Paul Gauselmann donates 85,000 trees to combat climate change

Making a mark for a better environment. This is exactly what entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann is doing due to a spontaneous idea that he had on the occasion of his 85th birthday on August 26th. What he wants to do: “With the aim of making an effective contribution against climate change, I would like to plant 1,000 trees for each year of my life so far.” The trees are to be planted worldwide. Paul Gauselmann, one of the last major German business patriarchs of the post-war period wants to donate a total of 85,000 deciduous trees for the occasion of his 85th birthday. The founder and Chairman of the Management Board of the internationally operating Gauselmann Group made the announcement. The Gauselmann Group, which has its headquarters in the East-Westphalian town of Espelkamp, is a leading company in the gaming entertainment industry and game development. The Group is known for its generous patronage, especially in the Minden-Lübbecke region. For his 85th birthday, Paul Gauselmann now wants to make a mark in the fight against climate change. He wants to plant 1,000 trees for each year of his life to date. That amounts to 85,000 trees. Paul Gauselmann’s message: “Nature has given me so much during my long life, whether that be as a counterbalance to my often stressful working life or as a backdrop to numerous family gatherings. As the father of four sons, grandfather of nine grandchildren with hopefully many more descendants to come, I want to do my bit towards passing on a liveable and sustainable world to future generations.” Paul Gauselmann is using as his inspiration studies that find that there is nothing more effective in tackling climate change than afforestation. These state that planting trees has the potential to absorb two-thirds of the climate-damaging CO2 emissions caused by people to date. “As I personally have the privilege of living in a small green paradise with lots of trees and animals, I would like to make the world a bit greener somewhere else, as CO2 and climate protection know no boundaries, either geographically or politically”, says Paul Gauselmann.

Paul Gauselmann’s “Trees for life” campaign has been launched in Nettelstedt

Espelkamp/Nettelstedt. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann last year donated 85,000 trees to set down a marker in the fight against climate change. He gave 1,000 trees for each year of his life, thus initiating the “Trees for life” project. The project’s main target, in collaboration with project partner Trinkwasserwald® e.V., is to plant a total of 85,000 deciduous trees in reforestation areas in Germany in the coming years so that new forests with a high level of diversity can grow. “Nature has given me so much during my long life, whether that be as a counterbalance to my stressful working life or as a backdrop to numerous family gatherings. As the father of four sons, grandfather of nine grandchildren and now also a great-grandfather twice over, I want to do my bit towards passing on a liveable and sustainable world to future generations”, said Paul Gauselmann. “But also in times of crisis, like at present with the global coronavirus pandemic, it is still important to take action to promote an intact environment and to protect our habitat, nature. For example the 85,000 trees can secure lifelong drinking water for 16,800 people.” For the launch of the nationwide afforestation campaign, a planting area in the Minden-Lübbecke district, the home territory of the Gauselmann Group, was selected, as forests in this area were also massively damaged as a result of climate change. In collaboration with the non-profit association Trinkwasserwald® e.V., which has already converted over 2,600 hectares of coniferous monocultures into healthy and sustainable deciduous forests with the aid of donations, a 3.6-hectare area on the north side of the Wiehen Hills in Nettelstedt will be afforested. A planting team from the association already started planting the first trees at the end of March. Due to legal restrictions as a result of the coronavirus measures, a maximum of two people can work at present. This means that the anticipated total number of 10,000 trees on the Nettelstedt forest area is expected to be planted by the end of April. The plants are selected in close coordination with forester Peter Heidmeier. “A total of 2,000 copper beech trees were planted this week. The planting work will continue after Easter, depending on the weather situation. The 3.6-hectare area in Nettelstedt has been severely affected by various storms and bark beetle infestations, which means that we are delighted about the ‘Trees for life’ afforestation campaign by Paul Gauselmann”, said Peter Heidmeier during the planting work. Nature and the world’s climate have become significantly out of kilter”, explains Heiner Rupsch, First Chairman of Trinkwasserwald® e.V. in relation to the concerns of the non-profit association and the importance of the campaign. “High temperatures and lack of precipitation in the past two years have, in environmental terms, reached a dimension that is of relevance to society. “Trinkwasserwald® e.V. therefore welcomes the fact that Paul Gauselmann is providing major impetus and setting a very good example, as we are all very much dependent on forests.”

Initiative of Paul Gauselmann supports Bielefeld municipal forest with 8,000 trees.

On the occasion of his 85th birthday, Paul Gauselmann last year started the “Trees for life” initiative, within the scope of which he donated 85,000 trees and set down a marker in the fight against climate change. The Bielefeld municipal forest is now also benefiting from this commitment. In order to strengthen the forest, which has been damaged by summer heatwaves and powerful storms, the entrepreneur from Espelkamp donated EUR 20,000 to the “Ein Stück Bielefelder Wald” [A piece of the Bielefeld forest] fundraising campaign. With this amount, around 2 hectares of forestland can be reforested with approximately 8,000 trees. “Nature has always played a big part in my life. In nature, we can stock up on new energy, particularly in crisis times such as these. Therefore, now is the time to give something back”, said Paul Gauselmann.

The sum of EUR 20,000 is, to date, the largest single donation that the “Ein Stück Bielefelder Wald” project has received. With this amount, it is not only possible to plant the trees, but they can also be sustainably maintained to ensure that they grow. The Lord Mayor of Bielefeld, Pit Clausen, was thrilled about the generous donation from Paul Gauselmann: “Priorities have shifted in the current crisis situation. However, a ‘post-coronavirus’ time will come and existing problems and challenges will catch up on us again then. These include the worrying state of our forest – an elementary habitat for people and animals alike. With this donation, we will be able to reforest around 20,000 square metres of the Bielefeld municipal forest. That is really wonderful.” The campaign raised over EUR 140,000 overall, allowing a total of around 56,000 trees to be planted in the Bielefeld forest, including oak trees, beech trees, hornbeams, Douglas firs and Grand firs.

