Vienna expands urban forest through community tree planting

Families in Vienna can participate in a community planting event at Telephonweg 25 to create a new forest in the Donaustadt district.

The city of Vienna plans to transform Ackerweg into a woodland by planting native species like oak, lime, and rosehip. These trees were chosen because they can withstand the local city climate. The northeast part of Vienna currently has some of the lowest forest coverage in the city, making it a recurring site for reforestation efforts.

The event offers free activities for children, including craft stations and a puppet theater. Participants can also learn about nature by observing soil creatures under microscopes or identifying animals by their tracks and fur. The initiative began in 1985 as a project for young adults to celebrate their right to vote, but it has been open to all residents since 1989.

These annual efforts increase the city's forest area by 50,000 to 100,000 square meters each year to improve the urban climate and provide habitats for local wildlife like roe deer and hares.