Ruffner recently discovered that it has a German cousin in Rheinelbe, Germany! Starting in 1988, this old mining site was converted into wild urban forest by the government of Nordrhein Westfallen. Now, it continues to thrive as an urban green space where walkers, hikers, and children come to exercise, relax, or simply explore the wonders and beauty of this once blighted area. It's remarkable the similarities you can see between Ruffner's history and mission and that of our distant German relatives.
Our wildlife and green spaces are more important now than they have ever been. In a world of disconnection it is heartening and inspiring to see regular people across the globe fighting to preserve what is the right of every human being, everywhere: to connect with the beauty and quiet power of the natural world.