Umweltstand

Umweltstand is an environmental education initiative in Erfurt that helps children and young people build practical nature knowledge and contribute to sustainable development. Its working group supports school projects and outdoor activities through the Umweltstand-Umweltwettbewerb, a student competition focused on exploring and documenting local environmental conditions. Participants can undertake species surveys, phenological observations, water testing, soil analysis, weather monitoring, and other nature-based projects, then present their findings through reports, photographs, or creative contributions.

The initiative provides information, project ideas, guidance, and practical resources to help schools take part. Group members can accompany school excursions, explain environmental topics, and advise on collecting, analysing, and documenting data. The Umweltstand website also offers competition information, educational materials, weather-station measurements, and agreed species photographs for school projects. The competition welcomes school and class activities as well as more detailed projects by student groups, with teachers or other education staff coordinating participation. Through these services, Umweltstand encourages direct contact with nature, strengthens environmental and climate skills, and supports biodiversity awareness and community action for sustainability.