As part of the course “Measurement and Modeling with a Focus on Restoration Ecology,” Valentin Klaus led a three-day student excursion to ecological highlights in North Rhine-Westphalia: They visited the largest natural lake, the largest raised bog, and the largest heathland in NRW. At these and other locations, the students learned about habitat restoration and the long-term ecological maintenance. Basic and applied topics of nature conservation were discussed. Although the onset of winter sometimes hid the vegetation on the ground, neither the students nor the animal biotope creators (see photos) were deterred. We would like to thank Gunnar Jacobs from the Lippeverband, Dr. Christoph Lünterbusch from the LWL office Heiliges Meer, and Dr. Stefanie Heinze (RUB Soil Science and Soil Resources) for their support of the event.