From Urban Plant Diversity in Pavement Cracks to Public Engagement: The #Krautschau Approach

The #Krautschau (#MoreThanWeeds) is a simple yet powerful action to make the hidden plant biodiversity of our cities visible: Participants write the names of wild plants growing in streets, wall cracks, or pavement joints directly next to them with colorful chalk, take pictures and share them on the social media. This low-threshold, creative approach connects science communication, environmental education, and artistic intervention. It is feasible for everyone, anytime and anywhere - without botanical expertise (thanks to the identification apps) or special equipment. It focusses on the hidden plant champions which many perceive only as "weeds". Yet plants are fundamentally important, especially in cities, to improve the quality of life and mitigate the consequences of climate change. In Germany, over 500 species have adapted to this urban habitat. By withstanding foot and vehicle traffic, heat, drought, soil compaction and pollution, they create valuable micro-ecosystems for numerous insects and other organisms. As stepping stone biotopes and connecting structures, they also connect habitats in the highly fragmented urban. Instead of being declared “weeds” and combated, they deserve recognition and protection.

The talk will present the idea, method, outreach and transformation potential of the #Krautschau and give indications how to organise one in your own city or institution. We will explore its roots in international citizen science and environmental activism, look at examples from diverse contexts, discuss adaptations for different cultural and linguistic settings and explore the possibilities for an international network and joint activities.

The talk also reflects how this format changes the perception of the urban environment – both for participants and for passers-by. Whether you are a researcher, educator, artist, activist, or simply curious, this format is a practical, creative way for everyone to link biodiversity topics to everyday life, inspire conversations on how to deal with urban nature, about the need to change our visual habits and sense of order and about participation in the city: who actually decides what is allowed to grow where and according to what criteria - and how does this change today?