Working together for nature
Since 2022, EGK has been supporting pupils at the Schenkenbergertal District Upper Secondary School in their efforts to combat invasive alien plants. What began as a one-off initiative has become an ongoing commitment.
What are neophytes?
Neophytes are plants that spread rapidly and displace native flora. In Switzerland, there are around 18 known invasive species. They may no longer be put into circulation and must be pulled up by the roots and burnt.
Identifying common ragwort
- Height 30–150 cm, erect, hairy stem
- Flower heads with white or pale pink ray florets, yellow disc florets in the centre
- Spreads via seeds capable of dispersal by wind
- Can be confused with knapweeds and daisies before flowering
Operation 2022
8 June 2022 with Class 3 Sek b
Under the motto ‘Working together for nature’, the enthusiastic pupils, together with their form tutor Sandro Carucci, set about tackling common ragwort.
Marco Locher from the Schinznach Building Authority showed the class how to identify, pull up and dispose of the invasive weed correctly.
As a token of appreciation, EGK supported the class with a contribution towards their end-of-year camp in Interlaken.
Deployment 2024
30 May 2024 with the 3rd Bez b
Despite the rain, the pupils got stuck in.
Marco Locher from the Building Authority and Mr Grevink from Grevink Garten explained to the class the importance of controlling invasive plant species and showed them two sites that had been systematically cleared of common ragweed.
EGK supported the class with a contribution towards their end-of-year camp in San Remo.
