Small Forests, Big Impact: The Miyawaki Method grips New Jersey
Tiny Forest thrives in Summit, NJ (credits: Alanya Friedman)
As climate change intensifies, bringing increasing temperatures as well as a loss of both biodiversity and green spaces, there is a growing demand for efficient, effective ways to combat these changes. One solution, the Miyawaki method, is gaining popularity. While in stature it may seem small, the difference it can make for our environment is sizable.
Miniforests, also known as tiny forests, are compact, densely planted native woodlands that mimic the functions and structure of a natural forest. Formulated using the Miyawaki Method, an afforestation technique developed by Japanese botanist and ecologist Akira Miyawaki, these miniforests are designed to grow very rapidly, requiring only three years of maintenance before becoming self-sustaining. While most forests need centuries to reach full maturity, a miniforest can reach that same stage in just 20 to 30 years using the Miyawaki Method.
This makes them especially ideal for urban locations, where space for creating green infrastructure is limited, but the demand for it is high. Despite packing a smaller size, these tiny forests can mitigate urban heat islands by moisturizing the air and providing shade, improve local biodiversity, boost stormwater absorption, as well as sequestering carbon to contribute to global cooling.
“We now need to find ways for nature to thrive in human-dominated landscapes,” said keynote speaker Doug Tallamy at the recent Miniforest Summit. “Recognition that nature is not optional—and that everybody owns responsibility to sustaining it.”
The 2025 Northeast Miniforest Summit
Despite their growing success across the U.S and internationally, miniforests still fly under the radar for those beyond the scientific community. That’s why the 2025 Northeast Miniforest Summit, held over Zoom on July 24th and 25th, was such a pivotal event for the movement. It brought together community organizers, researchers, scientists, and practitioners from across the world who are passionate about preserving our planet.
Each day began with a keynote address, followed by expert panels, Q&A sessions, as well as breakout rooms for attendees to engage in more focused discussions. Breakout rooms were an opportunity for attendees to network and discuss various miniforest-related topics.
Day 2 keynote speaker Doug Tallamy, a professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware, emphasized that most residential lawns support very little life, calling attention to the need for regenerating biodiversity beyond parks and protected lands. With thoughtful planting using the Miyawaki Method, he outlined how even a regular backyard can house a diverse ecosystem.
During panelist discussion The Life-Cycle of a Miniforest Project: Initiating, Creating, Stewarding & Educating, experts addressed the challenges most commonly faced in executing miniforest initiatives, such as municipal pushback and funding, as well as planting site preparation and design.
Breakout sessions revolved around real-world barriers to entry, such as dealing with invasive pests like the Japanese beetle and gaining community support of the forest. Attendees also shared success stories and handy tips for creating community-supported miniforests that double as educational resources in addition to ecological sites.
Educational Miniforest Initiatives in the U.S.:
Across the nation, organizations are planting miniforests that provide environmental and educational benefits:
Plan it Wild: Bram Gunther, vice president for science and development, described the group’s school-based miniforest initiatives in states such as Connecticut and New York. Getting students involved in these projects helps foster early understanding of the value of miniforests.
Aspetuck Land Trust: This nonprofit worked with seven elementary schools to plant miniforests on their property. Students were able to learn the names of different species to use digital tools like iTree.
“Bring the students to our forests, and bring the forests to our students,” said an organizer from the Aspetuck Land Trust, emphasizing the importance of early environmental awareness.
New Jersey and the Miniforest Movement
Groundwork Elizabeth: This nonprofit that focuses on improving urban neighborhoods in Elizabeth, NJ, planted its first miniforest about four years ago. Now, they have five thriving across the city. The feedback from community members has been overwhelmingly positive. -
Summit Tiny Forest: In 2021, Summit Environmental Commission received funding from New Jersey American Water and the Summit Conservancy to plant a miniforest behind the Summit community center. This forest is now open for volunteers and tours!
How You Can Help
I. Start a Miniforest in Your Community
Want to be actively involved in bringing miniforests to your neighborhood? Follow these tips on starting a miniforest, as shared by an expert at the Northeast Miniforest Summit:
Find a community group or gather volunteers who will work towards this initiative
Identify a suitable site for your miniforest and use the Native Plant Finder by the National Wildlife Federation to identify what grows best in your region.
Approach city councils and lay out a proposal for this project
“Our projects have been driven from resiliency planning,” said one summit attendee, “aligning with climate goals can help win over city officials.”
Secure municipal or grant funding
For some, this may not be possible. Panelists mentioned other finding other funding sources, such as carrying out fundraisers and/or getting donations from residents.
Partner with volunteers and schools for maintenance and education
Make sure your project includes:
Good soil preparation
A variety of native plant species
Continued care for two to three years
II. Support Local Initiatives
Don’t yet have the skills or resources to build your own? Showing your support for existing miniforests can be a meaningful venture as well.
Help maintain existing miniforests, like the ones in Elizabeth and Summit, NJ, through small donations or site visits.
Volunteer for native plantings in parks or schools
Share what you learn with neighbors and community leaders.
Looking Forward
Whether it’s a local park, an empty parking lot, or even just your backyard, with the Miyawaki Method, every patch of soil has the potential to become a thriving forest with endless environmental and educational benefits.
Let’s grow the future, one miniforest at a time.