Earth day cometh, and it cometh in hot. Last year was the hottest year on record. As our carbon footprint looms larger, many and varied are the attempts to stem the tide of climate crisis. The result is a version of act local, think micro. Tiny homes, pocket parks and now, tiny forests, a trend that’s gaining ground the world over.
Also known as Miyawaki forests or urban micro-forests, this eponymous movement was created by the Japanese botanist and plant ecologist Akira Miyawaki, who received the Blue Planet Prize, a top environmental award, in 2006 for his work restoring forest ecosystems. Tiny forests utilize speed growth, a process cultivated through precise prep, followed by dense, and carefully chosen, species. If done right, Miyawaki-style forests become self-sufficient within three years and can achieve maturity within a few decades.
Thousands of mini-forests have been established worldwide, spanning cities across Europe, Africa, South America, Asia, Russia and the Middle East. Despite, in many cases, being no larger than tennis courts, these small-scale forests offer a variety of advantages. Their benefits include cooling effects during warm weather, absorption of floodwater and the resurgence of bird populations that were once thought to have disappeared by local residents.
Here’s what you need to know about the many positive impacts of tiny forests.
The Benefits of Tiny Forests
Biodiversity bonanza
Despite their small size, tiny forests are densely planted with a variety of native species. This nurtures biodiversity and creates a micro-ecosystem where plants, insects, birds and other wildlife can thrive.
(Somewhat) immediate gratification
Tiny forests typically grow much faster than traditional forests due to their dense planting and carefully selected species. They can reach maturity in just a few years, compared to the decades conventional forests require.
Improved air quality
These mini-forests are highly effective at absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in biomass and soil. New tiny forests could be a significant contributor to mitigating climate change and improving air quality in urban areas.
According to the World Economic Forum, “not all forests are equally effective in sequestering carbon. Mature forests of native trees soak up much more CO2 than the monoculture plantations that make up many reforestation projects. As scientists learn more about the role of other factors, such as carbon in the soil, it is increasingly clear that planting the right kind of trees matters as much as the number.”
Reimagining urban wastelands
Tiny forests provide valuable recreational spaces for residents. They offer opportunities for relaxation, education and community engagement. Green spaces of any size have been shown to lower anxiety and blood pressure levels and in general enhance well-being. They even counter the phenomenon of heat islands in cities, where large swaths of concrete and asphalt raise temperatures unnaturally high.
Truly sustainable
Tiny forests not only can mitigate the effects of climate change, but they themselves are better equipped to withstand the ravages of climate change. The diversity of plant species in tiny forests makes them more resilient to extreme weather events, pests and diseases. Their superpower of adapting and regenerating quickly is crucial for maintaining urban greenery in a changing climate.
Living classrooms
Tiny forests serve as educational opportunities where people of all ages can learn about ecosystems, biodiversity and environmental conservation. They offer hands-on experiences for engaged community members who are interested in ecology, sustainability and giving back.
The establishment and maintenance of tiny forests often involve collaboration between local governments, environmental organizations, schools, and community groups. This fosters a sense of ownership and stewardship among residents, leading to greater appreciation and care for green spaces.
How to Support the Tiny Forests Movement
There are several ways you can get involved and support the tiny forest trend, even if you don’t have one—yet—in your city or town:
Volunteer
Many environmental organizations and community groups are involved in establishing and maintaining tiny forests. You can volunteer your time and skills to help with planting, maintenance, fundraising, or outreach efforts. One organization that you could align yourself with is Biodiversity for a Livable Climate, an organization with an array of resources for becoming more engaged.
Donate
If you’re unable to volunteer physically, consider making a financial contribution to organizations or projects that are creating tiny forests. Your donation can help cover the costs of plants, materials, and ongoing maintenance. According the World Economic Forum, the pocket forest company SUGi, a partner in the World Economic Forum’s Uplink initiative, has planted 160 tiny forests in 28 cities across six continents, including one it is funding at Danehy Park in Cambridge, Massachusetts on the site of a former landfill.
Spread awareness
Read up on the Miyawaki method; a good place to start is Mini-Forest Revolution by Hannah Lewis. Use your voice to raise awareness about the importance of tiny forests and the benefits they bring to communities and the environment. Share information on social media, write blog posts, or organize educational events (hint: Earth Day) to inspire others to get involved.
Know what’s happening in your hood
Stay current about local ecological restoration and mitigation projects in your area. Explore the possibility of creating a tiny, tiny forest in your own yard if you have one, or the possibility of commandeering a vacant lot. Government-owned land can be an unexpected resource. In Portland, Oregon for example, you can get free or mainly free permits to collect native plants from state and national forests—you just have to dig them up yourself.
Join a community garden
Although they are not the same as a tiny forest, community gardens tend to lean heavily on elements of urban forestry and biodiversity. Becoming involved with local gardening groups or community organizations can serve as a gateway to more ambitious projects.
By getting involved by whatever means feels most organic to your lifestyle and current bandwidth, you can contribute to the growth of the tiny forest trend, even without direct access to land. Even if a tiny forest is no substitute for more stringent decarbonizing measures, they can have immediate positive impacts on such things as urban cooling, water regulation, and biodiversity.