Nordhorn Celebrates Civic Engagement in Nature Conservation at Artenschutzpreis 2024
Nordhorn's civic engagement in environmental conservation was celebrated at the Nordhorner Artenschutzpreis ceremony. The event, led by City Councilor Milena Schauer, Environmental Officer Gerwin Rademaker, and Mayor Thomas Berling, highlighted the importance of voluntary efforts in preserving the natural environment. A total of 15,000 euros was awarded to individuals, clubs, schools, and companies for their outstanding contributions to biodiversity protection in Nordhorn.
In the category Individuals, Christoph Möllerke and Elias Hoffmann shared first place for their nature-friendly garden designs. Möllerke's garden stood out in times of climate change and species extinction, while Hoffmann transformed a previously modern garden into a natural one. Matthias Löbens also won in this category for his dedicated contributions to environmental conservation.
The category Schools and kindergartens was won by Grundschule am Roggenkamp. The school was praised for sensitizing students to environmental, climate, and species protection through various nature projects.
Reit- und Fahrverein Grenzland Nordhorn e.V. took third place in the Clubs, associations, and organizations category for their long-standing commitment on the club grounds. Ökologische Station Grafschaft Bentheim - Emsland Süd came in second for its professional structures and implementation of projects by young talent. Nordhorn Nachhaltig e.V. won the highest prize money of 6,000 euros in this category for its diverse commitment to environmental conservation.
Peter Olthaus Interior Design won in the Companies category for its project 'Alles rund ums Olthaus'. The event host received the prize.
The Nordhorner Artenschutzpreis 2024 recognized and rewarded the efforts of individuals, clubs, schools, and companies that have made significant contributions to biodiversity protection in Nordhorn. The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) Kreisgruppe Grafschaft Bentheim was the winning organization in the clubs, associations, and organizations category for the following year, 2025.