8,000 red oaks will be planted in Magdeburg by the end of the year

The “Trees for life” initiative sets down a marker for a better environment A planting area in Randau/Magdeburg will be planted with 8,000 red oaks by the end of this year. The “Trees for life” initiative of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann is behind the campaign. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, he donated 85,000 trees to set down a marker in the fight against climate change. To date, over 10,000 trees have already been planted throughout Germany in collaboration with project partner Trinkwasserwald® e.V. The afforestation in Magdeburg is the fourth campaign to date. Last weekend, the two foresters and forest-owners in charge (Raban Schmid-Mölholm and Freiherr Clemens von Spiegel), queen of the Saxon-Anhalt forests (Christiane Heinrichs-Vogel) as well as some representatives from Trinkwasserwald® e.V. and the Gauselmann Group symbolically planted the first trees on the two-hectare area to kick off the campaign in Magdeburg. “The ‘Trees for life’ initiative of Paul Gauselmann is actively engaged throughout Germany. As the Gauselmann Group, through its subsidiary Merkur Spielbanken Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH & Co. KG, operates three casinos in the Magdeburg, Halle and Leuna/Günthersdorf region, we also wanted to support afforestation in the area”, explains David Schnabel, Managing Director of Merkur Spielbanken Sachsen-Anhalt. “We want to say a big ‘thank you’ to Paul Gauselmann. The afforestation of forest area is helping us in a true emergency situation”, report foresters and forest-owners Raban Schmid-Mölholm and Clemens Freiherr von Spiegel. “As a result of bark beetle infestation and extreme drought, many trees have died off and had to be rooted out. As the timber market has collapsed, it is very difficult to make new investments in afforestation.” To make matters worse, the forest-owners had already reforested the area in 2018 but almost all of the saplings died due to the extreme drought in 2019. To avoid the young trees having to endure another drought period next year, only red oaks will be planted on the area in Randau. “This species is very drought-resistant and we hope that the young trees will therefore be better equipped to withstand constant climate change”, explains queen of the forests Christiane Heinrichs-Vogel, who also runs the Stackelitz nursery from which the saplings are procured. The plants are selected in close coordination between project partner Trinkwasserwald® e.V. and the forester(s) in charge. “It is an important decision that is influenced by many factors”, explains Heiner Rupsch, First Chairman of the Trinkwasserwald® e.V association. With the aid of donations and thanks to the activities of the association members, the association has, since 1995, already converted over 2,600 hectares of coniferous monocultures into healthy and sustainable deciduous forests. “Each individual campaign is a strong symbol! What we can’t achieve alone, we will achieve together!”, summarises Heiner Rupsch at the end of the launch event in Randau.

Entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann donates 8,000 trees for the Dölauer Heide forest area

Entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann donates 8,000 trees for the Dölauer Heide forest area

On the occasion of his 85th birthday, Paul Gauselmann, the founder of the East-Westphalian Gauselmann Group and Chairman of the company’s Management Board, started the “Trees for life” initiative last year. This involved donating 85,000 trees to set down a marker against climate change. The Dölauer Heide forest area in Halle (Saale) is now benefiting from this commitment. The entrepreneur is having around 8,000 sessile oaks planted on one hectare of forestland to strengthen the forest, which has been damaged by summer heatwaves and powerful storms. The first trees were planted on Friday, 16 October. Rene Rebenstorf, Councillor for Urban Development and the Environment, who was on site as a representative of the city of Halle, was delighted about the commitment from Paul Gauselmann: “The city of Halle is very glad to accept this donation, as the badly damaged coniferous monocultures will be replaced with high-quality deciduous trees. Even though it will certainly take decades before the forest will be back to what it once was at this location, it is an important signal for the conservation of the Dölauer Heide forest area”. One of the reasons why the entrepreneur chose the Halle location is because the Gauselmann Group, through its subsidiary Merkur Spielbanken Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH & Co. KG, operates three venues in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, one of them in Halle. “We are proud that, also at a time of crisis such as this, we are able to plant 8,000 trees at our location in Halle. Despite the global coronavirus pandemic, we should not lose sight of climate change”, said managing director of Merkur Spielbanken, David Schnabel. Under the initiative, 10,000 trees have already been planted throughout Germany. Halle was the project’s third location. The complete afforestation of the area will begin in spring 2021, as saplings should only be planted in spring and autumn due to the fact that the water table is higher then and it is more likely that they will take root. The key partner for the implementation of this major project is Trinkwasserwald e.V. “It is enormously important that it is not only the state that is taking up the fight against climate change, but also citizens themselves. It is therefore fantastic that Paul Gauselmann is not losing sight of the coming generations and wants to conserve the forest for all children and their children in turn”, explains Heiner Rupsch, First Chairman of the association.

