Grow a Forest, Grow a Future

Help DeCarbon DeKalb plant dense, native microforests right here at home. Tiny space, huge impact.

Join the Crew

What’s a microforest?

Microforests (aka Miyawaki forests) are ultra-dense, native woodlands planted in small urban spaces, even as small as a tennis court. They’re designed to grow much faster and denser than traditional plantings, with dramatically higher biodiversity. Small plot, big impact.

Why it matters here

  • Fits in compact community spaces (parks, schools, faith communities, private lots).

  • Boosts biodiversity; improves air and soil; absorbs carbon; supports pollinators/wildlife.

  • Dense roots and canopy can help with stormwater and neighborhood cooling.

How Microforests Work

The method is fast & dense by design — diverse native layers, close spacing, heavy mulch, and focused care early on. Here’s the Recipe:

  1. Plant young native layers together — canopy, sub-canopy, shrubs, groundcovers (randomized mix so tall species shade the understory over time).

  2. Close spacing — about 12–18 inches between plants to kick-start growth.

  3. Mulch deeply — add 3–4 inches of leaf mulch or wood chips.

  4. Care early — water during droughts for the first ~2 years; weed 2–3×/year until canopy closure (~3 years).

Join the crew

The DeKalb Microforest Pilot

We’re building a series of community-led microforests in DeKalb to cool neighborhoods, grow habitat, and spark hands-on learning. It’s public, family-friendly, and designed for impact for years to come.

Timeline

  • Fall–Winter 2025: Site scouting, design, volunteer onboarding

  • Spring 2026: Planting Days (community celebrations!)

  • Years 1–3: Watering & Weeding Crew until canopy closes; seasonal work parties

Join us
Propose a site
Sponsorship

Ways to Help

  • Join the Microforest Crew

    Show up for planning nights, winter-sowing workshops, and Planting Day. No experience needed.

  • Offer a Site

    Have access to a visible 200–1000 sq ft plot (park, school, faith community, private lot)? Suggest it and we’ll assess together.

  • Sponsor or Donate In-Kind

    Compost, mulch, native plants, tools, refreshments, printing, signage. Help keep it free and open to all!

FAQs

  • Not exactly. It’s a method: diverse native layers, tight spacing, deep mulch, and focused early care to accelerate growth and biodiversity.

  • You’ll see surprising growth within a few seasons; canopy closure is often around ~3 years with proper care.

  • We can start small (tennis-court scale). The sweet spot is ~200–1000 sq ft.

  • Absolutely. We’ll teach you everything, from winter sowing to Planting Day roles.

Join the Microforest Crew

Join the Microforest Crew

Tell us how you’d like to help! We’ll email next steps and event dates.

Presented by DeCarbon DeKalb

Neighbors inspiring neighbors to decarbonize through education, community action, and hope.

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