A new approach to reforestation is taking root across Bridgeport using Miyawaki forests, a method designed to create dense, natural woodlands much faster than traditional tree planting.
The technique was developed by Akira Miyawaki, a Japanese botanist and plant ecologist who pioneered a method of planting diverse native species densely together to mimic natural forest succession. By forcing plants and trees to compete for nutrients and sunlight, the method accelerates growth, allowing forests to mature in a fraction of the time required for conventional forests.
That approach is being used in Bridgeport by the Aspetuck Land Trust through its Forestation in Bridgeport project funded through a $400,000 Connecticut Department of Agriculture Climate Smart Funding: Agriculture and Forestry grant. Between May 2023 and November 2025, seven Miyawaki microforests were established on public school campuses, transforming unused spaces into thriving ecosystems.
The concept of bringing Miyawaki forests to Bridgeport appealed to Mary Ellen Lemay, director of landowner engagement for the Aspetuck Land Trust.
“In 2021, I was reading a newsletter from the Ecological Landscape Alliance and saw an aerial shot of the first Miyawaki forest in the Northeast, planted in Cambridge, Massachusetts,” Lemay said. “I thought it would be a perfect fit for the city with the lowest tree canopy in Connecticut, Bridgeport.”
Students, teachers and volunteers planted nearly 2,000 native trees and shrubs, turning schoolyards into what organizers describe as “living classrooms.” The forests provide environmental benefits while giving students hands-on experience with sustainability, ecology and climate science.
“The Miyawaki method consists of a very dense planting of small native trees, shrubs and groundcovers using enhanced soil like compost that grow more rapidly than a traditional forest,” Lemay said. “The goal in an urban setting is to increase biodiversity and tree cover of a mature forest in 20 years instead of 200 years. All successive layers are planted at the same time.”
Dozens of native species are planted in small areas to mimic the layered structure of natural forests. Organizers say the density encourages biodiversity, improves soil health and increases carbon absorption while speeding up the ecosystem’s transition to self-sufficiency.
The project targeted Bridgeport because of environmental concerns including limited green space, poor air quality and increased vulnerability to climate change. According to preliminary findings from the Aspetuck Land Trust, the microforests have improved carbon sequestration, stormwater absorption and biodiversity, including pollinator and bird populations, within two years.
Beyond its environmental impact, the initiative reflects a broader shift toward space-efficient, community-driven solutions. Volunteers participate in planting efforts, helping establish the forests while building stronger connections between residents and their environment.
The Aspetuck Land Trust plans to expand the concept as the forests continue to mature. Larger Miyawaki installations are being explored, including a project in Seaside Park.
As environmental concerns continue to shape conversations across Connecticut, Miyawaki forests are emerging as a model for ecological restoration. Supporters say the projects demonstrate how even small parcels of land can provide measurable environmental and educational benefits while supporting broader conservation goals.
