Since 2017, the Fondation Hëllef fir d’Natur de natur&ëmwelt (Website in French or German only) has been leading a long-term effort to preserve and restore the wetlands of the “Koulbich” valley, locally known as Riedergrënn. This ambitious project aims to acquire key parcels – forests, wet meadows, ponds – to expand the existing nature reserve and create optimal living conditions for local biodiversity, especially one of its most emblematic species: the black stork.

A mosaic of habitats to preserve

With support from Œuvre Nationale, 2024 marked a key milestone: 18.5 additional hectares were acquired, including a large tract of deciduous forest and several recreational ponds slated for restoration. The eventual goal is to secure 30 hectares to complete this precious ecological puzzle.

The site is remarkable for its habitat diversity: beech forests, conifer woods, springs, floodplain meadows, ponds, and feeding grounds – rich, complementary ecosystems now rare in modern agricultural landscapes.

Lengthy but fruitful negotiations

The path has not been without obstacles. Inheritance disputes slowed certain transactions, while new land opportunities emerged – notably a beech forest traversed by a spring area with exceptional ecological value.

“Negotiations require time, patience, and a lot of diplomacy. It’s a process built on trust above all.” These efforts paid off: a major acquisition was secured at a lower-than-expected price, allowing remaining funds to be reallocated to pond restoration.

A nature reserve, but also a breathing space

Located along the Rambrouch auto-pedestrian trail, the reserve will soon feature an educational sign to raise awareness among hikers about conservation issues and the site’s natural wealth. In time, the Foundation also plans to install an artificial nest to attract the black stork — a shy and demanding species.

But this reserve isn’t only a haven for wildlife: it is also a peaceful retreat for walkers. A subtle balance between active conservation and human well-being, while respecting traditional land use.

A long-term vision rooted in patience

The long-term aim is clear: to secure the entire Koulbich floodplain and create a model of sustainable, integrated land management. The project embraces an ecological legacy – to protect, restore, and hand down a living, functioning landscape to future generations.

The project’s motto sums up its spirit: “Riedergrënn, eng Heemecht fir de Schwarzstorch an eng Oase fir sech ze erhuelen.” (Riedergrënn – a home for the black stork, a haven to recharge.) And its message is unmistakable: Respect ancestral agricultural traditions. Protect wetlands — even the least profitable. They are vital to nature’s balance, to our farming… and to our own well-being.