Afforestation in the Wiehen Hills – a further 8,000 trees planted in Nettelstedt

Espelkamp/Lübbecke. By the end of the year, 10,000 beech trees and wild service trees will be planted on a 3.6-hectare area in Lübbecke/Nettelstedt. The “Trees for life” initiative of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann is behind the campaign. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, he donated 85,000 trees to set down a marker in the fight against climate change. To date, over 26,000 trees have been planted throughout Germany in collaboration with project partner Trinkwasserwald® e.V., which has taken on responsibility for implementing the campaign. The afforestation in Nettelstedt already started at the beginning of the year when 2,000 young trees were planted. Planting then had to be stopped due to rising temperatures and coronavirus restrictions. Afforestation will continue in the next planting period when a further 8,000 young trees will be set. Initiator Paul Gauselmann planted a tree at the end of October together with forester Peter Heidmeier, Mayor Frank Haberbosch, who is district administrator for the Minden-Lübbecke district since 1 November 2020, Anna Bölling, as well as some representatives from Trinkwasserwald® e.V. The planting was a sign to indicate that there is nothing more effective in tackling climate change than afforestation – and it is only in this way that the forest can be conserved for future generations. “Each individual campaign and each tree represent a step in the right direction!”, explains Paul Gauselmann, initiator of the “Trees for life” initiative and Chairman of the Gauselmann Group. “With the campaign, I want to do my bit towards passing on a liveable and sustainable world to future generations. With these nationwide afforestation campaigns, I also want to give people food for thought in that every single person can counteract climate change by planting trees.” “Many thanks to Paul Gauselmann, who, together with the association Trinkwasserwald® e.V., has made afforestation possible here in Nettelstedt through the “Trees for life” initiative. As a result of bark beetle infestations, storm Kyrill and the altered temperature conditions due to climate change, very many trees in the Wiehen Hills have died off and had to be rooted out (or will have to be in the future)”, said Frank Haberbosch at the press briefing at the beginning of the week. “The altered climatic conditions will pose major challenges to us in the future. That is why we will primarily plant beech trees and wild service trees at this location, as these two species of trees currently cope well with drought”, explains Peter Heidmeier from the Lübbecke East forest district. The plants are selected in close coordination between the forester and project partner Trinkwasserwald® e.V., which implemented the nationwide planting campaigns of the “Trees for life” initiative. Since 1995, the association has already been able to convert 2,600 hectares of coniferous monocultures into healthy and sustainable mixed deciduous forests. “Nature and the world’s climate have become significantly out of kilter”, explains Heiner Rupsch, First Chairman Trinkwasserwald® e.V., in relation to the importance of campaigns such as this one. “The Trinkwasserwald® e.V. association therefore welcomes the fact that Paul Gauselmann is providing major impetus and setting a very good example, as we are all very much dependent on forests”, says Heiner Rupsch at the end of the event in Lübbecke.

Fruit tree tradition is being continued at Schloss Benkhausen

Rediscover old varieties Espelkamp/Lübbecke. In the long history of Schloss Benkhausen, there were fruit tree plantations on the grounds at Schloss Benkhausen as early as the start of the 19th century and the fruit was even sold throughout Germany. To revive this tradition, Paul Gauselmann’s granddaughter, Sonja Gauselmann, together with her husband Stefan Hegenbart planted 16 fruit trees along the edge of the circular walking path at Schloss Benkhausen in mid-November. Within two days, all 16 of the high-stem fruit trees had been planted with energetic support from three apprentices of the Gauselmann Group and the estate caretakers. The idea for the project came from Angelika Gauselmann, who took on the coordination of the project jointly with the real estate department of the Gauselmann Group and got her daughter Sonja Gauselmann on board for the implementation of the planting and to become a sponsor for the fruit trees. “It was particularly important to all of us to select old and healthy fruit tree varieties that can cope well with the changing climatic conditions. By planting these high-stem trees, we have laid the foundation for a healthy meadow orchard. If they are well looked after, fruit trees can live for more than 100 years”, explains Sonja Gauselmann during the planting campaign. Varieties such as Holsteiner Cox, Ingrid Marie and Boskoop apple trees were selected, as well as other fruit types such as Williams pears, Mirabelle de Nancy plums and the native Hauszwetschge plum variety. In addition, it was important to those in charge of the project to procure the trees from a regional provider, and that worked out really well with ‘Biologische Station Ravensberg’ from Kirchlengern. Even though only 16 trees were planted to start with, it is intended that these are just the beginning. During the initial survey of the planting area, a vision quickly emerged of a larger meadow orchard. Now, there are plans for the approximately 1-hectare field to be turned into a species-rich meadow with old fruit varieties, hedges and flowering plants. In addition to providing a good yield of fruit for Schloss Benkhausen, this will, above all, provide an important habitat for many birds and insects. As certified fruit farmers, Sonja Gauselmann and Stefan Hegenbart will keep a close eye on the project. The fruit tree project at Schloss Benkhausen is being implemented within the framework of Paul Gauselmann’s “Trees for life” initiative, which is expected to see 85,000 trees newly planted in the coming years. “When the idea was first presented to me, I didn't have to deliberate for very long and agreed immediately. Even if this project only involves a small number of trees, that can still do a great deal of good, as the fruit trees are an important source of food for bees, which are already under threat, and what can beat homemade jam or a fresh apple pie?”, said Paul Gauselmann in regard to the sustainable project. It will still be a few years before the delicious fruit can be harvested. Nevertheless, there are already plans for the “Die Rentei” restaurant at Schloss Benkhausen to then use the fruit to make delicious jams, cakes and liqueurs, or just delicious juice.

