Calgary Climate Hub's Forests for Calgary program utilizes a Nature Based Solutions approach to actively increase biodiversity, climate resilience, and community connections across Calgary. Through this program, we also work to address issues of tree equity and climate justice, and grow cross cultural connections and actions to expand our citywide climate community.

Together, we are establishing small urban forests using the successful Miyawaki method. Through this method, a densely-planted 'tiny forest' can grow many times faster than occurs in nature, making this an excellent tool for rapidly greening urban areas.

 


Learn More About Forests For Calgary

Miyawaki (Mini) Forest Guidebook 

 

Forests Planted

Bowmont Park Tree Planting - October 2022

Marlborough Mini Forest - June 2023

Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living Mini Forest - September 2023

Bowness Community Association Medicine Wheel Forest - June 2024

Genesis Centre Mini Forest - September 2024

Rocky Ridge Royal Oak Mini Forest - September 2025

Saddle Crest Tree Planting - October 2025

Plant Lists and Guides

Check out our Plant Guides for a more detailed description and photos of some of the happy plants that can be found at each mini forest site:

Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living Plant Guide

Bowness Community Association Plant Guide

Genesis Centre Plant Guide

Rocky Ridge Royal Oak Plant Guide

Dr. Heather Addy researched various native species lists for Calgary and created our plant selections for each mini forest:

Bowness Community Association Plant List

Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living Plant List

Genesis Centre Plant List

Our forest designer, Heather Morigeau, also prepared a description of traditional Indigenous knowledge for six plants used in our mini forests:

Indigenous Plant Knowledge

How do you get involved?

Consider joining the Calgary Climate Hub Nature Node to join an enthusiastic group of nature lovers who are involved in mini forests and other eco-restoration projects. Email Talynn English, our Volunteer Coordinator, and tell her you would like to become a member of the Calgary Climate Hub and join the Nature Node.

To support this project, and other grassroots municipal climate action projects, please consider donating to the Calgary Climate Hub.

Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living Mini Forest one year after planting.

Calgary Centre for Spiritual Living Mini Forest one year after planting.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this project a reality, including Rob Miller, Heather Addy, Heather Morigeau, Jared Blustein, Lindsey McDonald, Dave Spencer, Sandra Mills, Lindsay Dandridge, and Tom Schlodder.

 

 

 

We would also like to acknowledge the generous support from the following funders:

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