Biotop Stoawies’n

What secrets does a stony meadow hold? Here at the Biotop Stoawies’n, a seemingly simple meadow unfolds a tale of biodiversity. Once called the “Erdbeerwiese,” “Ökokonto Steinkirchen,” or even “Semmelweiswiese,” this area between Gräfelfing and the Steinkirchen industrial park gained its current name, Biotop Stoawies’n, in 2016. The name reflects the stony, nutrient-poor soil, a characteristic hinted at by the name “Steinkirchen” itself. This very lack of nutrients, contrary to what one might expect, is the key to the Biotop Stoawies’n’s rich biodiversity. Lush, fertile meadows are dominated by a few competitive species like dandelions, suppressing diversity. In contrast, the stony, patchy ground of the Biotop Stoawies’n allows a multitude of species to thrive. In 2011, nutrient-rich topsoil was even removed to enhance biodiversity. Seeds from the Garchinger Heide and Nymphenburger Schlosspark were introduced. This transformed the former farmland into a haven for various species. By 2015, a survey revealed the presence of 74 plant species, including 37 of significant conservation value. The Biotop Stoawies’n has become a high-quality dry grassland complex, teeming with early bloomers, low-growing plants, insects, and reptiles. The Biotop Stoawies’n represents a conscious effort to recreate the kind of landscapes once shaped by the untamed rivers and glacial outwash. The information panels on-site explain this process. While it might be considered “second-hand nature,” it offers a crucial refuge for adapted species. To preserve this delicate ecosystem, visitors are asked to stay on the paths, leash their dogs, and clean up after them. Dog waste acts as fertilizer, counteracting the very conditions that promote biodiversity. Picking a small wildflower bouquet is acceptable, but avoid excessive gathering. The Biotop Stoawies’n serves as a reminder that even in a bustling city, pockets of vibrant nature can flourish with a little help.