More Than Just Getting There
We are EFUF NextGen (European Forum on Urban Forestry), a network of early-career professionals working on urban forestry, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions across Europe. In May 2027, we are organizing the «Green Future Ride – Crossing Borders», a small but meaningful journey from Wrocław to Leipzig. A group of young, international professionals will travel together by train, exploring urban green spaces, engaging with local initiatives, and contributing through hands-on environmental activities along the way. This project is intentionally simple and community-driven. It is designed to encourage slow, mindful engagement with landscapes while minimizing our environmental footprint. Rather than focusing only on the destination, we see the journey itself as a space for learning, exchange, and reflection. Throughout the trip, we will connect practical experiences in urban nature with broader questions of climate adaptation, biodiversity, and social resilience. The insights and perspectives gathered along the way will be shared at the EFUF conference in Leipzig, contributing to a wider exchange among practitioners and researchers working towards greener, more resilient cities.
Turning Travel into Learning
This project combines sustainable travel, professional exchange, and experiential learning in a unique way. Instead of flying directly to a conference, we turn the journey into a collaborative learning space. Participants engage with urban environments along the route, share knowledge, and reflect on different approaches to urban forestry across regions.
What makes this project special:
- We are connecting Poland and Germany while exploring different planning cultures
- By traveling with train we are promoting climate-conscious mobility within professional networks
- We are learning directly from real landscapes, parks, and cities
- We are empowering young professionals and fostering international collaboration, which is a difficult step for every early-career urban forester
- As a pre-event we are creating a shared experience before EFUF event begins
Opening Doors for Everyone
To make this journey accessible and truly inclusive, we are seeking financial support. Your contribution will directly help cover essential costs such as train tickets, accommodation, and basic logistics along the route. The more funding we receive, the more participants we can support — especially those who do not receive financial backing from their universities, employers, or institutions. These are often exactly the people who have the least opportunity to participate in international experiences, travel to conferences, or engage in exchange across borders. With your support, we can create opportunities for them to be part of this journey, to connect with others, and to gain valuable experience in new environments. Our goal is to lower financial barriers and ensure that participation is not determined by personal resources, but by motivation and interest. By supporting this project, you help enable a more diverse, inclusive, and connected next generation of urban forestry professionals.
