Experience nature – small caterpillars, great impact

Already for several years K+S has had a partnership for bees. The bees are located on the roof of the company headquarters, where they buzz around and diligently produce the K+S honey. The proceeds of the honey sale are donated-based and were donated to the Schulbiologiezentrum Kassel again this year. The Schulbiologiezentrum has an educational mission for nature and species conservation and has set itself the goal of imparting biological knowledge and nature experiences.

This summer, we had the opportunity to take part in a great project: Our “GlücKSkinder” and a collegue from our company received little caterpillars of the night peacock moths from the Schulbiologiezentrum in Kassel. With a lot of commitment, both the children and our collegue took care of fresh leaves and a clean terrarium every day – until all the caterpillars pupated.

Meanwhile it was very easy to observe how the caterpillars grew. From tiny black mini-caterpillars to impressive bright green caterpillars with yellow warts from which individual black hairs grow. The pupation of the caterpillars could also be observed live. The cocoons are now hibernating in the Schulbiologiezentrum before returning to the K+S daycare center in spring. There, the children will be able to witness the hatching of the night peacock moths. A fascinating moment – and a valuable contribution to environmental education.

Such a project thrives on cooperation: The K+S daycare center “GlücKSkinder”, the Schulbiologiezentrum Kassel and our company work hand in hand. This not only creates a strong network, but also a common awareness of the importance of biodiversity. Children learn how valuable each individual living being is and how important it is to protect nature.

The whole project of raising moths was very well guarded and permanently controlled to make sure that the caterpillars have the best conditions for development. We thank the Schulbiologiezentrum, which gave the children a great and excellent insight.