Sand habitats are among the most endangered biotope types in Bavaria. In order to make the conservation value and special features tangible and understandable, the Office for Environmental Protection and Energy Issues, together with the area management of the Middle Franconia Landscape Conservation Association, has been organizing the naturalist school tours at the Exerzierplatz nature reserve for over 20 years. And since last year, the offer has also been available in the protected landscape features Holzweg and Riviera. The environmental education project for all Erlangen schools is only possible this year because the city was able to raise a generous donation for the class tours. 28 school classes have now booked environmental education sand tours between the Easter and summer vacations.
What is done
During the three-hour interactive tours, pupils learn about the history and geology of the nature reserve as well as the specific fauna and flora of the Franconian sand axis. They use sand memory cards to search for plants and learn more about their adaptation strategies to heat and drought stress. Using beaker magnifiers, the children and young people explore the wealth of species of local insects. And with a boring stick, they explore the sandy soil profiles and their water permeability. The direct experience of nature goes hand in hand with learning about the fragile ecosystem of the Franconian Desert. All of this is led by seven experienced environmental educators.
A total of 565 pupils are taking part
A total of
- nine elementary school (with 17 classes)
- three grammar schools (with four classes)
- one secondary school (with two German classes in simple language)
- one business school (with one class) and
- one inclusive school (with three classes in simple language and one partner class).
The tried-and-tested action week shortly before the summer vacations is no longer taking place this year due to the austerity measures. A total of 565 pupils will benefit from a guided tour.
