Beginning on Arbor Day, April 25, the University of Iowa community came together to plant 4,000 tree seedlings near Hillcrest Residence Hall, creating the largest Miyawaki forest in the state. The planting effort involved more than 400 volunteers, including students, faculty, staff, and community members. The project was a collaboration between the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, Landscape Services, Promise to the Planet, the LENA Project, and more university partners. The week concluded with a community celebration on May 2 featuring live music, storytelling, and a community sing.
Learn more about the project through this selection of news stories and features:
"What is a Miyawaki forest? Here’s why volunteers are planting 4,000 trees on the University of Iowa campus," The Gazette
The Gazette provides a detailed overview of the forest’s ecological purpose, the fast-growing Miyawaki planting method, and how it will create a self-sustaining ecosystem over time. It includes quotes from Campus Arborist Andy Dahl and Sustainability Program Manager Beth MacKenzie.
"Photo gallery: A campus forest comes to life," Iowa Now
Iowa Now features a dynamic photo gallery that captures the planting process and the enthusiastic participation of students, staff, and community volunteers who brought the forest to life.
View the gallery here
"DITV: Students celebrate Arbor Day by planting thousands of trees," DITV (Daily Iowan TV)
This video segment by DITV gives an inside look at the Arbor Day planting event and highlights the environmental goals behind the project. Interviews and footage show the hands-on community effort behind the forest’s creation.
Watch the segment here
"University of Iowa plants state’s largest Miyawaki Forest," KGAN CBS 2
KGAN reports on how the University transformed an underutilized, sloped area into a dense native forest. The story explains the Miyawaki method and includes insights from UI Sustainability Program Manager Beth MacKenzie and Campus Arborist Andy Dah.
Read the article here
"UI concludes planting of Miyawaki forest next to Hillcrest Residence Hall," The Daily Iowan
The Daily Iowan covers the completion of the planting and features reflections from students, volunteers, and organizers. The article details how over 4,000 trees of 26 native species were planted to restore biodiversity and create a living learning space. The article includes quotes from Campus Arborist Andy Dahl
Read the article here