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All Eyes on Biodiversity: Hochschule Geisenheim University to Organize First "Science Walks" in May and June

On May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity, Hochschule Geisenheim University launches a new series of events called “Science Walks” (dates are listed below). The kick-off event is all about biodiversity: Starting at 6 pm in Geisenheim, everyone is invited to discover wild growing species in urban areas and learn more about their role as micro-ecosystems.

In the following weeks, Geisenheim scientists will offer themed tours of the central campus and the department’s outdoor areas to explore bird species, insects, or to learn more about the diversity of plants and species on the university grounds with a focus on native plants.

A special highlight is the tour of our BioQuis project vineyard (promoting biodiversity through cross terracing in steep slope viticulture) in Assmannshausen, where Geisenheim researchers are studying the economic and environmental effects of cross-terracing in steep-slope viticulture. Among other things, the project has shown that professionally maintained terraces provide valuable habitats, for example for insects, if they are planted with native plants and flowers.

The „Science Walks“ are free and open to the public. Prior registration is only required for the tour to Assmannshausen. For more information, please go to veranstaltungen.hs-geisenheim.de.

By the way: During the tours of the university grounds, all participants are invited to record the biological diversity found on campus as Hochschule Geisenheim University is participating in the  ICA Biodiversity Challenge with 16 other European universities from May 22 to June 30, 2023. The participating institutions are members of the Association for European Life Science Universities (ICA), which aims to challenge university members to interact with the biological diversity that surrounds us, and to learn more about native species and their importance. 

 

Wild, vielfältig und grün – ein botanischer Stadtspaziergang
Wild, rich and green – discover wild growing plants in urban areas
May 22, 2023, 6 - 8 pm: Meet at Villa Monrepos, Rüdesheimer Straße 18 - 22, 65366 Geisenheim

Entdecken Sie die verschiedenen Vogelarten auf den Hochschulflächen
Discover bird species on the university grounds
May 31, 2023, 8:15 - 9:30 am. Meet at Das Alte Weinfass, Von-Lade-Straße 1, 65366 Geisenheim

Entdecken Sie die Insektenvielfalt auf den Hochschulflächen
Discover the diversity of insects on campus
June 14, 2023, 10:30 - 12:00. Meet at Das Alte Weinfass, Von-Lade-Straße 1, 65366 Geisenheim

Querterrassierung im Steillagenweinbau
Cross-terracing in steep-slope viticulture
June 17, 2023, 4:15 pm. Meet at Assmannshausen Train Station. A shuttle will take you to the vineyard. Sturdy shoes are recommended.

Pflanzenvielfalt im (Hochschul-)Park
Plant biodiversity in the (university) park
June 22, 2023, 1:15 - 2:15 pm. Meet at Villa Monrepos, Rüdesheimer Straße 18 - 22, 65366 Geisenheim