Lively interest in the open day

On 22 March 2025, the Chair of Forest Entomology and Forest Conservation hosted an open day to mark its fifth anniversary. What happens in the yellow villa on the edge of the forest in Wittental and in the associated greenhouses and laboratories? What is researched here and what are the changes to the site all about? These and other questions attracted numerous interested visitors on Saturday afternoon.

Open day 2025

Programme

Presentation of current research results on bark beetles
STATIONS: Microscopy laboratory, microbiology laboratory, beetle breeding in the forest and laboratory, current teaching and research
Guided tour of the biotopes of the Exploratorium ‘Lebendiges Wittental’
STATIONS: pond and nesting mound, deadwood and sandy area, orchard meadow, pond and spring
Vernissage of the art exhibition ‘Fragil’ by artist Sonia Itten

Fascinating forest insects, art and nature conservation: a varied programme

To present current research topics relating to forest insects, Professor Peter Biedermann and his team explained new and interesting facts from their respective research areas at various stations and answered questions from the guests, who were guided around the site – including the greenhouses, woodland and laboratory – in several groups. Among other things, there were insect collections, beetle breeding in the forest and in the laboratory, colourful microorganisms on petri dishes, supplemented by poster presentations of the most important research results and the teaching offered at the professorship.

Following an introduction to the history and vision of the Exploratorium Vibrant Wittental, visitors were able to explore the biotopes created on the professorship site, such as the pond, deadwood and nesting mound, in a very practical way. Many were interested in the simple remodelling measures that can also support biodiversity in their own gardens. The project, which was initiated by students to ecologically enhance the grounds around the Baldenweger Villa in favour of biodiversity, is currently being funded by the Eva Mayr Stihl Foundation.

The day came to a festive close with the opening of the art exhibition ‘Fragil’ by artist Sonia Itten (left). The artist has been in contact with Professor Biedermann for some time, which led to the idea of an exhibition on the occasion of the open day. Sonia Itten deals artistically with the fragility of our insect diversity. You can find out more about the artist’s concept and working methods here.

Everyone involved was delighted with the enormous interest, the lively dialogue and the consistently positive feedback on the open day!