Reconnecting with nature
House of the Continuous Forest
House of the Continuous Forest - Preserving Green Heritage, Inspiring Substainability
The Dauerwald Bärenthoren Foundation preserves with the management the Continuous Pine Forests, an important heritage of German forestry history, developed by Prof. Dr. A. Möller and F. von Kalitsch as a sustainable alternative to clear-cutting. To advance its heartfelt project, the foundation acquired Kalitsch Manor, which now serves as an inclusive Environmental Education Center. It is open to all and connects generations to make the regional natural heritage visible and lasting for everyone.
Germany
Regional
The project was implemented in the Dauerwald Bärenthoren, a unique pine permanent forest
located in the Fläming region of Germany.
located in the Fläming region of Germany.
Mainly rural
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-09-01
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
In times of increasing environmental changes and growing disconnection from our regional nature,the Dauerwald Bärenthoren Foundation sets an example for sustainability and ecological awareness. The foundation is dedicated to preserving and further developing a unique forestry heritage:the Continuous Pine Forest and the management of Continuos Forests, whose roots go deep into German forestry history. As early as the 19th century, Friedrich von Kalitsch recognized that the conventional clear-cutting practices of the time endangered the long-term stability of forests. This principle – a forest that continually regenerates, integrates various age classes, and avoids large-scale deforestation – forms the foundation for sustainable forestry and providing a model for future-oriented forest management. However, preserving this historical legacy goes beyond the forest itself. A central part of our project is the acquisition of Kalitsch Manor, which we have bought to make it an Environmental Education Center open to the public. The building is closely tied to the history of the Continuous Pine Forest. Preserving the manor is not just a historical responsibility for us, but also a conscious decision for the future: it is meant to be a place of meeting, learning, and sustainable action, also focusing on reconnecting with regional nature. With the Environmental Education Center, we are creating an inclusive space that is open to everyone, regardless of age or physical abilities. Here, we aim to convey the importance of nature and environmental conservation, raise awareness for sustainable action across generations, and foster a deeper understanding of the ecological diversity of our region. Whether through workshops, school projects, or intergenerational events – Kalitsch Manor has already become a vibrant center for environmental education. The founding of the foundation as well as the creation of our Enviromental Education Center is truly a heartfelt project for us.
Substainability
Environmental Education
Historical Heritage Preservation
Community Engagement
Forest Conservation
The project of the Dauerwald Bärenthoren Foundation is an outstanding example of sustainability, as it combines several key principles and integrates the future-oriented use of natural resources with the promotion of environmental awareness and social responsibility. At its core is the concept of the Pine Dauerwald, which is based on sustainable, nature-based forest management. This form of forestry avoids large-scale clear-cutting and instead promotes the continuous regeneration of the forest, thereby maintaining ecological balance in the long term. The Dauerwald ensures that the forest remains in its natural diversity and can regenerate continuously without the interventions of traditional clear-cutting methods. In this way, the forest is protected as a valuable resource, biodiversity is promoted, and ecosystem functions such as carbon storage and the water cycle are maintained. The integrative management ensures the sustainable use of wood and other forest resources without disrupting the forest’s natural processes. This guarantees long-term benefits for both the environment and future generations. Another essential aspect of the project is the promotion of ecological awareness. The Kalitsch Manor House was intentionally integrated into the project as an environmental education center to bring the topic of sustainability closer to the public. Through workshops, school projects, and intergenerational events, knowledge about sustainable forestry, biodiversity protection, and the importance of nature for human well-being is imparted. Last but not least, the project contributes to the preservation of regional natural values by preserving the Kalitsch Manor House as a historical and cultural heritage. This building is not only connected to the history of the Pine Dauerwald, but also symbolizes 19th-century sustainable forestry. The combination of preserving both the forest and the manor promotes ecological balance while strenghening environmental responsibility.
The Dauerwald Bärenthoren Foundation’s project uniquely blends aesthetic and cultural elements with the forest as an immersive experience space. The Pine Continuous Forest is seen not only as a source of sustainable resources but also as an inspiring natural space. The nature-based management preserves the forest’s diversity, creating a dynamic, renewing ecosystem that engages the senses and invites exploration. The varying age structures of the forest offer a continuously fascinating landscape, inviting visitors to discover its beauty and understand ecological balance. The forest becomes a space where the connections between humans and nature are tangible. It is not only about ecological benefits but also the aesthetic dimension as a place of tranquility and inspiration. Nature is experienced as a living entity, fostering a deeper relationship with the environment and encouraging sustainable action. The Kalitsche Herrenhaus complements this experience as a cultural center. The historic building, linked to the development of the Pine Continuous Forest and sustainable forestry, symbolizes the connection between culture and nature. As an environmental education center, it offers visitors the opportunity to understand sustainability in the context of both history and architecture. Events at the manor raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection and the cultural roots of sustainable forestry.
