After the closure of the cement works in 1974, the quarry was left to develop naturally. No planting or seeding was carried out. To colonize the extreme site, Mother Nature sent her specialists forward, who can take root on soil-free, extremely dry and calcareous sites. These pioneer communities of mosses and lichens are followed by undemanding herbs and grasses and later by the first woody plants. Open areas are colonized by calcareous grasslands. The first thermophilic shrubs develop in the shade of the quarry walls. A biocoenosis of numerous endangered and sensitive biotope types has developed.
The Gröne quarry has been a designated nature reserve since 2010.
The intermittent pools of rainwater on the quarry floor are remarkable. They are spawning habitats for endangered amphibian species such as the midwife toad, which gives itself away on warm, damp spring evenings with its metallic-sounding "ping" call. Inhabitants of steep rock faces such as eagle owls, jackdaws and turtle doves and many other rare birds have found a new home here.
Guided tours of the abandoned limestone quarry, where the different stages of succession can be seen very clearly, are available on request (Tel.: 02942/50049).
The quarry is managed by VerBund e.V.. The owner is HeidelbergCement AG.