Memorial tree for ABC shooters: A green legacy in Hahnbach!

Memorial tree for ABC shooters: A green legacy in Hahnbach!

On November 18, 2025, a special event took place at the Max Prechtl School: The Hahnbach and Surrounding Area Fruit and Horticultural Association organized the planting of a memorial tree for the first grades. On this important day, 45 students and teachers, including Andrea Großmann and Kerstein Arnold, took part in the ceremony. They were supported by social worker Sarah Drapej and deputy principal Stefan Ottmann. The mayors Bernhard Lindner and Evi Höllerer with her husband Jürgen were also present.

The tree, which was planted as the third fruit tree for the first grades, symbolizes not only a piece of nature, but also the importance of the tradition of planting a tree and caring for it. Josef Moosburger, the chairman of the fruit and horticultural association, and Herbert Gradl had carefully prepared the event. Erhard Ströhl and Gerald Schüller helped on the planting day and, together with Jürgen Huber, introduced the children to the topic.

Interactive experience for the children

Jürgen Huber not only explained to the children the meaning and value of fruit trees, but also reported on the problems with voles that can threaten fruit trees. This interactive experience promoted students' understanding of nature and the challenges it presents. Huber invited all participants to visit her tree again in the future.

As a thank you for taking part, the children sang the Little Apple Song, which underlined the happy atmosphere of the event. The fruit and horticultural association donated gingerbread to the children, while Mayor Lindner promised the ABC shooters a snack at school. After planting together, the children made their way back to school, filled with new impressions and experiences.

Importance of orchards

Orchards, like those promoted in Hahnbach, are not only important landscape elements, but also a habitat for a variety of animals and plants. In Germany, over 5,000 species of animals, plants and fungi live in these meadows, which are sometimes described as the “poetry of the landscape”. According to NABU, Germany is the largest orchard country in Europe. However, of the former 1.5 million hectares, only around 250,000 hectares remain.

Initiatives like those of NABU are committed to preserving these valuable areas. The “Together for orchard paradises” program supports projects that contribute to the sustainability and preservation of orchards. One of the most recent successes is the processing of 150 tons of orchards, one of the highest quantities since the Vaihingen Orchard Initiative was founded, which underlines the importance of cooperation in the area of ​​orchards.

These events and initiatives not only raise awareness of the importance of fruit trees, but also spread the joy of nature and tradition. Planting a tree is therefore more than just a gesture; it is a step towards a greener future.