At the end of 2022, three elms from Kanaalstraat in Utrecht were carefully relocated to the Craamkamer of Cartesius Utrecht. As part of a broader effort to make Kanaalstraat more climate-resilient, livable, and green, some trees had to be moved to accommodate the redevelopment of the area. The Municipality of Utrecht is transplanting nine trees within the neighborhood, while the three elms from Kanaalstraat will eventually find a new home along the future Green Loop in Cartesius. The Cartesius Craamkamer serves as a temporary nursery, where existing greenery is nurtured and repurposed before being integrated into the evolving Cartesius district. This initiative aligns with the vision of Cartesius as a green and health-focused city district, designed to promote longer, happier, and healthier lives for its future residents. With approximately 2,800 homes, Cartesius is shaping a future where sustainability, biodiversity, and well-being go hand in hand.

The Cartesius Craamkamer is a dedicated space where trees and plants are preserved during the area's development, ensuring that as much existing greenery as possible is relocated and reused. Any tree that can be spared is carefully placed in a large container or temporarily replanted, where it is nurtured by greenkeeper Eijkelboom from Utrecht. As development progresses, these trees will be cared for until they can be replanted in their final locations throughout Cartesius. The ambition is to create a mobile forest of at least 30 trees in the coming years, reinforcing Cartesius’ commitment to biodiversity, sustainability, and a green living environment.

The City of Utrecht is going to make Kanaalstraat and Damstraat more livable and attractive with more space to meet, a traffic-safe 30-kilometer-per-hour layout and more greenery. A total of 89 new trees will be planted in large planting beds along Kanaalstraat, Damstraat and on the church square.

Sander Rijksen, Omgevingsmanager Kanaalstraat at the Municipality of Utrecht: “With more trees, planting beds, and façade gardens, we are preparing Kanaalstraat for climate change while making it healthier and more attractive. We’re pleased that trees we can spare will have a temporary place in the Cartesius Craamkamer.”

Trees enhance urban livability for both people and animals, playing a crucial role in climate adaptation. They provide cooling during heatwaves, help store water during heavy rainfall, and improve overall spatial quality by giving places a distinct identity. Façade gardens contribute by absorbing rainwater, while plants and flowers create essential habitats for butterflies and bees, supporting biodiversity in the city.

Cartesius is designed to contribute to a world where people live healthier and happier lives for longer. Ed den Outer, representing the Cartesius Utrecht consortium and a key initiator of the Cartesius Craamkamer, highlights the commitment to urban greenery: "Cartesius will feature communal courtyard gardens, the Cartesius Park, and a Green Loop spanning over 1,000 meters. Trees, seedlings, and other plants temporarily housed in the Cartesius Craamkamer will be replanted in Cartesius or elsewhere in Utrecht. We are already caring for nature, biodiversity, and greenery in the city, ensuring a sustainable future for the Cartesius urban district."

Beyond conservation

Cartesius places a strong focus on preserving existing trees, carefully assessing which can be integrated into the future Cartesius Park or the Green Loop. Trees are not felled unnecessarily, ensuring that as much mature greenery as possible is retained. This aligns with the Cartesius philosophy, as a green living environment has been shown to reduce stress levels and enhance well-being.

The Cartesius Craamkamer goes beyond its original commitment to preserving greenery by also focusing on nurturing and reusing existing plants and trees. A synergy with Meerbomen.nu’s tree bank allows for the exchange of greenery, meaning trees from other projects may also find a place in Cartesius. This approach ensures a diverse and thriving green landscape, enriching the new city neighborhood.

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