Tiny Forest

For those of us living in New Jersey, especially in densely populated areas, every patch of green space is cherished. But what if a small area could offer the ecological punch of a much larger forest, right in the heart of a community? In Summit, NJ, locals are already experiencing this innovative approach to urban greening with the "Tiny Forest." This isn't your typical sprawling botanical garden; it's a meticulously designed, densely planted micro-forest that serves as a living laboratory and a vibrant natural oasis.

The City of Summit's Tiny Forest is a remarkable project that utilizes the Miyawaki Method, a technique developed by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki to create fast-growing, biodiverse native forests in small urban plots. Located on an 11,000-square-foot area behind the Summit Community Center, this multi-layered forest was meticulously planted with over 50 different native species. Its purpose extends beyond mere aesthetics, aiming to provide significant environmental benefits like enhancing biodiversity, improving stormwater management, and contributing to carbon drawdown. While we don't have direct customer reviews for the experience of visiting the Tiny Forest itself, its creation has been a collaborative effort involving the Summit Environmental Commission, community volunteers, and various organizations, highlighting its deep roots in the local community. For New Jersey residents looking for a unique and impactful green space to visit, learn from, and enjoy, Summit's Tiny Forest offers a compelling and inspiring example of urban ecology in action.

Location and Accessibility

The Tiny Forest is conveniently located behind the Summit Community Center at 100 Morris Ave, Summit, NJ 07901, USA. This central location in Summit makes it highly accessible for residents and visitors to the area.

Accessing the Tiny Forest is straightforward. Visitors are encouraged to park at the Summit Community Center's parking lot, which offers ample space. From there, the Tiny Forest is easily reachable by walking down Morris Court, a short path that leads directly to the site. This integrated access means you can combine a visit to the Tiny Forest with other activities at the Community Center, such as attending events or utilizing its facilities. For those relying on public transportation, the Summit train station (NJ Transit) is within a reasonable distance, making it possible to reach the area via a combination of train and a pleasant walk. The path leading to the Tiny Forest is designed for pedestrian access, and as an urban greening project, accessibility is a key consideration. Its compact size also means that once you're there, navigating the Tiny Forest is easy and comfortable for all visitors.

Services Offered

The Tiny Forest, as an innovative ecological project rather than a traditional recreational park, offers a unique set of "services" primarily focused on environmental benefits, education, and community engagement.

• Biodiversity Enhancement: By densely planting over 50 different native species, the Tiny Forest provides a concentrated hub for biodiversity, attracting and supporting various local wildlife, including pollinators and birds. BirdNET software is used to monitor bird songs, tracking species changes over time.

• Stormwater Management: The dense root systems and multi-layered canopy of the Tiny Forest significantly improve the absorption of stormwater, helping to mitigate localized flooding and reduce erosion.

• Carbon Sequestration: As a rapidly growing, densely planted forest, it actively captures and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to local efforts to combat climate change.

• Environmental Education: The Tiny Forest serves as a living outdoor classroom. Guided tours are often led by members of the Summit Environmental Commission, providing educational opportunities for schools, community groups, and the general public on native plants, the Miyawaki Method, and urban ecology.

• Habitat Creation: It provides a vital habitat for various species, including insects, birds, and small mammals, contributing to a more resilient urban ecosystem.

• Noise and Heat Reduction: Densely planted forests can help muffle city noise and provide significant cooling effects through shade and evapotranspiration, making the immediate area more comfortable.

• Community Engagement and Volunteering: The establishment and ongoing maintenance of the Tiny Forest rely heavily on community volunteers. This offers a direct service in the form of opportunities for residents to get involved in local environmental stewardship, including weeding, mulching, and planting.

• Indigenous Medicine Garden: Within the Tiny Forest, there is a dedicated Indigenous Medicine Garden featuring native plant species historically used by the Lenni-Lenape for medicinal purposes, offering a cultural and educational dimension.

Features / Highlights

Summit's Tiny Forest, though small in scale, boasts several impressive features and highlights that make it a compelling visit and a significant asset to the community:

• Miyawaki Method Implementation: A key highlight is its creation using the innovative Miyawaki Method. This dense planting technique results in accelerated growth, allowing the "forest" to become self-sustaining in just 2-3 years and fully developed in 20-30 years – significantly faster than traditional reforestation.

• High Biodiversity: Despite its compact size, the Tiny Forest is designed to be highly biodiverse, featuring over 50 different native plant species. This diverse planting supports a wider array of local wildlife, from pollinators to various bird species.

• Significant Environmental Benefits: Beyond its beauty, the Tiny Forest is a powerhouse of ecological services. It's designed for enhanced carbon drawdown, superior stormwater management, and improved air quality, demonstrating how small urban spaces can make a big environmental impact.

