30 years of LBV: A celebration of nature conservation and biodiversity in Aichach!

30 years of LBV: A celebration of nature conservation and biodiversity in Aichach!

On July 22, 2025, a very special anniversary was celebrated in the Aichach-Friedberg district: The State Association for Bird Protection (LBV) celebrated its 30th birthday. In wonderful weather, numerous members gathered in the Pfarrstadl in Unterbernbach (Markt Kühbach), with two thirds of the over 750 club members coming together to celebrate the anniversary. Chairman Stefan Höpfel was pleased with the lively participation and spoke of a strong community that is passionate about nature conservation. People chatted over coffee and cake and looked back on the last three decades.

A highlight of the festival was the opportunity to build nesting boxes and insect hotels under the guidance of Irene Wanitschke and her team. Many children and adults were enthusiastic and did their best to create habitats for birds and insects. In addition to the craft stations, information pavilions were available. Here, the arborist Matthias Donhauser, among others, was able to provide information about tree care and explain the importance of healthy trees for the local fauna. An interesting poster exhibition showed the development and diverse activities of the LBV in the district and illustrated how important nature conservation is today. According to [Augsburger Allgemeine](https://www.augsburger- Allgemeine.de/aichach/30-jahre-lbv-in-aichach-friedberg-warum-naturschutz-besserer-ist-denn-je-110479797), the LBV has been actively involved in species protection, biotope protection and environmental education for over 25 years.

The role of the LBV in nature conservation

The State Association for Bird and Nature Conservation has established itself as an important player in the region. All members work on a voluntary basis and are not only committed to protecting birds, but also to preserving various animal species and their habitats. For example, amphibian rescuers are currently preparing for the upcoming migration season to support endangered species such as pond and mountain newts as well as common toads. Motorists are asked to pay attention to traffic signs in affected areas and reduce their speed to protect these animals. This also includes the commitment of farmers like Sepp Failer, who offers 27 nests for barn swallows on his farm, which act as effective insect killers. Such companies are honored by the LBV for their commitment, because their contribution to nature conservation is undisputed.

The LBV also offers regular excursions that promote interest in the local flora and fauna. For example, on a botanical excursion you could discover the awakening of spring in the forest around the Mergenthau estate. The observations of black storks and bats were also part of an exchange program with the Schwandorf district group. The latter was implemented as part of the “Greater Horseshoe Bat” Life Project, which has achieved fantastic success in protecting bats on 60 hectares of agricultural and forestry land. In addition, nesting boxes for tawny owls were installed in Friedberg to promote their reproduction - further proof of the LBV's diverse commitment.

Active for the future

Particular attention is also paid to planting over 300 hedge plants in a citizens' project in Friedberg to create habitats for endangered bird species. In order to counteract the decline in swallows, the LBV started a project to install swallow brackets in open stables. The association supports farmers in installing nesting boxes and thanks them for their valuable contribution to protecting these birds.

With impressive commitment, a variety of activities and a strong community, the LBV will continue its journey in the coming years. The monthly meetings at the Bäckerwirt Dasing on the first Thursday of every month offer a platform for exchange and new ideas. Nature conservation is more important than ever, and the LBV shows how complex and exciting work in this area can be. For a green future – there is something to be done!

Further information can be found on the [LBV] website (https://aichach-friedberg.lbv.de/).