Afforestation at Schloss Benkhausen

200 young trees and 1,200 “seedlings” were planted

Espelkamp. In the past week, 200 young trees were planted in the forest area adjacent and belonging to Schloss Benkhausen, which is the training centre of the Gauselmann Group. The young trees were planted over an area that is almost as big as a football pitch. In addition, around 1,000 acorns and 200 chestnuts that had been gathered by children from the region were planted on a similarly sized area. In summer 2020, spruce trees that had died off had to be felled in both areas. The trees had become weakened due to the hot summers in 2017 and 2018 and they then became infested with bark beetle. The planting campaign, which was organised under the leadership of Sylvia Blaha, Head of Organisation at Merkur Immobilien- und Beteiligungs GmbH, was coordinated and implemented in close collaboration with forester Peter Heidmeier. Employees of Schloss Benkhausen and also some apprentices from the Gauselmann Group energetically helped with the planting campaign in the estate forest. “50 European white elms, 50 Norway maples, 25 sweet chestnuts, 25 wild service trees, 25 wild cherry trees and 25 field elms were planted. The area is easy to spot on the left-hand side in the middle of the circular walking path. They are native varieties, but tend to be found more in the southern regions of Germany. They therefore tolerate heat and drought better and are more resistant against climatic changes than, for example, spruce trees,” explains forester Peter Heidmeier. “In addition, we want to increase the diversity of the forest with different species of trees. That makes the tree population more robust and less susceptible to pests and climatic changes. Species that cope well with these living conditions prevail and multiply independently.” By carrying out the afforestation and maintaining tree diversity, Paul Gauselmann, who initiated the planting campaign at Schloss Benkhausen, is making a decisive contribution to preserving the important stock of trees and thus also the local recreation area around Schloss Benkhausen with its wonderful nature, walking paths and various excursion options. “The mixed forest around Schloss Benkhausen is definitely special, as around 40 species of trees are to be found there. This is the legacy left behind by the Bussche-Münch family, which owned Schloss Benkhausen for a long period of time. In the past, the family ensured that the forest was not converted into arable land and that it was preserved instead,” explains Angelika Gauselmann, who also oversaw the planting campaign. “We are very grateful to the Bussche-Münch family for that and we will continue to look after the forest and maintain it,” adds Angelika Gauselmann. The ten helpers or so showed true commitment the whole day in order to plant the trees, which were almost one-metre in size, into the ground in cold and wet weather. Several apprentices from the Gauselmann Group volunteered to energetically help out with the campaign. “I think the campaign is brilliant and I’m delighted to be able to make my contribution to conserving the tree population at Schloss Benkhausen. And I might perhaps come by sometime in the future with my children and tell them that I had once helped to plant these trees,” explains apprentice Carla Stegkemper with pride.

Germany-wide campaign will see 3,000 trees planted in the Stuttgart region

Espelkamp/Rutesheim. By the end of the year, 3,000 trees will be planted on an area close to the city of Rutesheim in the Stuttgart region. The “Trees for life” initiative of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann is behind the campaign. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, he donated 85,000 trees to set down a marker in the fight against climate change. To date, 34,000 trees have already been planted in collaboration with project partner Trinkwasserwald® e.V. The “Trees for life” initiative of Paul Gauselmann is actively engaged throughout Germany. The afforestation campaigns result in new forests with a high level of diversity. “As the Gauselmann Group operates some subsidiaries in the Stuttgart region, such as the manufacturer of cash processing system solutions HESS Cash Systems from Magstadt, adp Gauselmann GmbH in Pleidelsheim or branches of the popular MERKUR CASINO arcade chain, we wanted to also actively support afforestation in the area through the ‘Trees for life’ initiative”, explains Mario Hoffmeister, Director of Communications, at the Gauselmann Group. The association Trinkwasserwald® e.V is responsible for implementation. With the aid of donations and thanks to the activities of the association members, it has, since 1995, already converted over 2,600 hectares of coniferous monocultures into healthy and sustainable deciduous forests. Together with the responsible forester, Ulrich Neumann, the association chose an area of the city of Rutesheim that had been damaged by bark beetle infestation and storm Sabine. By the end of the year, sessile oaks and small-leaved lime trees will be planted on the area measuring 0.5 hectares. “It is important to select suitable young plants in close coordination with the forester in charge. He knows from experience which species of trees will thrive in the area in the long term and will be able to withstand the altered climatic conditions, also in the decades to come. Our objective is to carry out afforestation by planting trees that are as suitable as possible but are also diverse. This is because monocultures are always more susceptible to pests or external influences”, explains Alexander Pillath from Trinkwasserwald® e.V. “Each individual campaign that we carry out is a strong symbol! Nature and the world’s climate have become significantly out of kilter”, explains Heiner Rupsch, First Chairman of Trinkwasserwald® e.V. in relation to the concerns of the non-profit association and the importance of the “Trees for life” initiative. “High temperatures and lack of precipitation in the past two years have, in environmental terms, reached a dimension that is of relevance to society. “Trinkwasserwald® e.V. therefore welcomes the fact that Paul Gauselmann is providing major impetus and setting a very good example, as we are all very much dependent on forests. And the reforestation campaigns will benefit our descendants!”, summarises Heiner Rupsch in relation to the planting campaigns of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann.

Germany-wide campaign: 85,000 trees to help combat climate change

Paul Gauselmann donates 7,000 trees for the ‘Aaper Wald’ municipal forest in Düsseldorf

Espelkamp/Düsseldorf. The “Trees for life” [Bäume fürs Leben] initiative was set up by entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, he donated 85,000 trees throughout Germany to set down a marker in the fight against climate change. This initiative is also supporting the forested area of the city of Düsseldorf. A total of 7,000 trees and shrubs have now been planted on an area in the ‘Aaper Wald’ woodland to vitalise tree stocks and increase the diversity of the forest. A total of 1,150 pedunculate oaks, 1,000 hornbeams, 900 small-leaved lime trees, 850 copper beech trees, 550 pine trees, 500 sessile oaks, 400 wild cherry trees, 350 elms, 300 Norway maples, 200 wild service trees, 100 yews and 600 different shrubs were planted in isolated plantations to shape the edge of the forest. Dr Stephan Keller, Lord Mayor of the city of Düsseldorf: “An environmentally-friendly Düsseldorf is something that I care deeply about. Particularly with population growth and hotter summers, green spaces and municipal forests are essential as the green lungs of the city. That is why I want to thank the ‘Trees for life’ initiative and Paul Gauselmann for the generous donation of 7,000 trees and shrubs.” Paul Gauselmann is the founder of the East-Westphalian Gauselmann Group and has been well-known as a partner to the city of Düsseldorf for some years now through the MERKUR brand – not only as a new sponsor of the second-league football club Fortuna Düsseldorf but also as the title sponsor of the MERKUR SPIELARENA since 2018 and sponsor of numerous sports clubs of the Sports City of Düsseldorf. “As a trusted partner of the city of Düsseldorf in the world of sports, I, of course, also wanted to be active in the city area in terms of my nationwide ‘Trees for life’ initiative. Through this afforestation campaign, I want to remind people that each tree planted – whether that be in the forest, in the city or in the garden – makes a notable contribution to protecting nature.

Entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann donates 85,000 trees to combat climate change

Germany­wide campaign will see 8,000 trees planted in the Munich region

Espelkamp/Taufkirchen. A total of 8,000 trees were planted on an area in Taufkirchen in the Munich region. The “Bäume fürs Leben” (Trees for life) initiative of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann is behind the campaign. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, he donated 85,000 trees to set down a marker in the fight against climate change. To date, around 52,000 trees have already been planted in collaboration with project partner Trinkwasserwald® e.V. The “Trees for life” initiative of Paul Gauselmann is actively engaged throughout Germany. The afforestation campaigns result in new forests with a high level of diversity. “As the Gauselmann Group operates some subsidiaries in the Munich region, such as a wholesale branch of adp Gauselmann GmbH, sports betting shops of XTiP Sportwetten or branches of the popular MERKUR CASINO arcade chain, we wanted to also actively support afforestation in the area through the ‘Trees for life’ initiative”, explains Mario Hoffmeister, Director of Communications, at the Gauselmann Group. The association Trinkwasserwald® e.V is responsible for implementation. With the aid of donations and thanks to the activities of the association members, it has, since 1995, already converted over 2,600 hectares of coniferous monocultures into healthy and sustainable deciduous forests. Together with the responsible forester, Olaf Rahn, the association chose an area in Taufkirchen that had been damaged by bark beetle infestation and storm Niclas. Sessile oaks were planted on the area covering 1.5 hectares. “Each individual campaign that we carry out is a strong symbol! Nature and the world’s climate have become significantly out of kilter”, explains Heiner Rupsch, First Chairman of Trinkwasserwald® e.V. in relation to the concerns of the non­profit association and the importance of the “Trees for life” initiative. “High temperatures and lack of precipitation in the past two years have, in environmental terms, reached a dimension that is of relevance to society. “Trinkwasserwald® e.V. therefore welcomes the fact that Paul Gauselmann is providing major impetus and setting a very good example, as we are all very much dependent on forests. And the reforestation campaigns will benefit our descendants!”, summarises Heiner Rupsch in relation to the planting campaigns of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann.

Interim report on the “Trees for life” initiative of Paul Gauselmann:

More than 50,000 trees have already been planted

Espelkamp. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, Paul Gauselmann started the “Trees for life” [Bäume fürs Leben] initiative and donated 85,000 trees to set down a marker in the fight against climate change. He would like to make a contribution to reforesting the enormously damaged forests in Germany through targeted actions. One-and-a-half years later, more than half of the donated trees, currently around 52,000 saplings, have to date been planted throughout Germany in collaboration with project partner Trinkwasserwald® e.V. Also, in a second planting campaign, a total of 10,000 trees were finally planted this winter over a 3.6-hectare area in the Wiehen Hills in Nettelstedt.

“I’m delighted that this project is progressing so well despite the coronavirus restrictions. 16 hectares have already been reforested. And the next projects will be starting shortly in spring 2021”, explains initiator and entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann.

The principle is very simple: Damaged coniferous monocultures will be permanently transformed into healthy and sustainable deciduous forests. The needs are huge. However, planting is generally carried out where the Gauselmann Group or its subsidiaries, e.g. wholesale branches of adp Gauselmann GmbH, sports betting shops of XTiP Sportwetten or branches of the popular MERKUR Spiel arcade chain, are based. Nine individual projects have already been implemented – whether that be in the Minden-Lübbecke region, in Bielefeld, Munich, Stuttgart, Halle or Magdeburg.

“We first look to see which areas are most severely damaged in the regions that we have selected. The forests were often so enormously affected by storms, the drought of the past few years or bark beetle infestations that entire areas had to be rooted out,” explains Heiner Rupsch, First Chairman of Trinkwasserwald® e.V. “You then really see that our nature and the world’s climate have become significantly out of kilter in the last few decades. The high temperatures and lack of precipitation have, in environmental terms, reached a dimension that is of relevance to society. Monocultures, which are forests with just a few species of trees, are particularly badly affected.”

It is for this reason that the team supporting the “Trees for life” initiative is focusing on the diversity of the saplings in the afforestation campaigns. Natural, species-rich deciduous forests are being reforested and planted with specifically chosen tree species that are significantly more resistant to pests and climatic changes.

