Rochester, MI- 4.14.25- The City of Rochester is proud to announce the planting of its very first Mini-Forest, a powerful step towards urban restoration, community building, and environmental resilience. The concept of the Mini-Forest was first developed in the 1970s by renowned Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki. His pioneering method focused on restoring native ecosystems by planting dense, fast growing forest on small, degraded urban lands with only native trees and shrubs. The Miyawaki Method has since been embraced worldwide , transforming vacant city space into vibrant, self- sustaining habitats by recreating the natural forests of a given area prior to deforestation and development. 

Rochester's Mini-Forest follows this philosophy, turning a once-ordinary plot into a thriving ecosystem. In just three years, this dense planting of Michigan's native trees and shrubs will mature into a self-sustaining biodiverse woodland, offering a range of lasting benefits:

• Capturing Carbon through sequestration 
• Cooling the environment and mitigating urban heat islands
• Providing vital habitat for birds 
• Supporting up to 1,500 species of pollinators 
• improving soil health and water retention 
• Providing an educational experience for teachers, students, and visitors 

Beyond the environmental impact, the project exemplifies building community through action. Volunteers, students, families, and city leaders will come together to plant the trees by hand, forging deeper connection with each other and nature on May 3, 2025

This project would not have been possible without the generous support of our community partners: the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester and First State Bank. 

"We're thrilled to bring this global movement to our hometown," said City, of Rochester, Mayor Salvia. "It's a legacy for future generations, showing what's possible when a community comes together to care for the earth" 
 

"Its an exciting time for me as I had this idea a year ago, and with the help of our community partners, volunteers, the City of Rochester Trees Committee, DPW, Rochester High School, and Daughters of the American Revolution, it will become a reality that will last for future generations," said Marilyn Trent , Founder, Rochester Pollinators . "My hope is every city in Michigan will plant a mini-forest." 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony presented by Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce & the City of Rochester. 
May 3, 2025, 2pm behind Rochester's Community Garden next to the Rochester DPW. Community members are warmly invited to celebrate this milestone with us!