Anyone visiting the area behind the campus kindergarten at Mainz University of Applied Sciences these days will find a blooming meadow and several newly installed nesting boxes. They are the result of a project that emerged from the University Development Plan of our university.
In the summer of 2024, university staff discussed with Chancellor Jens Egler how sustainability could become more visible on campus. “At Mainz University of Applied Sciences, sustainability should not only be a strategic goal. It should be something people can experience in their everyday lives. The wildflower meadow and the nesting boxes show how even relatively simple measures can make a concrete contribution to preserving biodiversity,” says Chancellor Jens Egler.
One initial outcome of the joint deliberations was the enhancement of the meadow behind the kindergarten. Last year, the area was upgraded with additional plants, while the maintenance concept was adapted: In the future, the meadow will be mowed at staggered times, so that spaces for retreat and food sources for insects are always preserved. Part of the area will remain completely unmowed each year. And during the past winter, various climbing roses with open, pollen- and nectar-rich flowers were planted along the fence at the kindergarten.
In the spring of 2025, several nesting boxes were installed in trees around the wildflower meadow. The variously designed boxes offer suitable nesting sites for native bird species. Sponsors have already been found for some of the boxes and will take on the task of cleaning them in October, once the birds' breeding season has ended but before winter guests such as garden dormice, mice, or insects have typically settled in for the cold months.
The project was supported by the Nachhaltígkeitsinitiative Mainz-Bretzenheim, whose members contributed their expertise in biodiversity, nature conservation, and ecological land management to the planning process.
Wildflower meadows make an important contribution to biodiversity. They provide food and habitat for wild bees, butterflies, beetles, and numerous other insect species, while also creating living spaces for birds and small mammals and helping make ecological relationships tangible on campus.
Get involved!
A group of engaged members of the university community has formed and meets regularly to exchange ideas on sustainability and develop new concepts for the campus. Interested staff and students are warmly invited to contribute and take part in future projects.
Anyone wishing to join the initiative can contact Nicole Bruhn at nicole.bruhn (at) hs-mainz.de.