New mixed forest for Hannover Beinhorn

“Trees for life” initiative of Paul Gauselmann donates 4,000 saplings

Over the coming months, a total of 4,000 trees will be planted on an area in Hannover/Beinhorn. The “Trees for life” initiative of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann is behind the campaign. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, he donated 85,000 trees as a contribution in the fight against climate change. To date, over 50,000 trees have already been planted Germany-wide in collaboration with the association Trinkwasserwald® e.V. The reforestation in Beinhorn is the tenth project to date in the private initiative launched by the entrepreneur from Eastern Westphalia. Former forest ranger from the Burgdorf region Christian Oelschläger, forest owner Christel Steinecke, mayor Armin Pollehn, together with a number of representatives from Trinkwasserwald® e.V. and the Gauselmann Group this week symbolically marked the start of the project by planting the first trees on an area in Alt-Beinhorn. A year ago, this area was covered in spruce trees, a species that has been severely affected by the dry weather seen in recent years. The drought periods of 2019 and 2020 took an extremely heavy toll on the spruces, destroying the trees’ natural defence mechanism against attacks by bark beetles, with the result that the 1.4-hectare area had to be cleared. Within the scope of the “Trees for life” initiative, new wayside banks consisting of 2,800 common oak, 600 larch, 500 Douglas firs and 100 shrubs will be planted over the coming weeks by the local tree nursery, Rahte. The area has already been prepared and fenced off. “The ‘Trees for life’ initiative of Paul Gauselmann is active throughout Germany. The main goal is to plant a mixed forest of deep-rooting trees that is more resistant to periods of drought and pests and provides clean air and fresh drinking water,” explains Nils Rullkötter, Senior Manager under the Management Board member responsible for Marketing, Communications and Political Affairs of the Gauselmann Group. “We would like to say a big thank you to the entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann for the valuable support this reforestation project has given us. My late husband, who himself used to run a pub with slot machines, would have been happy to have lived to see this generous donation,” explains Christel Steinecke, who owns this area of forest in Beinhorn. Mayor Armin Pollehn also expressed thanks on behalf of the town of Burgdorf for the generous donation made by entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann. “For me, environmental protection is more than just a passing trend,” he said on the occasion of the first tree planting. “Often, it’s all just a lot of talk. But I think it’s good when words are translated into action, as is happening here in Beinhorn with the reforestation of a mixed forest!” The areas as well as the trees to be planted are selected in close collaboration between Trinkwasserwald® e.V. and the forest rangers. “This ensures tailor-made solutions for particularly badly affected areas,” explains Christian Oelschläger from the association Trinkwasserwald® e.V. With the aid of donations and thanks to the activities of the association members, the association has, since 1995, already converted over 4,240 hectares of coniferous monocultures into healthy and sustainable deciduous and mixed forests. “Every single conservation project has a strong symbolic character and sends a message in terms of environmental protection. Forestation measures adapted to local conditions help to secure high-quality drinking water and greater diversity of species over the long term,” the former forest ranger explains. The impressive dance presentation entitled “Herr Wald und Frau Wasser” (Mr Forest and Ms Water) further underscored the critical importance of a healthy tree population for the ecological balance of the planet. The two performers Marcus Bölling and Wiebke Wackermann artistically demonstrated to all participants how indispensable an intact tree population is for the drinking water cycle.

“Trees for life” in Borghorst

“Trees for life” in Borghorst

Entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann donates 10,000 trees for his place of birth

The 11th project of the “Trees for life” initiative was realised in Borghorst, the birthplace of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann, in early November. The first planting action, which is to see 10,000 trees planted on a four-hectare area in the Buchenberg forest near Borghorst, began with a planting party. In the course of the day, employees from the Eastern Westphalian Gauselmann Group, joined by mayor Claudia Bögel-Hoyer and forest owner Ulrich Schulze-Raestrup, planted the first 200 trees. Entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann also returned to the town of his birth to witness this special event.

On the occasion of his 85th birthday in 2019, Paul Gauselmann started the “Trees for life” [Bäume fürs Leben] initiative and donated a total of 85,000 trees for the reforestation of woodland throughout Germany as a contribution in the fight against climate change. The plantings and projects are being organised in collaboration with project partner Trinkwasserwald® e.V. To date, some 50,000 trees have already been planted in various regions across Germany within the scope of this initiative.

In the past, the area in Borghorst was covered in spruce trees, which were needed primarily for timber production. However, the drought of 2019 and 2020 took a heavy toll on the spruces, destroying the trees’ natural defence mechanism against attacks by bark beetles, with the result that the entire area had to be cleared.

It is now planned to reforest the Buchenberg area as a mixed forest of deep-rooting trees that is more resistant to periods of drought and pest infestation. Species such as the common oak, hornbeam, red alder, copper beech, sycamore and rowan berry are now being planted.

“We are all seeing that the world we live in is not getting any healthier. With this campaign, I want to help to make the world a better and more liveable place for future generations,” stresses “Trees for life” initiator and Gauselmann Group Chairman Paul Gauselmann. “My whole life I’ve enjoyed the great outdoors and now I’d like to give something back. In Borghorst especially, the planting has a very special significance for me, as I have very fond memories of my early childhood growing up in this region and also of the time during the war when I escaped the bombs raining down on Münster. I enjoy coming back and refreshing old memories,” Gauselmann said.

“The forest is far more than simply a resource for industry; above all, the forest is responsible for providing us all with drinking water and therefore has an existential importance for society. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr Gauselmann for this most generous donation. The reforestation of the area helps us enormously after the whole expanse had to be cleared following the bark beetle infestation and a number of storms,” explains forest owner Ulrich Schulze-Raestrup.

“Nature in general and the forest in particular play an enormous role in people’s lives. It has an important recreational value, so the reforestation will benefit many people in the future. On behalf of our town, I would like to warmly thank entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann for his exceptional commitment,” said mayor Claudia Bögel-Hoyer.

