Watertown Plants Miyawaki Forest to Boost Urban Biodiversity and Environmental Education

WATERTOWN, MA – In a collaborative effort, local residents, city leaders, and environmental volunteers have transformed a portion of the lawn at Watertown’s Lowell Elementary School into a Miyawaki Forest. Using a method pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, this forest will serve as a green oasis in the city, designed to foster rapid growth, enhance biodiversity, and provide a hands-on learning environment for the community.

The Miyawaki method is celebrated for its dense plant arrangement, which accelerates forest development, making the ecosystem self-sustaining in just three years—a feat that would typically take up to a century. This Watertown project highlights a variety of native plants, including tall oaks and black tupelos, arranged in four layers that provide a balanced ecosystem.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the forest features an outdoor classroom, offering students the chance to engage with nature while learning about climate resilience and ecological restoration. The new forest is a key initiative in Watertown’s climate and energy plan. The space will also host community climate education programs, empowering residents to participate in local environmental efforts.

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