Mini-Forest Revolution: Using the Miyawaki Method To Rapidly Rewild the World

Inspired by Japanese botanist and forest ecologist Akira Miyawaki, Lewis (editor of Compendium of Scientific and Practical Findings Supporting Eco-Restoration to Address Global Warming) has penned a paean to the Miyawaki Method: the people-powered reforestation tactic of turning any small lot or backyard into a tiny grove of native climax forest plants (originally a response to Japan’s rapid post-WWII development). These mini-forests store water, are carbon sinks, and provide shade, green spaces for people, and habitats for animals. Lewis explains how a Miyawaki mini-forest functions and how to plant one (with a list of resources at the book’s end). She also introduces practitioners of the Miyawaki Method and the mini-forests they’ve planted in schoolyards, lots, and corporate campuses around the world (Japan, Lebanon, India, Cameroon, Iran, Washington State), including the project she spearheaded at home in Roscoff, France.