School Project in Frechen

When quartz sand, shovels, and a whole lot of curiosity come together to create a pond in the school garden—that’s far more than just a nice project. That’s when nature comes to life. And that’s when we’re doing something right together.

For 25 years, Quarzwerke and the LNU Center of Excellence for Nature and Environmental Issues at Frechen High School have been working hand in hand. Over the years, this partnership has given rise to many joint ideas—from the school garden to a wide variety of environmental projects. Some of these are highly visible, while others are rather small. And it’s often the small ones that pack a punch.

One such small but ecologically valuable feature has now been created in the nature school garden: a pond. Built with great dedication by the students, it impressively demonstrates how important it is not only to explain nature but also to shape it together—with hands in the sand and an eye for what can emerge from it.

Biology teacher Tobias Littschager explains what’s behind the project, why a pond is much more than just a small body of water, and why the first dragonflies apparently didn’t take long to appear:

Thanks to the support of Quarzwerke Frechen, the nature school garden of Gymnasium Frechen and LNU e.V. has gained an ecologically significant addition: After several weeks of construction by participants in the school’s Nature Garden Club and a career orientation course on ecology and horticulture, a new pond has been completed. Compared to a pond, a small pond is smaller and can dry up over the course of the year. Nevertheless, it is vitally important as a habitat and nursery for many insects and amphibians, has a positive effect on the microclimate, and serves as a drinking water reservoir during hot spells. The substrate used consisted mainly of fine, virtually nutrient-free quartz sand from the quartz quarries. This is intended, first and foremost, to prevent excessive algae growth. The students are already looking forward to witnessing the pond’s long-term development. The first dragonflies have already laid their eggs… .