COLUMN: How ‘mini-forests’ can reap big benefits

As we continue to experience extreme weather events that signal increasing environmental decline and escalating social unrest around the world, I am constantly looking for symbols of hope and optimism and to find concrete ways to make positive lifestyle choices that contribute to a more meaningful and sustainable future. .

That’s why the concept of urban mini-forests, proportional to urban landscapes, emerges as a silver lining in the global challenges we face.

Mini forests are transforming dusty freeway edges, parking lots, schoolyards and abandoned spaces around the world. They were planted throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and South America and the Middle East. India has hundreds, and Japan, where it all began, has thousands.

According to representatives from Green Communities Canada, “good things take root when a community comes together to plant a mini-forest.”

In 2023, GCC, in collaboration with Canadian Geographic and environmental organizations such as Wilder Climate Solutions and Network of Nature, launched a pilot project. This initiative included the construction of six mini-forests in cities across Canada, including one in Guelph and one at the Toronto Zoo. This year they plan to plant 30 more forests containing 10,000 trees.

These miniature ecosystems, championed by the visionary Akira Miyawaki, a pioneering Japanese botanist, embody the power of local initiatives in addressing global challenges. Miyawaki’s approach is based on dense planting of native trees and shrubs that create a competitive environment that accelerates the establishment of mature forests. Mini forests offer a multitude of benefits in compact urban spaces and offer an alternative to horticultural practices, which often involve planting single, not necessarily indigenous, trees spaced a few meters apart and often surrounded by lawns.

Mini-forests act as green lungs, purifying the air and providing a breath of fresh air in polluted urban environments. They serve as biodiversity hotspots, providing refuge for various plant and animal species and restoring ecological balance. They mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade and increasing the livability of densely populated areas. They provide mental and emotional health benefits, providing urban havens for relaxation, contemplation and fostering a deeper connection with nature. Health experts agree that people who have a connection with nature are happier, healthier and more mindful.

In essence, mini-forests exemplify the transformative potential of small-scale actions in addressing global environmental challenges. By planting these miniature ecosystems or supporting those who do, individuals can make tangible contributions to creating healthier, more sustainable communities. In a world longing for symbols of hope, mini-forests are tangible examples of resilience and renewal. So if you’re wondering how to contribute to a greener, more resilient future, consider starting a mini-forest – or supporting those who do.

John Wilson is director of Grays for Green in New Tecumseth. He believes that a greater understanding and appreciation of nature is what is needed to inspire everyone to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Contact Grays for Green at (email protected) or follow them on social media.