At 280 meters, the Dachsenberg forms the highest elevation in the Dresden Heath. Legend says its name comes from a particularly large badger den once found here. Today, you can still spot entrances to an extensive underground tunnel system. Sometimes a fox family finds it a cozy place to live.
The NABU Nature Conservation Station Dachsenberg is close by. It is run by the Nature Conservation Youth NAJU Dresden. It is the only nature conservation station in Germany solely managed by NAJU.
The station has 28 beds. It serves as accommodation and a “green classroom”. Many environmental education events for children and young people take place here. The location offers plenty to see in the Dresden Heath landscape conservation area.
Three ponds offer habitats for insects and amphibians. These include protected species such as the garlic toad and the spring frog. Sand and wall lizards frolic in the dry stone walls. Slow worms and ringed snakes multiply in the deadwood piles. Birds nest in the Benjes hedges. Wild bees live in the insect hotel. The facade of the building is covered in wild wine honeysuckle and ivy.
The motto is “Only those who know nature learn to love it. Only those who love nature will protect it.” All events aim to bring young people closer to nature. They experience it with all their senses. They learn about relationships and facts. They have fun with practical nature conservation.
Protected species are secured through biotope maintenance. This includes caring for all dry stone walls and amphibian ponds. The butterfly meadow next to the station is also managed. Children can immerse themselves in nature at the Dachsenberg. This happens during weekend camps for stork bat bee and climate. There is also a wilderness summer camp. Forestry students learn to identify and prepare insects. They do this in entomological seminars on site.
In 1991 NAJU began to develop the former Stasi property. It became an environmental and nature conservation station. This was supported by the recommendation of the Round Table of the then Dresden District Council. The station began operations in the same year. It hosted the first environmental and nature conservation events.
The renovation and gradual renaturation of the old Stasi property were major tasks. Five clay huts were built using natural construction methods. The main house was repaired and expanded. This included setting up an office and a workshop. The entire kitchen toilet and water system were completely renovated. A saddle roof was built. The young conservationists passed on their commitment to the next generation. To this day NAJU Dresden takes care of all matters relating to the Dachsenberg Nature Conservation Station.
The nature conservation station is a relic of the DDR’s State Security Service. In 1990 the expansion of the radio and tapping system into a nature conservation station began. In 1996 five half-timbered clay huts were added. Up to 20 people can stay overnight in them. The main house has more bedrooms a dining room sanitary facilities a craft room and a workshop. Numerous practical nature conservation and environmental education measures are implemented on the site. Children can learn about medicinal plants and spices in the herb spiral. They can leave their sight to their feet on the sensory path. A pond provides habitat for insects and amphibians. Sand lizards and wall lizards frolic in the dry stone walls. Slow worms and ringed snakes multiply in the deadwood piles. Wild bees live in the insect hotel.
The volunteer biotope maintenance work includes the care of an adjacent butterfly meadow. Numerous protected areas are located in the immediate vicinity of the station. This includes the Saugartenmoor.