The 7000 Oaks project

The 7000 Oaks project is a large-scale environmental initiative started by artist and landscape architect Joseph Beuys in 1982. Its goal was to plant 7,000 oak trees across the city of Kassel, Germany, each paired with a basalt stone to symbolize human effort in nature. The project aimed to transform the urban landscape, promote ecological awareness, and foster community participation. Over time, it became an influential example of how art and environmental activism can work together to improve cities and raise awareness about sustainability.