A Tour of Germany's Greenest Campus
At the end of October, another group of students from both university campuses set out on a trek across the Palatinate Forest from Kaiserslautern to Landau. During the three-day campus expedition, the participants not only went hiking but also learned about various aspects of forestry and sustainability.
The team of 18 students covered the entire distance from campus to campus on foot, sent on their journey by Professor Werner R. Thiel, Vice President for Research and Innovation. Along the way, the expedition team was accompanied by experts from the Rhineland-Palatinate State Forestry Department and the Palatinate Forest Biosphere Reserve.
At the first stop, the Antonihof near Trippstadt, the group gained insights into the research conducted by the Forest Genetic Resources Center (FoGZ) of the Research Institute for Forest Ecology and Forestry (FAWF). Topics discussed included seed improvement and ways to adapt plants to changing climate conditions.
Sustainable Nutrition and Light Pollution
The first leg of the journey ended at the House of Sustainability in Johanniskreuz. There, the expedition team explored sustainable food—including the carbon footprints of various foods and the advantages of regional products over imported goods. They then cooked together over an open fire in an outdoor kitchen.
In the evening, a discussion on light pollution took place with experts from the Pfälzerwald Star Park. The Pfälzerwald still offers natural nighttime landscapes with star-filled skies that serve as habitats for numerous animal and plant species. The participants discussed the impact of artificial light sources on people and the environment and how reducing light pollution through star-friendly and environmentally friendly lighting in the Palatinate Forest can be combined with energy savings.
Forestry Work and Health-Promoting Effects of Forests
On the second day, the head of the forestry office gave the students an in-depth look at forestry work. Participants also had the opportunity to ask questions on the topic of “Forests and Climate Change.” A night hike focused on “forest bathing”—which allowed participants to experience firsthand the health benefits of walking in the forest—rounded out the day’s program.
The third day was all about settling in. After a lunch break at a Palatinate Forest cabin, University President Professor Malte Drescher warmly welcomed the group in Landau that evening. Visibly impressed by their achievements, he congratulated the entire expedition team.
Promoting Physical Activity and Environmental Education
The Campus Expedition uniquely combines hiking in nature with education for sustainable development. Since 2023, the Campus Expedition has been bringing students together to hike approximately 60 kilometers with an elevation gain of around 1,500 meters through the Palatinate Forest, which, as Germany’s greenest campus, connects the two university campuses. Experts from the Rhineland-Palatinate State Forestry Department and the Palatinate District Association accompany the team to teach about various aspects of sustainability. The goal is to raise awareness of sustainability, provide insight into the Palatinate Forest ecosystem, and foster a sense of community among students.
The combination of hiking and discussions on sustainability topics makes the Campus Expedition a unique experience. It raises students’ awareness and strengthens their commitment to sustainability in their future fields of work.
For more information and a look inside the Campus Expedition handbook, visit:
https://zsgw.rptu.de/campusplus/wald/campus-expedition
Contact for questions or suggestions:
Dr. Max Sprenger
Director of the Center for Sports, Health, and Wellbeing
E: max.sprenger@rptu.de
Malte Prietz
Organizer of the Campus Expedition
E: malte.prietz@rptu.de