As part of our nature-based learning program at LIS, we aim to build strong relationships with key environmental organizations in Leipzig and the surrounding region. These partnerships help show our students and community how they can actively contribute to environmental protection – whether through volunteering, education, or small but meaningful actions.
One of our valued partners is the initiative Leipzig pflanzt!, whose ambitious goal is to plant one tree for every resident of Leipzig – 600,000 trees for a greener future. The initiative also plants shrubs, aiming to create new green spaces that will absorb CO₂, support biodiversity, and offer places for future generations to enjoy.
Founded in January 2020, Leipzig pflanzt! collaborates with the City of Leipzig, local experts, nurseries and other organizations. Their work includes organizing tree-planting events, securing land, and funding through donations and grants, while involving the public in hands-on action.
In 2023, LIS supported Leipzig pflanzt! at the annual Klima Fair, where our school opened the event with a concert at the Leipzig Marktplatz. In 2024 & 2025, the initiative joined our World Bee Day celebration with an information booth, sparking meaningful conversations with students and staff.
This connection led to an invitation to our annual Impact Day in September 2024. Founder Thomas Gärtner visited LIS to speak with students about how they could get involved. Several joined a planting event that same day – and two even chose to collaborate with Leipzig pflanzt! for their CAS project.
Benjamin and Friedrich: Our CAS Project
What was your CAS project about?
Our CAS project focused on environmental action and community engagement through a tree-planting initiative in partnership with local sports clubs in Leipzig. The aim was to help “green” sports facilities by planting trees on their grounds, while also educating younger club members about sustainability. As students who share an interest in both a greener future and sports, we saw this as an opportunity to make a lasting, visible impact in spaces (and sports) that bring people together.
The most important partner in our project was Leipzig pflanzt!, a local organization committed to making the city greener and promoting ecological awareness. Their mission aligned perfectly with ours – to support sustainability in Leipzig through community involvement. Working with them, and especially with Thomas Gärtner, who guided us through the entire planting process, made a huge difference. He taught us things we never would have considered – like which tree species are best suited to certain environments and how to ensure long-term survival. With his support, and through our own outreach to clubs and communities, we turned a simple idea into something we hope will have a lasting impact.
Impact and Lessons Learned
How successful have you been?
We were happy with our results, though we felt our impact could have been greater if more clubs had joined the initiative.
What difficulties did you encounter and how did you overcome them?
We faced challenges with poor email communication and some logistical uncertainty during the final planting stages. We overcame these by staying organized, following up regularly, and simplifying our messages to make them clearer.
What did you learn?
We learned that many people are willing to help, and we were lucky to have partnered with someone as helpful as Thomas Gärtner from Leipzig pflanzt!. We also discovered that we enjoyed this kind of work much more than we had expected.
Did anyone help you?
Yes, we received vital support from Thomas Gärtner at Leipzig pflanzt!, Peter Schöne at FC Blau-Weiß, and several club staff members. Everyone was great to work with and contributed significantly to the project’s success. The team from Leipzig pflanzt! also made the experience fun and memorable.
How did this activity benefit other people or institutions?
Our project helped to green two local sports clubs. We planted 35 trees and shrubs, including five apple trees. The bushes will eventually bear berries for the children at the clubs to enjoy.
What would you change if you were to do this again?
We would establish clearer roles within the planting team from the beginning and set up a structured communication timeline to avoid confusion.
How can you apply what you have learned to other situations?
This experience taught us how to manage a project from start to finish, collaborate with different people and organizations, and practice patience. These are valuable skills for any future leadership or teamwork-based role.