„Mein Freund der Baum ist tot. Er fiel im frühen Morgenrot.“ Does that ring a bell? If you belong to an older generation, it certainly does. The German Schlager singer Alexandra sang this song in 1968. Today, the song is celebrated as an anthem of the new eco-age. That is hardly surprising when one considers the heatwave year of 2026. Forests are currently burning in several European countries. It is impossible to remain indifferent to this when you know what a burning forest looks like and the devastation fire causes. After all, it was only three years ago that the Riederwald burned. I can clearly see the fire scars from my office window.

The forest as a complex ecosystem

Forests produce oxygen and filter up to 50 tons of soot and dust annually. A forest destroyed by fire cannot protect the soil; erosion occurs because the various layers of soil, roots, and trees are missing. Under a closed tree canopy, the temperature in the forest is 3 to 6 degrees cooler than in open areas. One square meter of forest stores up to 200 liters of water, which in turn provides groundwater for human use.

Tree lovers among themselves

Trees mean life. And we humans love life. Do you enjoy being out in nature? Then why not join the "Baumfreunde" excursion organized by the Pro Natura Aletsch Centre at Villa Cassel and show your love for trees? Better yet, stay until Sunday and celebrate the traditional Cassel Festival with fellow holidaymakers and locals.

Vielleicht wird es ein Wunder geben, vielleicht blüht vor dem Haus ein Garten und der erwacht zu neuem Leben (Auszug aus Mein Freund, der Baum)