High school students save Auwald: fight against neophytes on the Debantbach!

High school students save Auwald: fight against neophytes on the Debantbach!

Dölsach, Österreich - On June 12, 2025, the 3E laboratory class of the Lienz high school undertook an exciting excursion to Dölsach. As part of the "Week of the Forest", not only the differences between domestic flora were explored, but also actively worked on the preservation of an Auwalrest on the Debantbach. The biology teacher Renate Hölzl explained to the pupils that invasive plants, so-called neophytes, threaten the Auwald. Especially the "Canadian goldenrod" and the "glandular jumping herb" have spread in the region and displace domestic species.

The municipality of Dölsach not only provided garbage bags, but also ensured a delicious meal with sausage rolls and drinks. During the campaign, the students removed the neophytes from the river bank together with teachers and volunteers. This was not only a practical experience, but also an important measure to avoid cladding in the event of floods, which are promoted by the predominance of invasive plants.

The importance of the au forests

Au forests are natural plant societies along river waters that are shaped by periodic floods. In Austria, only about 15 percent of the previously existing outer forests have been preserved, and the remaining areas are very endangered by invasive neophytes, such as Dolomitenstadt. In Germany, too, these special biotopes are on the red list and are very endangered.

Currently there are around 900 established neobiota species in Germany, with plants, i.e. the neophytes, with around 470 species. This development is not only due to natural circumstances, but is also closely related to global trade and traffic, which has increased significantly for several decades. This problem also affects the au forests in Leipzig, where invasive species are tried to control to protect the domestic species, such as BUND Leipzig.

After a strenuous morning, the participants also had the opportunity to observe the living world of the Auwald in more detail. Some even dared to jump into the refreshing Debantbach to reward themselves for the work done. At around 12:30 p.m., the students returned: back to Lienz by bus, enriched with new experiences and greater awareness of environmental protection.

Future view

The progressive spread of neophytes remains a major challenge for nature conservation work in Austria and beyond. All the more important are projects such as the excursion to Dölsach, which not only raise awareness of the impending dangers, but also actively contribute to the rescue and care of our valuable outside forests.

Overall, it can be seen that volunteering and education go hand in hand when it comes to protecting our environment sustainably. The active approach of high school students in Dölsach could serve as an example of future measures and perhaps inspire other schools to participate in similar projects. The preservation of our outer forests is a common task that affects us all - and every small step helps to do so that these unique ecosystems do not completely disappear.