Enjoying nature with respect
When Dr. Frank Hünefeld, head of the Jena Lower Nature Conservation Authority, encountered a group of young people partying during a patrol at the Mönchsberg quarry, the stereotype was actually served: loud music, partying and carefree people. After talking to the young people, however, it became clear how prudently the group reacted to his approach: they turned off the music, picked up the surrounding garbage and left the nature reserve area.
Unfortunately, not all nature users are so cooperative. Barbecues are often held in protected and non-protected areas, loud parties are held and a lot of garbage is left behind. The isolation regulations in the coronavirus era have increased this pressure on natural areas. Places with beautiful views such as the Johannisberg or idyllic spots such as the quarry in Pennickental are particularly popular and nature has to endure constant disturbance - sometimes also from motorized visitors.
The regulations in nature reserves are clear:
- No trespassing outside the marked paths
- No throwing away of waste
- Camping, camping, lighting fires prohibited
- Noise and disturbance of wildlife prohibited
What may sound like a bit of a restriction has a deeper meaning: the protection of the unique, outstanding fauna and flora of the City of Light. Jena is a "biodiversity hotspot" in Germany. Around 20,000 species of organisms live in the city. Most of them are found in the nature reserves due to the outstanding biotope features. Numerous animal and plant species are endangered, highly endangered or even threatened with extinction.
This is why Jena and its citizens have a particularly high responsibility in nature conservation. The protection of most of Jena's open countryside is therefore necessary and justified.
The municipal forestry department of the municipal service maintains three campfire sites, which can be used without affecting protected areas.
In addition, the Environmental Protection Department and the City Forestry Servicewould like to draw your attention to the following guidelines:
Cars do not belong in the countryside
Meadows where cars are parked in the wild are usually part of the nature reserve on the Jena plateaus. This means that simply walking on them is not permitted, let alone driving on them. In addition, meadows are very often leased by farmers, who then suffer losses due to damage caused by tire grooves, for example.
Dogs on a lead
Dogs running loose in forests and nature reserves are not permitted, as on the one hand wild animals are affected and on the other hand the dogs themselves are at risk from parasites and diseases. In addition, there is a high density of wild boar, which react aggressively to dogs, especially when they have young, and can then injure them.
Do not touch found animals
Apparently helpless wild animals must be left alone. It is true that such young animals arouse the protective instinct in most people. However, contact or even taking them home usuallymeans certain death for the animals. If, for example, young birds are not yet able to fly, their parents will continue to feed them on the ground until they are able to take off into the air.
And again and again:
Put waste in the garbage can, not in nature
Although this simple rule should be second nature to everyone who goes out into nature, litter is the biggest problem. The consequences are clear: garbage remains in the forest for decades, poses a danger to animals and simply looks like what it is: garbage!
The City Forestry Department and the Department for Urban Development and the Environment already attach great importance to raising awareness of this issue as part of environmental education. In the nature experience center on the former Schottplatz, children, young people and adults are taught about the importance of nature through the active experience of nature. The opening is planned for spring 2022.
The basic aim is to treat the unique natural environment right on our doorstep with respect. Everyone is asked to follow the rules themselves and set a good example.