Focus on nature conservation: GNA is planning new projects for endangered species!

Focus on nature conservation: GNA is planning new projects for endangered species!

The Society for Nature Conservation and Floodplain Development (GNA) recently presented its nature conservation projects for 2024 and successfully cleared the Köhlersaue inwachtersbach of disturbing vegetation in order to provide the endangered yellow-bellied toad with a suitable habitat. The GNA looks back on the past year and emphasizes the importance of cooperation with various partners. The projects carried out include measures in the areas of renaturation, species protection and environmental education, which were often implemented together with local actors.

An important project is the cooperation with the Nabu Biebergemünd-Flörsbachtal to revitalize the Lohrbachaue as a wetland, which has been running since 2021. The measures implemented include dismantling a dilapidated sheepfold and mowing the area to reduce woody and neophyte growth. In addition, a 1000 square meter flood basin with breeding ponds for various amphibian species was created. The GNA Foundation for People and Nature is also planning to create a new shallow water pond in February 2024.

Diverse nature conservation measures

In the summer of 2023, further measures to further develop the Herrenbruch wetland were implemented, including converting a ditch into a wetland biotope. The “lapwing island” was sown with a native flowering mixture, which has already led to the sighting of sandpipers and snipes in the new biotopes. In addition, a reed biotope was renatured, which serves as a habitat for the water rail. The renewal of the lake nature trail at Ruhlsee was carried out in collaboration with the city of Langenselbold.

The GNA has been working with the company Paltech since 2022 to combat the spread of the poisonous autumn crocus. Thanks to an additional prize from the “Genau” environmental lottery, a care operation for the yellow-bellied toad in the Köhlersaue was realized. The GNA is planning various events and seminars for the coming year, including outdoor events for children and a seminar on hydrology. Opportunities for donations in the area of ​​nature and species protection are also offered.

The yellow-bellied toad, an outstanding species that lives in regularly flooded floodplains, is found exclusively in Europe, with Baden-Württemberg being at the center of its distribution. This species is mobile and adaptable and finds ideal breeding grounds in water-filled lanes created during timber transport. Despite their ecological value, these areas are undesirable from a soil conservation perspective. The yellow-bellied toad is strictly protected under European law, and numerous conservation measures are being carried out in FFH areas, such as Forest BW reported.