The project of the Dauerwald Bärenthoren Foundation places great emphasis on inclusion by creating an accessible space for everyone. The Kalitsche Manor, as an environmental education center, welcomes people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, fostering a sense of community through shared learning. The building itself was designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring architecture that accommodates people with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Programs cater to diverse needs, ensuring that sustainability education is accessible to all. Generational workshops promote knowledge exchange between different age groups, strengthening mutual respect and passing on environmental values to future generations. The project also involves local communities, inviting people from diverse backgrounds to actively participate in the conservation of the Pine Dauerwald. This inclusive approach highlights the importance of social cohesion for environmental sustainability and ensures that everyone can contribute to and benefit from the project.
Programs cater to diverse needs, ensuring that sustainability education is accessible to all. Generational workshops promote knowledge exchange between different age groups, strengthening mutual respect and passing on environmental values to future generations. The project also involves local communities, inviting people from diverse backgrounds to actively participate in the conservation of the Pine Dauerwald. This inclusive approach highlights the importance of social cohesion for environmental sustainability and ensures that everyone can contribute to and benefit from the project.
The Dauerwald Bärenthoren Foundation actively involves citizens and civil society in various ways, ensuring that the project aligns with local values and needs. The environmental education center in the Kalitsche Manor plays a central role by offering workshops, school projects, and intergenerational events that raise awareness of sustainable forestry and ecological balance. These initiatives invite community members of all ages to engage with future environmental issues and develop a shared sense of responsibility for nature.
Volunteers also contribute significantly by assisting with planning processes and implementing projects, such as the Festival of lights. Cooperation with local schools and organizations further supports citizen participation by creating educational opportunities that directly benefit students, teachers, and families. Through these efforts, the foundation ensures that citizens are not just beneficiaries but active participants in the preservation of the forest and the promotion of sustainability.
Volunteers also contribute significantly by assisting with planning processes and implementing projects, such as the Festival of lights. Cooperation with local schools and organizations further supports citizen participation by creating educational opportunities that directly benefit students, teachers, and families. Through these efforts, the foundation ensures that citizens are not just beneficiaries but active participants in the preservation of the forest and the promotion of sustainability.
On a local level, the foundation has established close relationships with the immediate community of Bärenthoren, including local residents, nearby schools such as Steutz/Anhalt, as well as various forestry contractors and forestry cooperatives. The local population plays a central role by participating in workshops, events, and educational programs at the Kalitsche Manor.
On a regional level, the foundation collaborates with the city of Zerbst, the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district, and other regional organizations such as the tourism association to align the project with broader sustainability goals. The role of regional authorities is crucial, as they provide logistical support for educational programs and forestry measures that form the core of the project.
On a national level, the foundation receives support from Politics, forestry associations and universities for sustainable development, particularly in promoting sustainable forest management practices and raising ecological awareness.
On a regional level, the foundation collaborates with the city of Zerbst, the Anhalt-Bitterfeld district, and other regional organizations such as the tourism association to align the project with broader sustainability goals. The role of regional authorities is crucial, as they provide logistical support for educational programs and forestry measures that form the core of the project.
On a national level, the foundation receives support from Politics, forestry associations and universities for sustainable development, particularly in promoting sustainable forest management practices and raising ecological awareness.
The implementation of the Dauerwald Bärenthoren Foundation’s project is based on a variety of disciplines and fields of knowledge, following an interdisciplinary approach. The primary disciplines include forestry and environmental sciences. The core of the project is built on the principles of sustainable forest management, particularly the concept of continuous-cover pine forests, which promotes biodiversity conservation and the long-term health of the ecosystem. Another key concept is ecology, aiming to ensure that the forest continues to function as an essential part of the local ecosystem. In this field, we rely on experts such as experienced forestry entrepreneurs and foresters. Heritage conservation is another important aspect. The Kalitsche Manor serves as a cultural and ecological education center. Heritage conservation specialists support us with questions regarding the restoration and adaptation of the building. Additionally, the project is deeply involved in environmental education and pedagogy. Both founders of the foundation have a background in education.
