Mini-forests are densely populated forests grown within a small space. Planted according to Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki’s revolutionary growing technique, the native trees and shrubs in a mini-forest need only about 15-20 years to reach maturity, while normal forests take more than a century to develop. The compact design of mini-forests makes them perfect for urban spaces, providing beauty and the environmental benefits of regular traditional forests.

Iowa currently has one Mini-Forest, which you can visit in Brookview Park in West Des Moines. While mini-forests are new to Iowa, there are numerous others located around the world. In addition to forests spread across the U.S and Canada, you can find mini-forests throughout Europe and Asia.

The best way to get involved in the Brookview Mini-Forest is to volunteer. We encourage people of all ages to participate and experience the mini-forest firsthand. Typical tasks for a mini-forest volunteer include weeding, mulching, and watering. Another way to get involved is to plant your own mini-forest! We would be delighted to help you with your planning. To sign up for a volunteering session or get more information regarding setting up your own Mini-Forest, reach out to us using the contact form below.