Green commitment in Swabia: Kindergarten actively protects Dorfbach!

Green commitment in Swabia: Kindergarten actively protects Dorfbach!

What is happening in beautiful Swabia? On September 18, 2025, an exciting program about nature conservation initiatives will be broadcast on ARD alpha, which deals with a particularly interesting project in the Neu-Ulm district. The kindergarten in Holzheim has taken on a “stream sponsorship” to protect a local village stream and prevent it from drying out. ARD alpha reports that the commitment not only includes planting willow cuttings to provide shade and providing a hedge made of waste wood for animals in the bank area, but also support from the community's building yard and the district office. Environmental experts are there to help the children and give them valuable knowledge about the connections surrounding the stream.

But this is not the only example of how citizens are committed to nature conservation. Bernhard Bacherle in Niederraunau near Krumbach also shows that the topic is not only important for children. Strips of trees and bushes are planted here to bring structure to the cleared landscapes and promote species protection. The committed citizen takes over the search for a location, obtaining consent from owners, preparing funding applications and procuring plants in order to actively support the environment.

The importance of stream sponsorships

Stream sponsorships not only offer the opportunity to actively contribute to nature conservation, but also to expand your own knowledge of ecosystems. The Bavarian Ministry of the Environment explains that citizens can support the care and preservation of water bodies by taking on sponsorships. Possible tasks include regular observation of the streams, documentation of conditions and changes, and participation in maintenance measures such as bank planting or cleaning campaigns.

The idea behind the stream sponsorships is clear: the natural ecosystems of the waters and riparian areas should be restored or preserved to a near-natural state. Loud Water Foundation Schools, youth groups, nature conservation associations, and also sports or fishing clubs are particularly well suited to taking responsibility and actively contributing to improving the ecological condition of water bodies.

A call to participate

Sharing information about the ecological value of water bodies is another piece in this puzzle. Participating in a stream sponsorship not only promotes personal commitment, but also public awareness and appreciation for nature. In Germany there are over 1,000 rivers that are longer than 10 kilometers and numerous small watercourses that need to be protected.

Does that sound interesting to you? Maybe you would also like to look after a stream or section of a stream? Those interested can simply contact the responsible office in their city or municipality and apply for sponsorship. Of course, a certain level of technical know-how is an advantage, especially for long-term collaboration.

The program “Weed” on ARD alpha will report every two weeks on developments in environmental and nature conservation in Bavaria and offers regular suggestions for more climate protection. Be inspired – there is a lot to do for our nature!