A Tree for Jane Goodall

09/23/2025

To mark Jane Goodall's 90th birthday, the University of Würzburg has planted a tree on the Hubland campus. A heat- and drought-resistant wild service tree was chosen.

Uwe Klug and Anja Schlömerkemper attach the plaque to the tree. (Image: Lutz Ziegler / Uni Würzburg)

As part of the global "Trees for Jane" initiative, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg has planted a tree on the Hubland North Campus. The occasion is the 90th birthday of behavioural scientist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, who became world-famous for her work with chimpanzees.

"When the project was brought to the attention of the university management, it quickly became clear that we would like to be involved," explained Chancellor Dr. Uwe Klug during a small ceremony. A plaque was attached to the newly planted tree, which refers to the honoured person.

The WueLAB sustainability laboratory coordinated the campaign.

A Wild Service Tree for the Hubland Campus

From a list of different tree species, the choice ultimately fell on a wild service tree. This precious wood, which can also be found in the university forest near Sailershausen, copes well with warm temperatures and drought. With its flowers and berries, it is also a source of food for animals such as bees and birds, making it a perfect fit for the idea of a sustainable campus.

In the run-up to the planting, a geography student from Professor Birgit Terhorst's working group (soil science) took soil samples to determine which tree species were particularly suitable for the site.

Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall began her remarkable work with chimpanzees in Africa in the 1960s. Her outstanding observations allowed her to complete a doctorate in ethnology at the University of Cambridge - although she had not previously studied.

"Jane Goodall's findings on wild chimpanzees from the 1960s onwards have had a lasting impact on human understanding of animals. We are delighted to be able to honour her life and work at our university," said Professor Anja Schlömerkemper, Vice President for Equal Opportunities, Career Planning and Sustainability at JMU.

In the 1970s, Goodall founded an institute named after her, which campaigns worldwide for the protection of habitats, sustainable development and the promotion of environmental awareness. As a tireless activist and UN Messenger of Peace, Jane Goodall continues to stand for the preservation of nature and biodiversity.