Sponsorship programme for UBTrees kicks off

In future, graduates, staff, and students of the University can also take personal responsibility for a sustainable campus. The next round of UBTrees sponsorship is to start in autumn. The trees for the planting campaign were specifically selected to complement their respective locations from an ecological point of view. Commitment to flora on campus has a strong tradition at the University of Bayreuth. For example, a meadow orchard has already been created through the private commitment of Thomas Dabisch, and flowering plant beds have been financed by Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch.

Now there are the UBTrees and with it a participation opportunity for all. The idea was Prof. Dr. Frank Döpper’s, Chair of Manufacturing & Remanufacturing Technology, and involves planting and care sponsorship. The purchase of a tree is supported by the UBTree sponsor to the tune of € 400, while subsequent maintenance sponsorship costs € 50 per year. "With this sponsorship, donors are making a small but valuable contribution to effectively counteracting climate change," says Döpper. University President Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible adds: "At the same time, they are supporting the University of Bayreuth in achieving its own ambitious sustainability goals."

A good dozen new trees will be greening the campus of the University of Bayreuth in the future. The trees for the planting campaign were specifically selected to complement their respective locations from an ecological point of view. In the picture on top you see Prof. Dr. Frank Döpper (left) and gardener Jürgen Franke from the UBT's Central Technology Department at the UBTree, a sweet chestnut donated by Döpper in front of the AI Building. .

The following tree species were selected with the expert advice of management at the Ecological Botanical Garden (ÖBG) at the University of Bayreuth: the American sweet gum, European Turkey oak, field maple, wild service tree, European chestnut, sorb tree, ginko, European holly, golden rain tree, French maple, and Italian maple. "It may come as a surprise that not all of these are native species," explains Gregor Aas, Head of ÖBG: "Numerous studies show that many of the tree species currently growing in our cities are poorly adapted to climate change. This is true of birch trees, for example. These are currently suffering hugely on campus. In fact, the number of native tree species suitable for planting in the city is actually very limited. We have selected tree species that we can expect (although there are never guarantees!) to withstand moderate climate change. I am convinced that through a well-considered and informed choice of tree species, our campus can be a model for other urban areas."