The Dauerwald Bärenthoren Foundation actively involves citizens and civil society in various ways, ensuring that the project aligns with local values and needs. The environmental education center in the Kalitsche Manor plays a central role by offering workshops, school projects, and intergenerational events that raise awareness of sustainable forestry and ecological balance. These initiatives invite community members of all ages to engage with future environmental issues and develop a shared sense of responsibility for nature. Volunteers also contribute significantly by assisting with planning processes and implementing projects, such as the Lantern Festival. Cooperation with local schools and organizations further supports citizen participation by creating educational opportunities that directly benefit students, teachers, and families.
Through these efforts, the foundation ensures that citizens are not just beneficiaries but active participants in the preservation of the forest and the promotion of sustainability.
Through these efforts, the foundation ensures that citizens are not just beneficiaries but active participants in the preservation of the forest and the promotion of sustainability.
The key elements of our approach include, on one hand, forest management similar to continuous forest principles, which follows the principles of sustainable, nature-based forestry. In addition, the project uses environmental education as a powerful tool to deepen ecological awareness, reconnect with regional nature and history, and engage the public. The foundation actively and inclusively involves citizens, students, pupels and the broader community. A crucial component of the project’s methodology is the integration of cultural and social values with ecological objectives. By connecting nature and cultural preservation with historical and cultural education, the project fosters a deeper understanding of the historical context of sustainable forestry and its relevance to contemporary sustainability practices.
The concept of continuous forest management through ongoing regeneration and various age classes can be applied to other forests worldwide. Although it is rooted in German forestry history, the model can be adapted to different ecosystems and species in various countries. Local forest administrations, environmental organizations, and communities working in forestry can adopt this model to promote the long-term health and biodiversity of forests.
The establishment of environmental education centers closely tied to the region’s historical background is also an effective way to raise awareness of ecological issues, sustainable actions, and nature conservation. The integration of local historical buildings into environmental education and sustainability projects can be adapted to various regions to preserve both local history and ecology. Such centers can be established, for example, in areas with significant natural heritage. Local schools, families, tourists, and community groups can benefit from these centers.
The foundation’s focus on regional collaboration with local stakeholders (such as foresters, educators, and community members) is a model that can be replicated in different regions to work together toward a common ecological goal.
The establishment of environmental education centers closely tied to the region’s historical background is also an effective way to raise awareness of ecological issues, sustainable actions, and nature conservation. The integration of local historical buildings into environmental education and sustainability projects can be adapted to various regions to preserve both local history and ecology. Such centers can be established, for example, in areas with significant natural heritage. Local schools, families, tourists, and community groups can benefit from these centers.
The foundation’s focus on regional collaboration with local stakeholders (such as foresters, educators, and community members) is a model that can be replicated in different regions to work together toward a common ecological goal.
The foundation’s mission is to promote sustainable forestry through the concept of the Continuous Forest. By avoiding clear-cutting and encouraging age-class diversity, the health of the forest is preserved, biodiversity is protected, and the effects of climate change are mitigated. This model provides a replicable solution for forests worldwide and demonstrates how natural resources can be sustainably managed to enhance resilience to climate change. Additionally, a major goal of the foundation and the environmental center is to protect society from becoming disconnected from its natural surroundings. Particularly in urban areas, an increasing number of people are becoming estranged from nature, which negatively impacts mental health, environmental awareness, and sustainable actions. The foundation creates a space for people to reconnect with nature through the Environmental Education Center at Kalitsch Manor. The center offers a comprehensive platform to disseminate knowledge about ecological topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability. Cultural and historical preservation is also a global challenge. The loss of cultural and historical heritage through urbanization and neglect diminishes communities’ sense of identity and their connection to the past. The foundation’s efforts to preserve Kalitsch Manor contribute to maintaining these connections. By integrating the estate into environmental education initiatives, the project preserves local history while promoting sustainable development, showing how cultural heritage and ecological sustainability can be intertwined.
The principles of continuous forest management has successfully implemented by preserving the area surrounding the manor without clear-cutting. With the purchase of the manor and the associated land, an open and inclusive space has been created, accessible to all people. An environmental center has been established, serving as a hub for environmental education and offering space for workshops, school projects, and intergenerational events. The foundation has successfully collaborated with local communities and schools, establishing a partnership in the fields of sustainability and ecology in a rural area. The commissioning of Kalitsch Manor has preserved an important cultural landmark connected to the region’s forestry heritage from a new perspective. This effort has contributed to maintaining the link between local history and the natural environment, encouraging people to reconnect with nature. Through media coverage and public representation of the foundation, along with many smaller projects, we have already increased awareness of sustainable forestry and raised sensitivity toward environmental issues among the people.
