Miyawaki Forest
A Miyawaki Forest is a small, urban forest made up of native plant species and designed to grow quickly and densely. Its unique approach mimics natural forest ecosystems, allowing it to mature rapidly, support high biodiversity, and become self-sustaining within a few years.
Origins
The Miyawaki Method was developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki to restore native ecosystems by mimicking natural forest layers. Inspired by how forests grow in the wild, this method uses 100% organic techniques to plant dense, diverse native species. It creates self-sustaining forests that mature in just 20–30 years—far faster than conventional afforestation. Because of its speed, biodiversity, and minimal maintenance needs, it’s ideal for regenerating small urban spaces.
Method
The Miyawaki method starts by identifying native species from nearby forest fragments and selecting a mix of main canopy and companion plants. Soil is analyzed to determine the right mulch and nutrients, while local seeds or seedlings are grown in shade. The soil is enriched with amendments like mycorrhizal fungi, and seedlings are planted densely in random patterns. Mulch mimics forest conditions, and the site is maintained with watering and weeding for the first two years to ensure healthy growth.
Community Benefits
Connecting People with Nature
Miyawaki forests create welcoming spaces that strengthen social ties, support well-being, and inspire outdoor engagement.
Environmental Stewardship
They encourage people of all ages to care for the land, fostering ecological awareness and community pride.
Lifelong Learning
Forest planting provides hands-on learning for schools, families, and communities, aligning with Alberta’s curriculum and promoting environmental literacy.
Biodiversity Restoration
These forests bring back native plants and wildlife, enrich the soil, and help ecosystems adapt to climate change.
Indigenous Land-Based Knowledge
Planting is guided by Indigenous teachings, weaving cultural ceremony, respect, and relationship with the land into the process.
Summer 2025 planting of a Miyawaki Forest in Edmonton
ARC is organizing a community planting event at Rapperswill Storm Water Management Facility on October 3, 2025, at 10 am to complete the planting of the Summer 2025 Miyawaki Forest initiative in Edmonton. In partnership with Root for Trees, ARC is mobilizing volunteers to help plant native vegetation and take the first step in restoring the site into a thriving, biodiverse forest using the Miyawaki method. A huge thank you to everyone who came out on June 26 to help plant! Your contribution brought us halfway through the undergrowth layer and made a real difference in getting this project off the ground. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Miyawaki Forest June 2025 Project Photos
