Register now for the Action Day on November 17, 2026

Heat, drought, and wildfires—the effects of climate change are being felt in our region as well. UW/H is taking action by both reducing emissions and strengthening ecosystems to help them adapt to the impacts of climate change.

True to the slogan “There’s more here than just a university,” UW/H staff and students are rolling up their sleeves for climate protection, planting trees, and learning how to strengthen local ecosystems and adapt them to the consequences of the climate crisis.

Invitation to This Year’s Action Day in Dormagen

On November 17, 2026, UW/H staff and students will have the opportunity to plant trees in the Zonser Heide in Dormagen under the expert guidance of Bergwaldprojekt e.V.

As in many forested areas, the effects of climate change are visible in the Zonser Heide: drought and pest infestations have severely damaged the spruce stands since 2019. At the same time, the Zonser Heide is a popular local recreation area in this densely populated region. The forest also fulfills important ecological functions: As a stepping-stone habitat—that is, a small habitat between larger natural areas—it offers animals and plants opportunities for refuge and connectivity. It also helps regulate the microclimate and supports the surrounding agricultural lands through improved water retention. To ensure the forest can continue to fulfill these functions in the future, it is being managed in a near-natural way, and the proportion of deciduous trees is being increased.

The Bergwaldprojekt e. V. is supporting the action day with its expertise in nature conservation. It is an official UN Decade project for the restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity and operates according to transparent quality criteria.

Through this action day, all participants can experience how we can take effective action even in times of crisis.

Participation in the action day is free for all UW/H members and can take place during working hours by arrangement with supervisors.

Schedule for November 17, 2026:

• 8:00 a.m.: Departure from UW/H
• 9:00 a.m.: Start at the meeting point, breakfast, and informational sessions on planetary boundaries, the climate crisis, and international agreements
• 10:00 a.m.: Orientation and planting of native trees
• 1:00 p.m.: Lunch and educational presentations on local ecosystems and socio-ecological transformation
• 2:00 p.m.: Planting
• 4:00 p.m.: Closing session
• 5:30 p.m.: Arrival at UW/H

Refreshments: Tea, beverages, snacks, and a hot lunch will be provided. Please let us know if you have any food intolerances.

What to bring: Please bring sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing or rain gear.

Transportation: Carpooling will be organized; the exact address will be provided after registration. When registering, please indicate whether you can provide a car and how many people it can accommodate. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Registration: Participation is limited to 25 people; spots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register via this link. The registration deadline is November 8, 2026.