On September 15, 2024, about 43 members of ASEZ in Berlin gathered in a forest located in Biesenthal, Brandenburg, Germany, to remove the invasive tree species called Prunus serotina, known as the late-blooming black cherry. This event was organized to protect and preserve the ecosystem of the Biesenthal Forest, in cooperation with the T. Schulz Forest Service, with private forest supervisor, Thomas Schulz also participating.
The invasive tree Prunus serotina has a strong reproductive ability and spreads widely, preventing surrounding trees from receiving adequate sunlight. As a result, the space for various types of trees to grow is reduced, posing a serious threat to the ecological balance of the forest in Biesenthal.
Upon learning about this situation, ASEZ members took action by cutting down and clearing the invasive Prunus serotina. Since the invasive black cherry closely resembles the native cherry trees, they had to meticulously distinguish between the trees that needed to be preserved and those that were not, following the guidance of the forest manager in Biesenthal. Special care was needed during the removal process, as the stems and leaves of the invasive tree are toxic. ASEZ members wholeheartedly participated in the activity, motivated by the desire to preserve the forest in Biesenthal as a beautiful home for numerous trees and plants. As a result, the invasive Prunus serotina was removed from an area covering 0.6 hectares.
Richard, ASEZ member from Free University of Berlin, said, “I’m very pleased to participate in this volunteer activity as a member of ASEZ. Removing invasive trees is a difficult task to accomplish alone, but it went smoothly because ASEZ members worked together. I want to continue participating in ASEZ activities in the future.”
Thanks to the enthusiasm of ASEZ members in Berlin, this activity concluded successfully. ASEZ will continue to seek necessary measures to protect forests and provide practical support. The organization is expected to keep contributing to the preservation of forest ecosystems and the sustainability of the local environment.
