Small Forests, Big Benefits: The Pocket Forest at Buhr Park
The Miyawaki method, pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, has gained international attention as a promising approach to reforestation and biodiversity restoration. Using native plant species and mimicking natural forests, these densely planted “pocket forests” provide a wide range of benefits for the environment and the community.
In Ann Arbor, three nonprofit groups are collaborating on a pocket forest at Buhr Park. Volunteers from Ann Arbor Wild Ones (A2WO), the Buhr Park Children’s Wet Meadow Project, and the Ann Arbor chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) have joined forces to turn an area in the northwest of the park, near six old apple trees, into a living demonstration of the Miyawaki approach.
Assisted by other members of the steering committee, presenters Barbara Lucas and Lissa Spitz will share the principles of the Miyawaki method, along with the planning, process, and current status of the Buhr Park Pocket Forest. Initiated in 2023, the project has brought volunteers, neighbors, and school children together to plant, monitor and learn – from the forest and each other.
Join Ann Arbor Farm & Garden to explore this intriguing approach to urban forests. Public admission is $15. All proceeds go to support AAF&G’s annual grant and scholarship awards. Register online at www.annarborfarmandgarden.org by midnight, April 10.
Speakers: Lissa Spitz is an architect with a focus on sustainability, and currently is Program Manager with the Ann Arbor/Washtenaw 2030 District. Barbara Lucas received a graduate degree in environmental policy from UM, and produced “The Green Room” on CTN Television and WEMU radio. Both our speakers volunteer with the A2 chapters of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Wild Ones.