Schalkenmehren, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
The municipality of Schalkenmehren is situated in a unique landscape of volcanic origin, characterized by its maars (depressions formed by volcanic activity), hilly landscape with low mountain range character, and surrounding forests. The population recognized, protected, and preserved this natural peculiarity. In Schalkenmehren, climate protection is not just an empty phrase but a lived reality.
The foundation “Schalkenmehren Maar(e)“, established in 2000 by the Friederichs couple, aimed to preserve, maintain, and utilize this unique nature reserve, becoming one of the most important drivers of the development process. Together with the population, meadows are kept free from invasive species, and orchards with old varieties are planted, counteracting the encroachment of the landscape. Additionally, a private forest was incorporated into the foundation, with its proceeds dedicated to the preservation of the forest and maars.
In Schalkenmehren, the initiatives of individual citizens or businesses that serve the common good of the community are particularly striking. This is also evident in activities such as swimming and yoga courses at the local hotel or the work of artist Anna Eber, who enriches village life with art and art courses. The operators of the village store “Maaritime LebensArt“, located in a former corner shop from the 1950s, not only secure basic supplies but also offer a platform for selling regional products – from agricultural produce to decorations to handicrafts.
Traditions are also well preserved in Schalkenmehren. The old building structures, mostly half-timbered houses, are maintained and repurposed with much dedication. For example, the former elementary school is now used as a museum showcasing the history of the weaving tradition. A key goal is to prevent further new designations in peripheral areas in order to preserve the beautiful character of the village within this unique natural environment. All activities reflect a vibrant village community living in harmony with nature.
The residents of Schalkenmehren have not only recognized the value and uniqueness of the surrounding volcanic landscape – characterized by its maars, hilly terrain with low mountain range characteristics, and forests – but have also committed to preserving it. In the wake of this clear decision in favor of landscape and nature conservation, the “Schalkenmehrener Maar(e)“ foundation was established in 2000 by the Friederichs couple, who had settled in the village. The foundation‘s goal is to preserve, maintain, and utilize the unique 55-hectare nature reserve.
The foundation provides financial resources to local horticultural companies, as well as agricultural and forestry businesses, to carry out professional-grade conservation efforts. At the same time, the local community and associations voluntarily clear meadows of invasive species, plant orchards with old varieties, and prevent the landscape from becoming overgrown. This ongoing work has enhanced a recreational and natural experience area that is enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
Village cohesion and the identification with and awareness of this natural area and its biodiversity are strengthened through regular communal activities. Additionally, the number of visitors to Schalkenmehren has measurably increased. The enhancement of the landscape thus pays off both ecologically and economically.
Schalkenmehren has a 230-hectare community forest. The responsible parties realized over 40 years ago that making this forest climate-resilient is a task that spans generations. At that time, the issue of “acid rain“ dominated public debate, and in response, Schalkenmehren switched to natural forest management. Despite short-term economic losses, the focus was shifted away from monoculture spruce for timber and industrial wood, towards a mixed forest concept with selective cutting structures. As the number of tree species increased, overall biodiversity also rose. Complementary efforts, such as the gradual renaturation of former fishing ponds, the closure of drainage ditches, and the creation of shallow bodies of water, have created a unique habitat for birds dependent on food and resting places near water.
With the rise of large supermarkets in outlying areas, small, owner-operated village shops began to slowly disappear in rural regions of Europe. Schalkenmehren also witnessed the steady decline in the number of shops – overpowered by the competition from shopping centers just a few minutes away by car and the dwindling number of customers. In 2019, the last grocery store in Schalkenmehren had to close its doors.
Two committed residents, however, refused to accept this. The two own the adjacent Café Maarblick, a popular meeting place for locals and an attractive culinary spot for visitors. They decided to continue running the now-named “Dorfladen Maaritime LebensArt“ on their own. By strategically expanding the sales area and product range, the shop, with its retro 1950s decor, was not only preserved as an attraction for tourists but also ensured the basic supply of groceries for locals and created or preserved jobs. A special feature is that the village shop also serves as a platform for selling regional products, decorations, and handicrafts. In addition to the usual range, the shop also offers regional fruit brandies, liqueurs, wines, jams, honey, ham, and salami as well as baskets, bags, ceramics, books (e.g., Eifel crime novels), and much more, which are especially popular as gifts and souvenirs.
People in villages do not always have the reputation of being particularly open to strangers and new things. In the municipality of Schalkenmehren, however, where tourism took hold more than 100 years ago thanks to the unique landscape, a remarkable openness to newcomers has developed over the decades. The village has also become adept at integrating new residents into village life in a way that benefits everyone. For example, the artist Anna Eiber and her husband purchased a house in Schalkenmehren, which was originally intended to serve only as a vacation home. The garage was converted into an art studio. The interest of the village community in the new resident and her artistic work quickly proved to be so great that she was able to establish an important second pillar for herself through art seminars and workshops for children and adults, which also secured her livelihood in the big city. The artist‘s decision to settle permanently and exclusively in Schalkenmehren was influenced by this, as well as by the support of the local authorities in expanding the studio into a seminar room.
Today, the municipality can boast an above-average, diverse, and high-quality range of courses in painting and modeling. Additionally, lithographic techniques can be learned from Eiber‘s husband, Thomas Peter. This lived welcoming culture has led to an enrichment of village life and enhanced quality of life.
Evaluated: 2024
