Garbage collection campaign in Griesheim combines environmental awareness and animal welfare
Eleven dedicated children and young people participated in the "Donkey Meadow Clean-Up" in Griesheim's municipal forest on Wednesday (October 1). The meeting point was the Blue Box in the north of Griesheim, from where the group set off toward the forest together with youth center staff. There, the team began collecting waste along the edge of the fields where the donkeys will soon graze.
In sunny autumn weather, participants found bottles, cans, plastic bags, and even larger items like household waste and shopping carts. Afterwards, they met the donkeys and learned more about their important role in the ecological balance of the city forest. As a thank you, everyone received a small gift.
The campaign was part of the annual district-wide garbage collection initiative of the Darmstadt-Dieburg Waste and Recycling Association (ZAW) and was organized by the Youth Welfare Department, the Environmental Office, and the Citizen Participation Coordination Office – with the support of the municipal building yard.
"It's great to see how enthusiastic the children and young people are about their environment and taking responsibility. Such activities demonstrate how committed the younger generation is," said Hannah Hager from the youth development department.
Forest grazing by donkeys – a sustainable concept
Griesheim's municipal forest is suffering from the effects of drought, heat, and a strong cockchafer population. Extensive grazing by donkeys is intended to reduce grass encroachment and promote tree growth. The animals help keep the soil open and thus support the forest's regeneration.
Donkeys Bruno, Beppo, Frodo, Ferdinand, Winnie the Pooh, Fred, Fritz, Max, and the rest are cared for on the land, while the Stürz Landscape Conservation Farm takes care of their care.
More information about forest grazing in Griesheim can be found at: www.griesheim.de/
(Griesheim - Red/PSG)
