Due to climate change and the spread of bark beetles in the monoculture tree plantations around Goslar, a once utopian post-war forest is rapidly declining. Large areas of formerly forested mountains and valleys are now suffering from significant tree die-off. In response to this crisis, waldfuermorgen e.V. was founded in January 2020 by psychologist Gertrude Endejan-Gremse and local citizens. This non-profit organization addresses the urgent loss of trees in the Harz region.
Supported by Mayor Oliver Junk and his wife Bettina Junk, waldfuermorgen fosters community participation and knowledge exchange to adapt the cultural legacy of sustainability to the challenges of our time. Through tree planting activities involving children and local residents, the organization aims to restore the emotional and personal connection between people and forests. In one of its key planting areas, planting area 00, 9,000 children and youths each plant their own tree, arranged in a spiral pattern. This allows them to nurture their tree and track its growth through web-based mapping services.
Waldfuermorgen, Gertrude Endejan-Gremse & Andreas Greiner, tree planting since 2020.
