The "Climate Active" initiative unseals surfaces and creates habitats for insects
Where there used to be a paved area at the Groß-Gerau town hall, there is now a thriving green space. The nearly 30-square-meter area was unsealed, the paving removed and replaced with soil. The sown seeds have now sprouted, and the plants provide food and habitat for insects.
Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau, along with Sabine Ziegler and Christine Haddad from the "Klimaaktiv" initiative, are pleased with the development of the area. It's not just about a greener cityscape.
“Sealed surfaces heat up considerably, something we notice particularly in summer,” explains Rüddenklau. Green spaces are significantly cooler, promote biodiversity, and allow rainwater to seep into the ground. This is becoming increasingly important, especially in light of climate change and more frequent rainfall.
The "climate trail" is intended to make measures visible
The "Climate Active" initiative is specifically committed to the removal of impervious surfaces and also actively participates in the creation and maintenance of new flowerbeds. The long-term goal is a "climate trail" that showcases various climate protection measures within the Groß-Gerau urban area.
“The flowerbeds are meant to inspire and show how plants can help us cope with the effects of climate change,” explain Sabine Ziegler and Christine Haddad. The green spaces will be planted with climate-adapted, low-maintenance, and biodiverse plants. At the same time, they are intended to provide inspiration for climate-friendly design of private gardens and balconies.
More areas will be planted in the autumn
The existing flower meadow at the town hall is not intended to be the end of the story. Further plantings are planned for autumn. The "Klimaaktiv" initiative, in coordination with the city's road construction and green spaces department, will select suitable perennials, grasses, and wildflowers and cover the costs.
In addition to the area at the town hall, the central flowerbed at the Jahn monument at the Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage/corner of Jahnstraße and a tree disc in Darmstädter Straße are also to be redesigned.
Local businesses are already supporting the maintenance of some green spaces through sponsorships. The initiative is seeking additional sponsors. The city's building and maintenance department is also involved in the upkeep.
“Hacke & Herz” takes care of the flower beds
“Klimaaktiv” has already redesigned several areas in Groß-Gerau. These include the sand bee habitat on Albrecht-Dürer-Platz opposite the Klein-Gerauer Straße cemetery, areas at the Jahn monument and near the historic town hall, as well as flowerbeds at Schöneckenplatz and in Helwigstraße.
For example, lamb's ear, santolina, and phlomis grow at Schöneckenplatz. These drought-resistant plants cope relatively well with hot, dry summers. The "Climate Action" team "Hacke & Herz".
“This commitment is what I wish and envision for Groß-Gerau: to do something together and thus move the city forward,” Mayor Rüddenklau praises the voluntary commitment.
(GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSGG)
Featured image: The de-sealed area at the Groß-Gerau town hall is now green and blooming. Sabine Ziegler and Christine Haddad from the "Klimaaktiv" initiative in Groß-Gerau, along with Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau (from left), inspected the area. Perennials, grasses, and wildflowers are to be planted there in the fall. Photo: Groß-Gerau/Jörg Monzheimer
