In May 2025, the Kapuzinerplanken in Mannheim was transformed into a dynamic showcase for urban greening as the city hosted Blumme & Bääm 2025, its second large-scale public information event dedicated to climate and biodiversity action.
Temporary green infrastructure, including lawns, native plantings, and additional tree cover, converted the pedestrian street into an inviting, nature-based space for learning, relaxation, and community engagement.
Photo Credits: Julian Beekmann Fotografie
Urban ReLeaf participated in the event, and visitors explored the ‘Urban ReLeaf – Mannheim’s Trees’ app, a simple tool which enables the mapping of urban trees and supports data collection to inform evidence-based decision-making.
In her opening remarks, First Mayor Prof. Dr. Diana Pretzell emphasised the interconnectedness of today’s environmental challenges, stating: “The climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis are two sides of the same coin. You can’t solve one without tackling the other.”
Throughout the day, visitors encountered interactive exhibits addressing key questions about sustainable urban development:
Why are gravel gardens ecologically problematic?
How can vertical greening enhance building facades?
Which plant species simultaneously promote aesthetic value and ecosystem function?
For younger guests, the Green School and a children’s tent offered hands-on activities, introducing the next generation to the joys of nature-based learning.
The event also demonstrated the power of digital tools in creating environmental awareness and action. In addition to the Urban ReLeaf app, the butterfly-tracking app VielFalterGarten was in show, offering an easy to use way for citizens interested in biodiversity monitoring to get involved. These tools represent a broader effort to make citizen science a meaningful and manageable part of everyday urban life.
Local innovation and biodiversity were also showcased through the Monnemer Melange wildflower seed mix, which is specially developed for Mannheim’s climate and distributed free of charge. At the Jochen kocht für Euch stand, visitors sampled dishes made with local wild plants, highlighting the ecological and cultural value of urban nature.
Blumme & Bääm 2025 was co-organised by the City of Mannheim and the Climate Protection Agency in collaboration with a range of local institutions, associations, and civil society actors. Together, these stakeholders form part of a growing movement to promote greener, healthier, and more inclusive urban environments across Europe.