Hungarian oak
Hungarian oak (Quercus frainetto)
| Family: | Fagaceae – Beech |
| Distribution: | Central and southern Italy, Balkans, north as far as Hungary and Romania, Asia Minor |
| Size: | max. 15 – 25 Meter hoch, 10 – 15 Meter breit |
| Life: | Up to 200 years |
| Requirements: | Sunny location; it is generally undemanding, frost-hardy, heat-loving, heat- and drought-tolerant and resistant to urban climates |
| Soil: | Permeable, nutrient-rich topsoil, moderately dry to fresh, acidic to strongly alkaline, but also thrives in dry locations; prefers loamy substrates |
| Benefits: | Attracts a similarly large number of insects and large butterfly species as native common and sessile oak trees |
Shaper of the future
The RAG-Stiftung’s core task is to finance the perpetual obligations following the discontinuation of German hard coal mining. However, it also supports numerous projects in the fields of education, science and culture, provided they are connected with the German hard coal mining industry. The focus is on programmes that support children and young people in their educational development – from kindergarten to career start. After all, education and equality of opportunity are important for a good future in the former hard coal mining regions. Our society cannot afford – from both a humane and economic viewpoint – to leave its young talents behind. The RAG-Stiftung’s support for science addresses important issues relating to post-mining and valuable geo-resources. Finally, the RAG-Stiftung promotes encounters, understanding and cohesion in a functioning community through its engagement in the sphere of culture.
Occasion for planting
A great honour for the coal mining industry’s musical tradition: In March 2023, the German UNESCO Commission included singing of the traditional miners’ hymn “Das Steigerlied” in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The song is thus officially German cultural heritage. This tree commemorates that special day. “Glück auf, Glück auf, der Steiger kommt” (“Good luck, good luck, the pit foreman is coming”) retains its special lustre even after the end of hard coal mining in Germany. The song stands for creative energy, solidarity and optimism – values that are worth carrying into the future. Good luck!