‘Trees for life’ initiative makes a mark for a better environment

Germany-wide campaign sees 4,000 trees planted in the Münster region

A total of 4,000 trees are soon to be planted on an area in Münster-Nienberge. The “Trees for life” reforestation initiative of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann is behind the campaign. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, he donated 85,000 trees as a contribution in the fight against climate change. In collaboration with project partner Trinkwasserwald® e.V., around 50,000 trees have already been planted. This week, the 13th project was launched in Nienberge within the scope of this initiative. “The ‘Trees for life’ initiative of Paul Gauselmann aims above all to help make the world a better and more liveable place for future generations. The Germany-wide plantings are being implemented in collaboration with our project partner Trinkwasserwald® e.V. at damaged sites selected for planting with deep-rooting deciduous trees within the scope of the afforestation campaigns,” explains Nils Rullkötter, Senior Manager under the Management Board member responsible for Marketing, Communications and Political Affairs of the Gauselmann Group.

Previously, mainly spruce and poplar trees had stood on the 0.5-hectare area in Nienberge, but all of the trees here had to be felled as a result of severe storms, periods of drought and bark beetle attacks. “The reforestation campaign enables us to plant particular tree species on this area, with sweet chestnut, Norway maple, black walnut, walnut, wild service tree, true service tree and a number of other broad-leafed hardwoods able to flourish here thanks to the good soil conditions. I would like to thank Mr Gauselmann, also on behalf of Mr Leicht, the forest owner, for his generous donation,” said Jörn Stanke, Head of the Münster Forestry Department in the Münsterland Regional Forestry Office.

The plantings in Nienberge will take place over two days in January 2022, after which the area will be fenced off in order to prevent damage by grazing animals. Gunter Schröder, project manager from the association Trinkwasserwald: “In our Germany-wide campaigns, the Trinkwasserwald® e.V. association acts as an intermediary between the donor and the local forest ranger. The primary goal of the afforestation campaigns is to replenish these natural drinking water reserves over the long term.”

Climate-resilient mixed forest for Bad Rothenfelde

“Trees for life” initiative of Paul Gauselmann plants 4,000 saplings

Over the coming months, a total of 4,000 saplings will be planted on an area in Bad Rothenfelde. The “Trees for life” initiative of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann is behind the campaign. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, he donated 85,000 trees to set down a marker in the fight against climate change. To date, over 50,000 trees have already been planted Germany-wide in collaboration with the association Trinkwasserwald® e.V. The reforestation in Bad Rothenfelde is the 12th project to date in the private initiative launched by the entrepreneur from Eastern Westphalia. Forest ranger Michael Muke from the Bad Rothenfelde region and the Pille family of forest owners, together with a number of representatives from Trinkwasserwald® e.V. and the Gauselmann Group symbolically marked the start of the project by planting the first 100 trees on an area in the forest of the spa resort. The drought of the past few years had taken a heavy toll on the spruces that previously stood on this area of forest, destroying the trees’ natural defence mechanism against attacks by bark beetles, with the result that the entire area had to be cleared. Now the area covering approximately one hectare is to be reforested in the coming weeks with deep-rooting deciduous trees, including large-leaved lime, sessile oak, wild service tree, wild cherry and Douglas fir. The funding is being provided by entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann, who with his “Trees for life” initiative is looking to make a future-oriented contribution to protecting the climate. “The ‘Trees for life’ initiative of Paul Gauselmann is actively engaged throughout Germany, predominantly in those regions where the Gauselmann Group has branches or subsidiaries. The main goal of the initiative is to plant a mixed forest of deep-rooting trees that is more resistant to periods of drought and pests. Healthy trees provide clean air and fresh drinking water in the future,” explains Nils Rullkötter, Senior Manager under the Management Board member responsible for Marketing, Communications and Political Affairs of the Gauselmann Group. The areas as well as the trees to be planted are selected in close collaboration between Trinkwasserwald® e.V. and the forest rangers. “We have already prepared the area for planting by mulching it and afterwards will cultivate the trees for several years to ensure their healthy growth,” reports forest ranger Michael Muke during the planting event. The impressive dance presentation entitled “Herr Wald und Frau Wasser” (Mr Forest and Ms Water) further underscored the critical importance of a healthy tree population for the ecological balance of the planet. The two performers Marcus Bölling and Wiebke Wackermann artistically demonstrated to all participants how indispensable an intact tree population is for the drinking water cycle.

3,800 saplings for Forstenrieder Park

“Trees for life” initiative of Paul Gauselmann donates oaks and hornbeams

A total of 3,800 saplings are currently being planted in the south-westerly area of the Eichelgarten (acorn garden) in Munich’s Forstenrieder Park. The “Trees for life” private initiative of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann is behind the campaign. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, he donated 85,000 trees to set down a marker in the fight against climate change. To date, over 50,000 trees have already been planted Germany-wide in collaboration with the association Trinkwasserwald® e.V. The reforestation in the Eichelgarten is the 14th project to date within the scope of the initiative launched by the entrepreneur from Eastern Westphalia. Last year, a total of 8,000 saplings were already planted on an area in Taufkirchen in the Munich region.

At the kick-off event last Friday, Martin Neumeyer, CEO of the Bavarian State Forests, forest manager Wilhelm Seerieder, forest ranger Johannes Steigner, together with a number of representatives from Trinkwasserwald® e.V. and the Gauselmann Group gathered to symbolically mark the start of the project by planting the first tree on the area.

The acorn garden is a remaining stock dating from the 17th century that provides a habitat for rare and protected species such as the hermit beetle. As part of the management plan for the flora, fauna, habitat area, to which the Eichelgarten belongs, the Japanese larches that once stood here were cleared in close cooperation with the nature conservation agency, in order to make way for native species, such as the oak.

