Peabody Elementary School Miniforest

Bird’s-eye view of the 2,000 sq ft miniforest at Peabody Elementary School.

Grateful to the community and the Cambridge Department of Public Works for their help with planting and their dedication to ecological restoration. Photos by Bill Hickey

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, the City of Cambridge and Biodiversity for a Livable Climate planted our third Miyawaki miniforest, just outside Peabody Elementary School on Rindge Avenue.

The 2,000-square-foot forest includes more than 40 native species chosen to cultivate biodiversity, improve soil health, and build long-term climate resilience.

We’re thrilled to have a living classroom that students pass by every day, providing a hands-on space to explore and learn how nature works!

Morning of May 3: The site is ready and the plants have arrived—
waiting for the community to join in. Photos by Alexandra Ionescu

An invaluable partner in this project, the City of Cambridge managed site preparation, coordinated soil amendments—including compost, leaf mulch, and compost tea—and oversaw the development and delivery of the planting list. Our role focused on supporting the City with community organization, ongoing maintenance and engagement, and ensuring the planting day was a success.

Diverse native plants from New England Wetland Plants nursery. Photo by Bill Hickey

A glimpse of the miniforest to come, planted with a diversity of native species.
Photos by Alexandra Ionescu

People of all ages came together to plant a mix of native trees and shrubs, spread mulch, and dunk potted plants in nutrient-rich compost tea to help them thrive.

Planting hundreds of native trees and shrubs with help from volunteers of all ages.
Photos by Bill Hickey

Families planting side-by-side, learning directly from the soil. Photos by Bill Hickey

Moments of joy and connection during a full day of community planting.
Photos by Alexandra Ionescu

This miniforest is at the very start of its journey. As it establishes, we’ll be caring for it through watering, mulch maintenance, and hands-on learning with students. We’re thankful to all who made this possible and excited to witness how this living system grows and evolves with the community over time.

Looking down at the newly planted miniforest floor—
hundreds of young saplings planted densely together. Photo by Bill Hickey

About Miyawaki Forests

The Miyawaki Forest is an ultra dense, biodiverse pocket forest that recreates the complexity of natural forests and the relationships and processes that help them grow strong and resilient. By giving home to a vast array of native species, they boost the biodiversity of the area and nurture pollinators, supporting and restoring ecosystems.

They sequester carbon in the soil, reduce air pollution and soil contamination, improve water absorption to buffer against flooding and erosion, and cool the surrounding area to mitigate the urban heat island effect. They also create a living classroom for people and communities to learn about native ecology, engage in stewardship, and experience the interconnectedness of the natural world.

Peabody Elementary School Miniforest