Forest Monitoring with Citizen Science and AI
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About the Project
MeineWaldKI (lit. MyForestAI) is an interdisciplinary research project of Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. The project investigates the potential of AI in assessing the ecological condition of forests. To create a large database, the project team relies on photos taken by the general public.
Another research objective is therefore to assess how effectively citizen science can complement traditional forest monitoring.
MeineWaldKI is developed and tested in "Dölauer Heide" and the Biosphere Reserve "Karstlandschaft Südharz" in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
Let’s Work Together for Our Forests!
Our forests are not only places for recreation and experiencing nature, they are also a sustainable source of wood and other resources, as well as a habitat for animals and plants. Given their crucial ecological importance, especially in the context of climate change, the conservation of forests is vital. This requires precise observation through forest monitoring. Our collective engagement and the use of Artificial Intelligence could open up entirely new possibilities for monitoring the state of our forests.
Coming Soon: Start Your Adventure With Our App!
Your photographs are crucial to the project, and getting involved is easy: take pictures in the "Dölauer Heide" or the Biosphere Reserve "Karstlandschaft Südharz" and upload them via our app. The app is easy to use and features a step-by-step guide on how to get started. Additionally, you'll find plenty of useful information on this website. Stay up-to-date by subscribing to our newsletter and social media channels. Don't miss the app's launch and follow us today. Be part of our community from day one! Until then, we are collaborating with outdooractive, a hiking platform, to offer a series of exciting challenges that invite you to capture and share your forest photos, starting now even before the launch of the app.
Discover Forests in a New Way
By submitting your photos, you are actively supporting our research and making a valuable contribution to forest conservation. This is a great opportunity to experience forests from a new perspective and create unforgettable moments in nature. Whether you're alone, with family, a school class or a club, a trip to the forest is always worthwhile!
Updates
Our project was featured on the science program Quarks in an episode titled
“New Approaches! How Can We Prepare the Forest for the Future?”
The segment on “Meine WaldKI” begins at the 10-minute mark in the ARD media library.
The Project's Progress
The project is growing and growing and growing... Thanks to your photos, our AI-based programme is learning to process information about the state of our forests.
We would like to thank all contributors!
114
Participants
5,780
Photos Taken
Last updated: 09.09.2025
Events
Find out here where we'll be exhibiting, when our next exciting workshop is taking place, and what lectures and events are coming up on the topic of forests and artificial intelligence.
15.01. - 16.01.2027
Die Grüne Woche 2027 - Berlin
Am 15. und 16. Januar 2027 sind wir mit MeineWaldKI auf der Grünen Woche in Berlin. Die Grüne Woche ist eine der führenden Veranstaltungen weltweit im Bereich Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Gartenbau. Die Messe gibt aktuellen gesellschaftlichen Fragen wie Klimaschutz, Kreislaufwirtschaft, Ressourcenschonung und nachhaltige Landnutzung eine Bühne.
09.10.2026
Ihre Meinung für den Wald: Wir laden am 9.Oktober zu einem Workshop im Biosphärenreservat Karstlandschaft Südharz ein.
Wir möchten wissen, was Sie sich als Teilnehmende des Projektes für die MeineWaldKI-App wünschen. Ihr Input hilft uns dabei zu entscheiden, welche Funktionen in den kommenden Versionen der App am sinnvollsten sind. Jede Perspektive ist für uns wertvoll. Wir freuen uns auf Ihre Meinungen, Wünsche und Ideen. Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos, und für Kaffee und Kuchen ist gesorgt!
📅 Wann? 09. Oktober, 17:00 – 20:00 Uhr
📍 Wo? Biosphärenreservatsverwaltung Karstlandschaft Südharz, Hallesche Straße 68a, 06536 Südharz
🍰 Anmeldung: Melden Sie sich bitte hier bis zum 05.10. für die Teilnahme am Workshop an. Alternativ können Sie sich per Mail an meinewaldki@hs-anhalt.de für unseren Workshop anmelden.
26.09. - 26.09.2026
Bauernmarkt - Eisleber Wiesenmarkt
Der Bauernmarkt findet am Samstag als Teil des Volksfestes "Eisleber Wiesenmarkt" statt und verbindet regionale Vielfalt, kulinarischen Genüsse und gemütliches Markttreiben. Auch MeineWaldKI ist dabei und bringt die erste App-Version zum Testen mit.
Biosphärenreservat Karstlandschaft Südharz
The Biosphere Reserve "Karstlandschaft Südharz" covers an impressive area of 30,034 ha along the eastern edge of the South Harz. This unique natural landscape of gypsum karst and beech forests is a true paradise for hikers. In addition to its diverse flora and fauna, the Biosphere Reserve is also home to cultural and historical landmarks such as the "Stolberg", which is also worth a photo!
Google Earth 3D View: 51°29’55’’N , 11°53’57’’E
Stadtwald Halle
The urban forest in Halle, also known as the "Dölauer Heide", is one of our two model regions in the project. Located on the western edge of Halle, it is the largest woodland area in the city. Due to its urban location, it is ideal for our project. With idyllic viewpoints such as the "Kolkturm", as well as cycling and hiking trails, this urban forest offers many photo opportunities and invites you to join in the project!
Google Earth 3D View: 51°29’55’’N , 11°53’57’’E
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Updates
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments from our project, including research findings and progress reports.
