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Cambridge’s First Miyawaki Forest will Boost Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.

sugi forest

The City of Cambridge today announced that on September 25, 2021, the first Miyawaki Forest in the Northeast US will be planted at Danehy Park in North Cambridge. A collaboration between Biodiversity for a Livable Climate and the SUGi Project, in partnership with the City of Cambridge, the 4,000 square foot microforest pioneers the innovative Miyawaki method of reforestation in this region. 

The planting will take place between 9:30AM-2:30PM. Enter via Sherman St. and head up past the grilling area. 

The Miyawaki method is noted for its hallmarks of dense planting, biodiversity, native species, and multilayered design to recreate the complexity of a native forest. In examples around the world, Miyawaki Forests have demonstrated remarkably high growth and survival rates, due to the planting method that fosters symbiotic relationships between plants and between fungal and microbial life in the soil.

“Miyawaki Forests offer an opportunity to reestablish healthy forests in urban environments,” said David Lefcourt, Cambridge City Arborist. “They cool their surrounding areas, mitigating the urban heat island effect, support biodiversity, buffer against flooding and erosion, help balance water cycles to fight drought conditions and sequester carbon.”

The Miyawaki Forest at Danehy Park includes plants significant to Northeast Indigenous communities, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about native plants as well as the ecosystems and wildlife present in Cambridge and the surrounding areas.

“In addition to the environmental benefits, these forests help build community through involvement in planning and planting,” said Owen O’Riordan, Public Works Commissioner. “These spaces provide a natural gathering place to interact with nature and learn about native ecology.”

The Miyawaki Forest at Danehy Park forest will be planted with the help of volunteers from the Cambridge community. More information about the project can be found on the SUGi site, where photos will be posted as the forest progresses. For specific questions about the Miyawaki Forest Project at Danehy Park, contact Andrew Putnam, Superintendent of Forestry, aputnam@cambridgema.gov.

For more information about Cambridge’s Urban Forest, please visit Cambridgema.gov/healthyforesthealthycity


Page was posted on 9/16/2021 3:11 PM
Page was last modified on 7/25/2023 3:39 AM
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