Rochester begins work on a new Miyawaki Forest to bring more green space to the city

Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester has begun preparing the site for a new urban forestry project that will bring a dense native forest to a former parking lot on Driving Park Avenue, offering a new approach to adding green space in the city.

The Miyawaki Forest project, proposed by Rochester City Councilmember Bridget Monroe, will transform the property at 354 Driving Park Ave. into a small but densely planted forest. The project is designed not only to create a new neighborhood green space, but also to test whether the Miyawaki planting method can be a practical and affordable way to make Rochester greener and cooler.

“This pilot project gives us an opportunity to test an approach to creating more green space in our neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Monroe. “By carefully evaluating the forest’s growth, environmental benefits, maintenance needs and overall return on investment, we’ll gain new knowledge Rochester’s approach to urban forestry in the future.”

The city plans to closely monitor how the forest develops. Officials will evaluate its growth, environmental benefits and maintenance needs, along with the overall value of the investment. The findings could help Rochester decide whether the approach should be used for other urban forestry projects in the future.

The Miyawaki method was developed by Japanese botanist and ecologist Akira Miyawaki. Unlike many traditional tree-planting projects, the method relies on planting a large variety of native trees and shrubs close together. The dense arrangement encourages the plants to grow quickly while creating several layers that resemble a natural woodland.

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More than 600 native trees and shrubs, representing about 30 species, are expected to be planted at the Rochester site in spring 2027. The selection will include canopy trees, understory trees and shrubs that historically grew across the Finger Lakes region.

Supporters of the approach say the dense forests can develop much faster than conventional plantings. According to the project information, Miyawaki forests can develop the coverage of a 100-year-old forest canopy in about 20 to 30 years. Once established, they can also require relatively little maintenance.

The environmental goals extend beyond simply adding trees to the neighborhood. The new forest is expected to provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to better air quality. It could also help reduce stormwater runoff, lower temperatures in the surrounding urban area and support greater biodiversity.

For Mayor Malik D. Evans, the project also has an important community benefit. He said access to nature and trees can play a role in residents’ health and well-being, particularly when green spaces are located close to where people live.

“Trees and access to nature are important to the health and well-being of our residents,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Thanks to Councilmember Monroe and her efforts, this green space will give people a place to relax, connect with nature and enjoy the neighborhood. Even a small forest can create a meaningful opportunity for residents to experience the benefits of nature close to home.”

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Work at the site is already underway, with crews focused on preparing the former parking lot for the future forest. The planting itself, as well as completion of the project, is planned for spring 2027.

The city sees the project as both a neighborhood improvement and a test of a different way to approach urban forestry. If the pilot shows that the Miyawaki method can deliver environmental benefits while remaining practical and cost-efficient, Rochester could gain another tool for creating green spaces in developed areas.

Residents interested in learning more about the project can visit the city’s Miyawaki Forest information page for additional details.