In space-constrained, heavily polluted neighborhoods, microforests can address intersecting environmental challenges. Microforests are planted using the Miyawaki method of reforestation on small plots of land, as compact as a few parking spaces’ worth of area.
With their ability to grow quickly in less-than-ideal soil conditions, in as little time as a decade these small-but-mighty forests can deliver the climate adaptation and resilience benefits of a similarly sized forest that is 50 years or older. But how effective are they? Over the past several years, Groundwork USA has focused on evaluating the impacts of these microforests to answer this question.
During this panel session, Jeremy Hoffman, Director of Impact Evaluation and Community Science at Groundwork USA, will discuss how the Groundwork network has approached planting urban microforests, the process of quantifying the environmental, social, and health benefits of microforests, and how to develop and nurture partnerships to strengthen the evaluation process with area residents.
Another case study is the recently built Trager MicroForest in downtown Louisville, KY. Part of Greenprint — a 10-year, community-led initiative to transform downtown Louisville into a healthier, greener, and more resilient urban core — this initiative is a strategic effort to reshape perceptions of urban life, connect people to the benefits of nature, enhance public health, lessen stress, increase biodiversity and combat environmental challenges like the Urban Heat Island effect.
Attend this panel to hear success stories and lessons learned to help more communities implement microforests as an achievable, impactful resilience solution.
Support is provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.
