Creating Greener Cities Together
Tiny Forests in the Ottawa area
Did you know that Tiny Forests are popping up all over the world as a way of supporting biodiversity in urban areas, increasing tree canopy, improving soil health, and reducing the impacts of climate change?
What is a Tiny Forest?
Pioneered by the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, a Tiny Forest is more than just trees! It starts with the soil. Once a site is selected, nutrients are added to the soil so that it mimics a healthy forest floor. Then native trees, shrubs, and forbs (woody plants) are planted close together (3-5 per sq meter) which promotes growth and replicates a forest environment. Tiny Forests are known for growing faster, and dramatically increasing biodiversity because they serve as a habitat for native plants, insects, and even small wildlife. As a Tiny Forest grows, it will also absorb rainwater, contribute to cleaner air, reduce the heat island effect, sequester emissions, and act as an acoustic barrier. There are so many benefits to planting Tiny Forests in urban environments, which is why EnviroCentre is helping bring them to our city.
In 2023, EnviroCentre partnered with Forêt Capital Forest, Ottawa Community Housing, the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, and the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation to plant four Tiny Forests right here in the Ottawa area.
Ottawa Tiny Forests
Greening York Street Public School
York Street Public School is a century-old school, located in the heart of the city, in an area that has a very low tree canopy. With the generous support of the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation, through the Ottawa Community Foundation, EnviroCentre received funding to support the greening of the school grounds. The project included planting a Tiny Forest (with the help of many students), putting shrubs along the fence, an outdoor classroom, and pollinator gardens.
EnviroCentre also developed educational resources so teachers can leverage the Tiny Forests on the school grounds to teach about climate change and the importance of trees and forests.
Ottawa Tiny Forests
Ottawa Community Housing
In partnership with Ottawa Community Housing, EnviroCentre planted three unique Tiny Forests throughout Ottawa. Two of the forests were planted to remediate the community green spaces after destruction by a major storm. The third was planted to create a barrier between public and private space. Working in collaboration with members of the community, these Tiny Forests will provide access to naturalized spaces for residents for years to come, improving urban biodiversity and resiliency to our changing climate.
Curious to learn more?
Please contact our specialists at greencity@envirocentre.ca or stay in the loop by following us on social media!