UI to plant campus forest inspired by student project

Miyawaki forest will be located near Hillcrest Residence Hall

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

In its ongoing effort to support the health and diversity of its tree habitat, the University of Iowa will plant a Miyawaki forest on the west side of campus on Arbor Day.

Named for its innovative planting technique known as the Miyawaki method (pronounced mee-yah-wah-kee), this reforestation practice is designed to mimic the natural growth process of conventional forests by densely planting native seedlings.

In a conventional forest, trees are usually 9 feet apart. In a Miyawaki forest, trees are planted just 1 to 2 feet apart.

About 4,000 native seedlings will be planted on a half-acre northeast of Hillcrest Residence Hall, 25 Byington Road,and east of Parking Lot 13 in a spot that historically has been challenging for UI Landscape Services to maintain. While conventional forests can take centuries to mature, Miyawaki forests mature in 20 to 30 years.

Once completed, UI's Miyawaki forest will be the second and largest in the state. The other forest is in West Des Moines, Iowa.

"Miyawaki forests offer a range of ecological benefits, including creating habitat for native fauna while improving air quality and stormwater management," says Brinda Shetty, program manager with the Office of Sustainability and the Environment.

After planting, Miyawaki forests need just three years of weeding and watering maintenance. After that, the forest will be largely self-sustaining and will require little to no maintenance.

"We're planting more trees, creating a natural environment for native species, and creating something that will be naturally self-sustaining," says Andy Dahl, landscape urban forest supervisor and arborist with UI Landscape Services. "It's a win-win."

The UI has an extensive tree management maintenance plan, which has resulted in 16 years of recognition as a Tree Campus Higher Education university by the Arbor Day Foundation and a level II accredited arboretum through ArbNet.

UI maintains about 8,000 trees of more than 300 species and typically plants more than 300 trees each year.

How the forest came to be

In fall 2024, students in the College of Engineering's Sustainable Systems class learned about Miyawaki forests and collaborated with Landscape Services and the Office of Sustainability and the Environment to determine if one could be planted on campus. At the end of the semester, the students presented their recommendations, which inspired the university to move forward.

Alyssa Hatch, a fourth-year Sustainable Sciences major from Dysart, Iowa, was part of the class taught by David Cwiertny, the William D. Ashton Professor of Civil Engineering and professor of civil and environmental engineering.

"I was especially drawn to the aspect of creating something long-lasting, something that not only benefits the environment but also provides learning experiences for future students," Hatch says. "It's been incredibly exciting and rewarding to see this project come to life."

Landscape Services identified potential locations and ultimately selected the site near Hillcrest due to its steep hill that is dangerous to mow and is not suitable for future construction.

Dahl then began developing a list of trees to plant and sourcing them from nurseries capable of providing the necessary quantity.

Volunteers needed to help plant the forest

The Miyawaki forest will be planted in the space designated in yellow northeast of Hillcrest Residence Hall.

Community volunteers are needed to help plant the seedlings.

How to participate: Meet at the hill northeast of Hillcrest Residence Hall and east of Lot 13. All are welcome to join to plant just one tree or 100. Come and go at your convenience and contribute as much time as you can. To assist with planning and attendance estimates, please registerin advance-especially if you're bringing a group.

Please wear closed-toe shoes that can get dirty and dress for the weather. Nitrile gloves will be provided. You can bring your own gardening gloves and a bottle of water.

Planting will take place:

1 to 4 p.m. Friday, April 25
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27
1 to 4 p.m. Monday, April 28

Planting days may be canceled if planting concludes earlier than anticipated or for inclement weather.

This event is a collaboration of the UI and the LENA Project, an Iowa City-based nonprofit organization that aims to inspire and empower people to create positive environmental change.

A community celebration of the Miyawaki forest featuring Song*Lines Project will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 2.

For more information and to register, visit https://sustainability.uiowa.edu/miyawaki-forest