​Across the Northeast, communities face ecological disruption—rising temperatures, shrinking habitats, degraded soils, and stormwater runoff. But there’s growing momentum: more people are planting miniforests using the Miyawaki Method—or adapting it—to restore life to cities, schoolyards, parks, and vacant lots.
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Through a multi-day event, participants in the 2025 Northeast Miniforest Summit will explore the Miyawaki method from root to canopy through bus tours and virtual sessions through diverse perspectives. ​​
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Miniforests are more than trees—they amplify a web of relationships. This summit plants seeds for stronger connections, collective action, and resilient ecosystems. It’s a response to the energy of those eager to help restore Earth, and a step toward a shared path forward rooted in collaboration.
Why A Miniforest Summit? Why Now?
The Miyawaki method of afforestation, pioneered by Dr. Akira Miyawaki, creates dense, diverse and multilayered miniforests composed of native trees and shrubs that can be planted in as little as 1000 sq ft through expedited ecological succession and soil preparation.
The miniforests require three years of maintenance (watering, mulching and weeding) before becoming self-sustaining.
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They cultivate biodiversity, improve air quality, mitigate stormwater runoff, store carbon, reduce the heat island effect in asphalt-dominated areas, and more.
What is a Miniforest?
Greene-Rose Heritage Park
Cambridge, MA
Nov 2023 – June 2024
1,400 sq ft · 900 native plants · 40 species · 7/sqm planting density
By advancing the adoption of the Miyawaki method of afforestation in the Northeast U.S., this summit will:
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Cultivate peer-to-peer learning & knowledge sharing
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Encourage & facilitate the exchange of best practices, experiences, challenges, resources and lessons learned
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Identify knowledge and resource gaps
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Focus on the practicalities of making a miniforest a reality
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Unpack the Miyawaki method
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Stimulate scientific inquiry and research to explore new questions, generate data, and deepen understanding of above- and below-ground ecological processes
At its heart, the summit also seeks to cultivate community, curiosity, openness to experimentation, and a sense of hope—amplifying the transformative power of working with, rather than against, the web of life.
Summit Goals
From a seasoned forest maker who has already planted several forests, to a public official interested in cultivating biodiversity in their district, everyone will have something to glean from this summit and something to share with our community.
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We welcome participation from a wide range of individuals and professionals, including:​
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Municipalities, Departments of Public Works and City Arborists
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Environmental & Urban Planning Professionals
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Educators & Learners
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Scientists, Citizen Scientists and Researchers
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Government & Policy Makers
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Native Plant Professionals
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Nurseries & Farms
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Community Members & Stakeholders
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Anyone interested in nature-based solutions and community-driven restoration
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While this summit is specifically tailored to the ecosystems of the Northeastern United States, we welcome those from other regions both national and international to attend our virtual programs.
Who is the Summit For?
Day 1: Thursday, July 24, 2025, 12 pm - 4:30 pm ET | Zoom​
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Overview of Bio4Climate's Miyawaki Forest Program & The Miniforest as a Microcosm for Learning How Nature Works
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The Miyawaki Method: Past, Present, Future
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Stories from the Field: Miniforests in Cities, Schools, and Farms in Northeast US
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Story Share Circles & Networking (Breakout Rooms)
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From Asphalt to Miniforest: Transforming Impervious Surfaces to Manage Stormwater Runoff, Flooding and the Heat Island Effect
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Restoration Begins in Relationship: Centering BIPOC Perspectives in Miniforests Initiatives​
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Day 2: Friday, July 25, 2025, 9 am - 2 pm ET | Zoom​
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Miniforests as a Part of the Homegrown National Park
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Scientific Research (Current and Emerging) around Miniforests in Northeast
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A Brief Discussion on the Life-Cycle of a Miniforest Project: Initiating, Creating, Stewarding & Educating
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Story Share Circles & Networking (Breakout Rooms)
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Planting a Network and Community of Practice in Canada
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The Miyawaki Method versus Ecology of Place: The Importance of Curiosity & Experimentation
Tentative Schedule
Featured Keynote Speakers, Presenters & Panelists
A diverse group of keynote speakers, presenters, and panelists will offer valuable expertise during the summit. Check back in mid June for the complete list of speakers.
Bus Tour
The virtual summit will be complemented by a bus tour to four different mini forests in Massachusetts. Check back in mid June for more information and registration.
How to Connect With The Community
As part of the 2025 Northeast Miniforest Summit, we are setting up a virtual platform on Mighty Networks to build a strong mini-forest-maker community, and compiling a FREE Northeast Miniforests Guide to enhance knowledge sharing and increase visibility within the community.
Check back in mid June for more information on these resources.
Are you managing a miniforest in the Northeast that you would like to be a part of the guide? Please contact us at miniforests@bio4climate.org.