2,000 trees planted: Bernau students secure the climate of tomorrow!

2,000 trees planted: Bernau students secure the climate of tomorrow!

A remarkable environmental project was recently launched at the Docemus Campus Blumberg in Bernau. From December 3rd to 5th, 2025, students from the three seventh grades planted around 2,000 climate-resilient seedlings in the Bernau city forest. The project is called “Trees for Tomorrow” and not only stands for ecological responsibility, but also for the commitment of the young generation. What's special: The young people developed, organized and financed the planting campaign themselves, which underlines the importance of active citizenship. As Barnim Aktuell reports, the initiative was implemented through a cooperation agreement between the city of Bernau, the Barnimer Feldmark Regional Park e. V. and the Docemus private schools, which was signed in mid-November.

Jürgen Brinckmann, head of the Bernau Infrastructure Office, emphasized the cross-generational importance of forest planting. This commitment not only contributes to the beautification of the cityscape, but also has a direct impact on the ecosystem. City forester Marco Böttcher prepared the site, while Heike Niemeyer from the Barnimer Feldmark Regional Park e. V. provided technical support for the project and coordinated the selection of tree species, including sessile oak, hornbeam, black walnut and sweet chestnut. The tree species chosen are climate-resilient and contribute to the stabilization of the ecosystem and the preservation of biodiversity, which is of great relevance in view of advancing climate change.

The role of urban trees

City trees not only have an aesthetic function, they also play a crucial role in climate protection. They provide shade, cool the environment and improve air quality. This is particularly important given the challenges urban trees face from dense population and climate change. As part of the project “Biodiversity-promoting climate measures in urban areas” (BiodivStadtbaum), the legal and planning aspects regarding tree planting and maintenance are being investigated. This project aims to reduce existing barriers and secure the benefits of urban trees in the long term, as the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation emphasizes.

In this context, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has also focused on the importance of city trees. Studies show that increasing tree cover by at least 30 percent has remarkable positive effects on the microclimate and well-being of residents. A well-forested urban area can reduce the number of extreme heat hours by nearly 64 percent and reduce annual water runoff by 58 percent. These are impressive values ​​that underline the need to advocate for tree planting, as is also stated on the [KIT] website (https://www.kit.edu/kit/pi_2025_030_baume-machen-stadte-klimarechnerer-und-menschen-glucklicher.php).

Future prospects

The commitment of the students in Bernau is a prime example of how young people can actively contribute to improving their environment. Projects like “Trees for Tomorrow” not only reduce the ecological footprint, but also promote awareness of the importance of nature. With rising temperatures and a changing climate, it is now more important than ever that we all work together to protect and expand our green infrastructure.