Story by Helmut Wittmann
“The goose that laid the golden egg”
“Once upon a time, a long time ago…” is how the famous tale of the Goose That Laid the Golden Egg begins, as shared by storyteller and nature lover Helmut Wittmann.
In the story, driven by greed, the people decided to slaughter the goose, hoping to get all the golden eggs at once rather than waiting for them to come naturally, day after day. However, when the goose was killed, no golden eggs were found. The moral? If we don’t take care of nature, we risk losing the abundance of gifts it offers.
English version told by Helmut Wittmann – “The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg”.
The Greylag Goose Foundation: Nurturing Connections Between People and Nature
Who We Are:
The Greylag Goose Foundation is a non-profit community organization dedicated to promoting ideas and actions that support wildlife conservation and strengthen people’s connection to nature. We invite individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, to get involved in meaningful ways.
Our activities are designed to foster healthy mindsets and inspire nature-inclusive living. By supporting nature, we not only help preserve biodiversity but also nurture our own well-being.
Where We Are:
We are based at the Open Science Center in Grünau, nestled in the Alm Valley—an area of significant historical importance. Here, the journey of Greylag Geese began, with the hatchlings of these free-flying birds becoming one of the longest and most meticulously studied populations on the planet. Generations of these geese have flourished in this region, offering valuable insights into the natural world.
Our Vision in a Changing World
Today, we face numerous global challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable industrial practices. These issues don’t only affect the planet but also impact human health and society. We see these consequences manifesting in mental health struggles, disengaged students, and outdated industry methods that need rethinking.
We believe the solution lies in re-engaging with the natural world and in providing hands-on experiences that help people reconnect with the environment. This is why we offer a range of activities, including rewilding programs, to inspire people of all ages to take action.
Our Mission: Hands-On Engagement for a Better Future
At the Greylag Goose Foundation, we are committed to the principles of open science—transparency, participation, and inclusion at all levels. We aim to enhance biodiversity while improving human well-being through active, engaging programs.
- School Programs: We offer a variety of educational initiatives, including international exchange programs to encourage schoolchildren to engage with nature and learn the importance of conservation.
- Nature-Based Projects: We focus on actionable, nature-inspired ideas to improve biodiversity, from rewilding efforts to hands-on environmental activities that directly contribute to a healthier planet.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: We harness the power of innovative collaboration between artists, business leaders, and the community to address pressing environmental issues and develop sustainable solutions.
- Business & Nature: We work with businesses to help them identify current environmental challenges and explore nature-inspired solutions that can promote sustainability in industry.
Ultimately, our mission is to empower individuals and communities to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and create lasting change through experience, dialogue, and collective action.
What We Offer
Through our programs and activities, we strive to:
- Promote engagement with nature and wildlife conservation
- Inspire people to take positive actions for a more sustainable future
- Foster mental and emotional well-being through connection with nature
- Offer a platform for innovation, creativity, and collaboration in the name of environmental progress
We are here to help people not only understand the value of nature but also to experience it firsthand and feel the impact of their actions on the world around them.