“An important task of the Bavarian State Forests is to make the Bavarian forests fit for the future. We need to plant trees that will also be sustainable in the future and can better withstand drought conditions. Like this, we want to contribute to the fight against climate change. Another important factor is that a healthy tree population captures CO2,” explains Martin Neumeyer, CEO of the Bavarian State Forests. “We thank entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann for his exemplary commitment, which ideally supports our project to make the Bavarian forests fit for the future.”

The “Trees for life” initiative is being realised by the nature and environmental conservation association Trinkwasserwald® e.V., which is proactively committed to preserving, improving and increasing groundwater and drinking water reserves. “We promote silviculture that is climate-compatible and appropriate to the local conditions in order to sustain drinking water as a source of life over the long term. Compared to coniferous forest monocultures, mixed deciduous forests increase groundwater yields by a national average of 800,000 litres per hectare and year, improve the condition of the forest and the forest floor and promote biodiversity,” explains Gernot Gauger, designated board member of Trinkwasserwald.

Japanese larch trees previously stood on the area in Forstenrieder Park: “The Japanese larch is a non-native species that does not cope well with changing climatic conditions and is also crowding out native species such as oak. This is why we decided to replace them in the acorn garden with tree species native to the region,” explains forest manager Wilhelm Seerieder. “Over the coming weeks, Grün Team GmbH will plant the area with 3,300 common oaks and 500 hornbeams. A fence will protect the saplings from damage by grazing animals.”

This fence stands symbolically for our sustainable project approach: together with our local partners, our aim is to plant a deciduous forest of deep-rooting trees that is more resistant to periods of drought and pests and will provide clean air and fresh drinking water within just a few years,” explains Nils Rullkötter, Senior Manager under the Management Board member responsible for Marketing, Communications and Political Affairs of the Gauselmann Group.

“Trees for life” initiative donates 4,000 saplings to the Wiesbaden Municipal Forest

Over the coming weeks, a total of 4,000 saplings will be planted on an area in Wiesbaden’s municipal forest. The “Trees for life” reforestation initiative of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann is behind the campaign. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, he donated 85,000 trees as a contribution in the fight against climate change. Last week, the 15th project was launched in Wiesbaden within the scope of this initiative. To date, well over 50,000 trees have already been planted Germany-wide in collaboration with the association Trinkwasserwald® e.V.

“The municipal forest in Wiesbaden has been FSC and Naturland certified in line with the central goal to rejuvenate our woodlands in a sustainable and eco-friendly way and take steps to adapt them to the impacts of climate change. Wiesbaden’s municipal forest is also extensively enjoyed by the local population, so we are all the more grateful for Mr Gauselmann’s exemplary commitment,” says Andreas Kowol, head of Wiesbaden’s Department for Environment, Green Areas and Transport.

“Nature has not necessarily flourished in recent years and the forest in particular has suffered. Therefore, the main goal of the ‘Trees for life’ initiative is to plant deep-rooting deciduous trees that are more resistant to periods of drought and pests and thus make a sustainable contribution to protecting the environment,” explains Nils Rullkötter, Senior Manager under the Management Board member responsible for Marketing, Communications and Political Affairs of the Gauselmann Group.

Previously, mostly spruce trees grew on the area to be planted in Wiesbaden, which have now had to be cut down as a result of storm damage and long periods of drought. “In addition to the high recreational value for the locals, the forest meets a quarter of the drinking water needs of Wiesbaden’s population. Reforesting areas that have suffered damage as quickly as possible is therefore really important,” explains Sabine Rippelbeck, head of the Forestry Office.

The plantings in Wiesbaden will be carried out over the coming weeks by forest ranger Matthias Lemke and his team. The area has already been fenced off in order to prevent damage by grazing animals.

“Mr Gauselmann’s commitment has a great impact on our society and is a wonderful example of a sustainable contribution to protecting our environment,” says Heiner Rupsch, Chairman of Trinkwasserwald® e.V.

“Trees for life” initiative supports the town of Lichtenau with 4,000 young trees

“Trees for life” initiative supports the town of Lichtenau with 4,000 young trees

A total of 4,000 trees were planted on a planting area in Lichtenau over the past few weeks. The “Trees for life” afforestation initiative of entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann is behind the campaign. On the occasion of his 85th birthday, he donated 85,000 trees to set down a marker in the fight against climate change. Lichtenau is the 16th planting campaign that has been completed under the initiative.

“We are thrilled about the donation of 4,000 trees for the forest here in Lichtenau, particularly as around 40% of the approximately 1,000 hectare forest had to be cleared over the past few years due to climate change. We want to reforest our region as quickly as possible and create a resilient mixed forest,” says Mayor Ute Dülfer.

“The ‘Trees for life’ private initiative of Paul Gauselmann is actively involved in afforestation throughout Germany in order to make a sustainable contribution to climate protection. To date, over 65,000 trees have already been planted in collaboration with our partner Trinkwasserwald,” explains Nils Rullkötter, Senior Manager under the Management Board member responsible for Marketing, Communications and Political Affairs at the Gauselmann Group.

However, the planting doesn’t just make a sustainable contribution to climate change. Growing deciduous trees means that significantly more water can be stored and there is a positive effect on biodiversity in forests.

“The forested area in Lichtenau previously comprised mainly spruce trees, which had to be completely cleared due to storm damage, the long drought and bark beetle infestation. Our task now is to reforest the area. It is particularly important to establish a significantly more resistant mixed forest. The 4,000 deciduous trees donated by entrepreneur Paul Gauselmann have already been planted,” said forester Bernhard Beumling in summary.

“Damage to forests in this region is enormous and the planting area is therefore a good match with the ‘Trees for life’ project, as the key objective is to plant deciduous trees to facilitate greater biodiversity in new forests,” says Günter Schröder of Trinkwasserwald® e.V.