Cultural and natural jewels: An evening in the Schrofenhof in St. Leonhard!

Cultural and natural jewels: An evening in the Schrofenhof in St. Leonhard!

In St. Leonhard's picturesque, a new chapter for the Capricorn Center began on July 14, 2025 when the first lecture in the newly restored Schrofenhof took place. Daniel Huter, the newly appointed cultural officer of the valley, has already moved into the historical walls and at the same time opened a permanent exhibition on the cultural history of the area and the Schrofenhof, which is intended to deepen the understanding of local history. Under the title "Garten together. An evening to the landscape, to culture - and why both belong together" Bruno Winkler from the Rath & Winkler office presented the development process of cultural work in the valley, which is now going on under Huter's management.

A central theme of the evening was the planned hiking exhibition, which should show historical valley paths. This will open on September 6th in the Schrofenhof. Huter also works at a permanent exhibition that focuses on the craft mill in Ritzenried in Jerzens. Part of his cultural agenda is also the formation of a valley -wide steering group that is supposed to take care of the improvement of the cultural heritage.

cultural history in focus

Another highlight of the evening was the stimulating lecture by architect Werner Burtscher, who spoke about the spatial planning in rural areas and the importance of the cultural landscape. Last but not least, the evening offered a room for discussions about the revival of a farmer's garden at the Schrofenhof. Here the idea came up to create a potato and blotpacker, supplemented by an annual harvest festival to promote the community and contact with nature.

older trees that are considered silent witnesses in history play an important role in this context. They not only shape the appearance of the landscape, but are also carriers of cultural meanings. Long-lived tree species such as the white fir, the mountain maple or the stem oak are not only aesthetic, but also culturally valuable. This also becomes clear in the initiative for the national heritage of trees, which has been drawing attention to historical tree species since 2019 and illustrates its importance for cultural history. Above all, the role of the trees in village development and as meeting points for ritual events shows how closely nature is interwoven with human history. The impressions of the cultural aspects of the trees underline the need to preserve these contemporary witnesses.

forests and their history

The relationship between people to the forests is complex. From the beginning of agriculture to modern times, the use of the forests in Central Europe has constantly changed. As can be read in numerous reports, economic, cultural and historical factors have shaped forest history. It is increasingly recognized that forest areas are not only seen as a source of raw materials, but also as part of the cultural heritage.

In the high and late Middle Ages, the first reforestation measures began. New challenges were created with the industrial revolution and the pressure to provide wood for construction and energy supply. From the 18th century, many trees were brought to Europe from other continents, which further changed the ecological landscape. The effects of pollution, such as the "forest death" in the second half of the 20th century, led to a rethink and improved measures for air pollution control, which are now inseparable from the protection of the forests.

The evening in the Schrofenhof not only underlined the cultural aspects of gardening and landscape, but also found a deep connection to the history of the forests - not only in its function as wood suppliers, but as an indispensable components of our cultural history. With a good hand you want to preserve the past in St. Leonhard and take new ways for the future.