenweg trail at the forest ranger station in the nearby Ober-Olmer Forest. From there, you can either walk towards Finthen and continue through the Lenneberg Forest to Mombach, or head towards Ebersheim and beyond, with views over the vineyards.
Information about the Kleiner Mainzer Höhenweg and other hiking routes in the area can be found here.
A short virtual tour
The picture gallery offers impressions of Lerchenberger Pond and the surrounding area.
Approach
Bus: "Hindemithstraße" or "Hebbelstraße" Lerchenberg stops, lines 55 and 71
Train: "Mainz ZDF" or "Hebbelstraße" Lerchenberg stops, line 53