The "Sustainable Youth Work" coordination centre of the Saarpfalz district/Young Biosphere, in cooperation with Naturschutzjugend Saar, invited young people between the ages of 14 and 27 to a mushroom hike in Lautzkirchen at the beginning of November. A total of 16 participants took part in the autumn excursion. They were accompanied by mushroom expert Susanne Ratering from Pilzfreunde Saarpfalz e.V., who introduced them to the fascinating world of mushrooms.
The three-hour hike focussed on species knowledge, habitats and ecological relationships. Although there were no edible mushrooms to be found on this day, there were numerous other types of fungi, whose characteristics and functions in the forest were explained in detail. The young people learnt about the important role that fungi play in the ecosystem - for example in the decomposition of organic materials and as symbiotic partners of trees.
"There was always plenty of room for questions from the participants during the excursion, which showed how interested the young people are in this topic," emphasised Carmen John from the "Sustainable Youth Work" coordination centre. "Many were particularly impressed by the variety of colours, shapes and meanings of mushrooms in nature."
The event concluded with a fun mushroom quiz to test what they had learned. Participants were able to apply and consolidate their knowledge in a creative way. For many, the hike was a special mixture of experiencing nature, gaining knowledge and having fun.
District Administrator Frank John was also delighted with the success of the event: "It's great to see how interested young people are in our biosphere and in topics such as mushrooms and forest ecology. Such programmes help to strengthen nature awareness and make sustainable action tangible."
The mushroom hike is part of a series of activities and educational programmes organised by the "Young Biosphere" to get young people in the region interested in experiencing nature and sustainability.
If you have any questions, please contact the Coordination Centre for "Sustainable Youth Work in the Saarpfalz District"/Young Biosphere, Tel. (06842) 9600921, with Carmen John, [email protected], and Sandra Klingler, [email protected].