Public lecture evening: The Garden – A Natural Reflection of Society on Our Green Spaces

The speakers are Dr Christian Böhm, agroforestry officer at the Foundation Fürst-Pückler Museum, Park and Palace Branitz, and Atilla Öztürk, research staff member on the BTU’s CREATE:ENERGY research project. No registration is required. Admission to the event at the Cottbus Zoo Restaurant is free via the zoo ticket office from 4 pm.

1st lecture: 

Green Coexistence: Nature and Humans in the Emerging Forest Garden of the Branitz Tree University

Forest gardens are regarded as hotspots of species and structural diversity. Particularly in urban areas, they can fulfil valuable functions as part of the green infrastructure by providing cooling and offering habitat for numerous animal species. At the same time, forest gardens strengthen social cohesion – through communal gardening, the exchange of knowledge and intergenerational encounters. Using the forest garden currently being created on the grounds of the new Branitz Tree University as an example, the lecture will demonstrate how such a project can be initiated and what potential it holds.
Dr Christian Böhm, Foudation Fürst-Pückler Museum, Park and Palace Branitz  

2nd Lecture

The treasure beneath our feet

A treasure lies hidden beneath our feet. The foundation of all our lives. The nature of the soil determines the life above it. In gardens, green spaces and parks, living soil determines the abundance of flowers, insects and birdsong. The lecture explores ecological interrelationships and how land management either funds or destroys soil life. Participants will learn practical methods for transforming their spaces into valuable stepping stones for biodiversity – for vibrant urban green spaces with a future.
Atilla Öztürk, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, CREATE. ENERGY research project

Moderator: 
Stephan Böttcher, City of Cottbus, Head of the Environment and Nature Department Thomas Hasenauer, BTU, Centre for Continuing Education

Date: Wednesday, 3 June 2026, 5.30 pm to 7 pm
Venue: Cottbus Zoo,Zoo Restaurant, Kiekebuscher Straße 5, 03042 Cottbus

Dr Christian Böhm studied forestry at TU Dresden, where he obtained his PhD in soil science with a focus on material cycles in agricultural soils. After holding several research posts, he worked for over 16 years as a researcher at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. There, he conducted research into ecological, economic and legal issues in the field of agroforestry land use. Since 2025, he has been the agroforestry officer at the Fürst-Pückler-Museum Schloss und Park Branitz Foundation, where he is involved in establishing the new Branitz Tree University. Dr Böhm volunteers as Chairman of the Board of the German Professional Association for Agroforestry (DeFAF) e.V., which is based in Cottbus and campaigns nationwide for the increased implementation of agroforestry areas (including forest gardens).

Atilla Öztürk studied Ecology and Environmental Planning at the Technical University of Berlin, specialising in regenerative agriculture, a field he furthered in collaboration with the University of Giessen. He is currently conducting research as a Staff Member on the CREATE:ENERGY project at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg on citizen science and participation in the energy transition, with the aim of shaping energy supply in a decentralised and citizen-led manner. In addition to his teaching role at the TU Berlin, Atilla Öztürk volunteers to promote sustainability through regular specialist talks for the general public.

About the Open BTU lecture series

From 15 April 2026 to 17 June 2026, the public lecture series Open BTU offers insights into fascinating fields of knowledge. During the summer semester, the following topics will be examined from various perspectives:

• Democracy – Retrospectives, the Present and Future Prospects
• Prefabricated housing and heritage conservation – Two architectural perspectives on the GDR
• The garden – a natural reflection of society on our green spaces 

With this educational format, which is open to all interested parties, the University’s Centre for Continuing Education supports lifelong learning and funds the transfer of knowledge and ideas in the region by addressing socially relevant issues. In doing so, the BTU cooperates with other universities and institutions. After each lecture, there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion with the speakers. Interested parties are warmly invited to take part in the wide-ranging programme of events.

More about the Open BTU public lecture series