Sponsored trees in LMU forest for supporters of Germany Scholarship

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The Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium) at LMU offers talented young people the unique opportunity to concentrate on their studies or volunteer for good causes without financial worries. To thank the sponsors of this program and promote the idea of sustainability, LMU has been gifting these supporters sponsored trees in the university forest since 2023.

A thick fog surrounds the trees in the LMU forest near Landshut. It is early in the morning and all is quiet but for the birds serenading the onset of spring. Suddenly twigs crack on the ground and a loud hammering penetrates the woods – first in bursts and then in steadier rhythms. This bass is overlaid with the humming of cordless screwdrivers and the sound of human voices. The noise is being created by the sponsors of the Germany Scholarship at LMU, who are planting trees with Vice President for Teaching and Studies, Professor Oliver Jahraus. By day’s end, they have planted some 80 saplings. A little stake is driven into the ground next to each tree, to which a plaque is fitted with the name of the supporter.

The sponsored trees bearing their names are a gift in recognition of their support. “We wanted to give you something that nobody else could,” says Jahraus. This gift is possible in the first place because LMU is not only a public university, but also a corporation, which means it can own a forest. “Thank you for supporting the program and making an important difference to the lives of students,” he continues. Although everyone brings the best qualifications to their studies, their personal circumstances are not always ideal. “A scholarship makes their situation easier,” emphasizes the vice president. A sapling is an investment in the future – just like a Germany Scholarship.

In their walk through the forest, the two dozen or so participants pass the plot where last year’s saplings were planted. “Here you can say hello to your tree,” says Christoph Dimke from LMU forest management with a chuckle. The sponsors who took part in the planting in 2024 go looking for ‘their’ tree. According to Dimke, all the saplings have survived their first 12 months. The first years are decisive for whether young trees can thrive, he explains. “Like in real life.” This is another parallel with the Germany Scholarship, highlighting the importance of support at the start of a young person’s studies.

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The LMU forest has changed with the times. Once upon a time, the salaries of professors were financed through the sale of timber from the land, which was donated by Duke Louis IX of Bavaria-Landshut (1417–1479). Today, it is the global market that determines the constantly fluctuating price of timber.

On the walk back from the planting area, Dimke shares his expert knowledge with the group of visitors. “How nice to work outdoors all day in the fresh air,” remarks one of the sponsors. But then it starts to rain and most of the party are glad to hop into the LMU vans for the ride back to Munich. The rain does not faze Dimke in the least. “That’s not bad weather,” he calls after the tree sponsors. “It’s perfect tree-growing weather.”

The Germany Scholarship offers LMU students 300 euros per month for a period of one year. Candidates must demonstrate excellent academic performance and above-average commitment to the welfare of others. Any student who is enrolled at LMU can apply for the scholarship until 31 March 2025. Students and potential sponsors can find further information on our website.