Iowa Now (edited)
04/21/25
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 beginning on Arbor Day this Friday.
Named for its innovative planting technique known as the Miyawaki method, the 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 on 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.
Among the species of trees to be planted include Black oak, Black walnut, Bitternut hickory, Pignut hickory, Persimmon, Kentucky coffeetree, Ohio buckeye, Red oak, White oak, Pecan, and Hazelnut.
Community volunteers are needed to help plant the seedlings. Planting will take place from 1-4 Friday, 9 to Noon Saturday, 1-4pm Sunday and 1-4pm Monday the 28th. A link to the signup site is available below.
https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6ytspJEL93cp1JQ
Once completed, UI’s Miyawaki forest will be the second and largest in the state. The other forest is in West Des Moines.