• Indigenous Medicine Garden: A unique and culturally significant feature is the Indigenous Medicine Garden located within the Tiny Forest. This dedicated section showcases native plants used by the Lenni-Lenape, offering educational insights into traditional ecological knowledge.

• Community-Driven Project: The Tiny Forest is a testament to community collaboration, having been prepared, planted, and maintained by the Summit Environmental Commission, city staff, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers. This collective effort gives it a strong sense of local ownership and pride.

• Living Educational Exhibit: The forest functions as a living laboratory for environmental education. It hosts tours for neighboring environmental commissions, universities, and local groups, showcasing sustainable urban forestry practices.

• Rapid Growth and Resilience: Visitors can witness the remarkably fast growth of the trees and shrubs, which contributes to a quickly developing canopy and a resilient ecosystem. The forest is designed to be self-regulating and robust.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a public environmental initiative rather than a commercial enterprise, Summit's Tiny Forest does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Its primary value to the community is its free and open access, and the benefits it provides are largely ecological and educational. However, there are ongoing "offers" in terms of accessibility and engagement:

• Free Public Access: The most significant "offer" is the entirely free access to the Tiny Forest for all residents and visitors. There are no entrance fees or usage charges to explore this unique urban green space.

• Free Educational Tours: The Summit Environmental Commission and partners like the Rahway River Watershed Association frequently offer free guided tours of the Tiny Forest. These tours provide valuable educational insights into the Miyawaki Method, native plants, and the environmental benefits of the forest. Check Eventbrite or the City of Summit website for upcoming tour dates.

• Volunteer Opportunities: For locals interested in hands-on environmental stewardship, the Tiny Forest regularly seeks volunteers for weeding, mulching, and general maintenance. This offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a local ecological project and learn new skills.

• Arbor Day Celebrations: The Tiny Forest often hosts Arbor Day celebrations, which are typically free community events designed to promote environmental awareness and appreciation for trees.

• Community Program Collaborations: Groups like the Summit Department of Community Programs summer camp actively volunteer at the Tiny Forest, creating direct engagement "offers" for local youth.

• Environmental Grants & Awards: While not a direct promotion for visitors, the fact that the Tiny Forest was initiated with grant funding (e.g., from NJ American Water) and has received environmental awards highlights its recognized value and the community's investment in its success.

Contact Information

For comprehensive information about the Tiny Forest, including details on its establishment, ecological impact, and opportunities for tours or volunteering, the primary point of contact is the Summit Environmental Commission, which spearheaded the project.

• Address (Tiny Forest): Behind the Summit Community Center at 100 Morris Ave, Summit, NJ 07901, USA

• Summit Environmental Commission:

  • Email: summit.nj.ec@gmail.com (This is the direct email provided for inquiries about the Tiny Forest and how to get involved.)

  • Website: The most up-to-date information, including project details, news, and events related to the Tiny Forest, can be found on the City of Summit's official website, specifically under the Environmental Commission's section: www.cityofsummit.org/878/Tiny-Forest and www.cityofsummit.org/304/Environmental-Commission.

• For information on upcoming tours or events, also check the "Events" section of the City of Summit website or event platforms like Eventbrite, searching for "Summit Tiny Forest Tour."

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Summit's Tiny Forest is an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource for New Jersey locals, particularly those in Summit and surrounding areas. It offers a unique blend of environmental education, community engagement, and a peaceful natural retreat, all within a compact and easily accessible urban setting.

For environmentally conscious residents, the Tiny Forest is a living example of innovative ecological restoration. It provides a tangible demonstration of the Miyawaki Method, showcasing how densely planted native species can rapidly create a biodiverse ecosystem, enhance stormwater management, and significantly contribute to carbon drawdown right in their own backyard. This makes it an inspiring place to visit and learn about sustainable practices.

For families and individuals simply seeking a tranquil escape, the Tiny Forest offers a unique sensory experience. Despite its size, it provides the calming sounds of birdsong and the visual beauty of a rapidly growing, multi-layered forest. It's a perfect spot for a quiet stroll, a moment of reflection, or simply enjoying the restorative power of nature.

Furthermore, the Tiny Forest fosters a strong sense of community. Its creation and ongoing maintenance rely heavily on local volunteers, offering residents a meaningful way to contribute to a local environmental project and connect with like-minded neighbors. It's not just a garden; it's a testament to what a community can achieve when working together for a greener, more sustainable future. For New Jersey locals, the Tiny Forest is an inspiring, educational, and serene urban oasis that enriches the quality of life in Summit.

Tiny Forest

100 Morris Ave, Summit, NJ 07901, USA