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The society for the protection of the White Stork
 
was founded in 1989 with the objective to re-introduce the white stork in the southern Palatinate between Schweighofen and Kandel (Viehstrich-Gebiet, Südpfalz). This aim requires a rich, changing countryside, with meadows, ponds, hedges and rushes for the stork and its food supply.

Accordingly, the name of the society was enhanced in 1995 around the ,,Action for Biotope and landscape protection“. This name stands for the double strategy of the society.

The society supports the re-introduced but still endangered white stork in the southern Palatinate through nature and countryside protection by creating a suitable habitat for this respectable species, as well as other endangered animals and plants.

 

Our strategy comprehends:

  • cultivation care measures to maintain the meadows (the society finances its own tractor and baler),
  • purchasing and leasing of suitable plots,
  • the laying-out of semiaquatic areas and small ponds,
  • as well as natural stone heaps and deal wood mounds,
  • the establishment dry biotopes, poor in nutrients
  • planting of hedges and bushes,
  • the erection of nesting bases,
  • supply of additional food for the fledgelings during critical circumstances.

 

First results:

  • 1998: 2 breeding pairs
  • 1999: 2 breeding pairs
  • 2000: 3 pairs (7 chicklets)
  • 2001: 4 pairs (10 chicklets)
  • 2002: 3 pairs (7 chicklets)
  • 2003: 3 pairs (13 chicklets)

Other endangered species, such as the "hen harrier" and the "corncrake" benefit from the engagement to a diversely structured landscape. Among approx. 100 bird species in the ,,Viehstrich“ area, stonechats, red-backed shrikes and corn buntings can be found.

 
We offer: 
  • lectures with slides about the society‘s activities and the progress of the rehabilitation work,
  • slide lectures from specialists about fauna, flora, and the countryside,
  • guided natura excursions through the Bienwald and the Wiesental (the southern Palatinate),
  • congenial summer festivals dedicated to the white stork.

Cooperations:
 
  • the society works together with other organizations having similar objectives,
  • it agrees its work with the competent authorities,
  • initiates and supports scientific research on the planted biotopes and their enviroment,
  • collates appropriate information and articles for publication in the press,
  • promotes a mild ecological tourism in the southern Palatinate.
The Society's structure:
  • it has 188 members (April 2005)
  • holds monthly committee meetings
  • organizes annual members meetings
  • Activats members to engage themselves in biotope care
  • Everyone can become a member, active or passive
   

The committee

The committee consists of people with diverse training, experience, contacts and manual capacities, including natural scientists.
Application forms for membership can be are obtained from the president and the other committee members.
The annual subscription is 10 €.
Information concerning the society‘s events appear in the regional press, the internet, or are sent by post.
Your membership and help offers you the possibility to get to know nature better, as well as to protect and improve the white stork‘s living base.
The white stork has returned home to southern Palatinate (Germany) bordering Alsace (France).
Let us profit from this species while re-establishing an ecologically intact landscape with diverse structural elements.
 
The white stork represents the southern Palatinate as well as the northern Alsace and thus also suports a cross-border regional identity in the heart of Europe.
 
Guest from abroad are welcome to visit our area at the (former) border between Germany and France. We may assist in findings suitable accomodation if required. Do not hesitate to contact us (Tel. +49 (0)6340 918596).

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