Little Forests SSM
We're bringing the concept of a 'Little Forest' to Sault Ste. Marie's urban area. Our first Little Forest was planted at East View Public School in May 2025. Our second Little Forest is coming to White Pines Collegiate and Vocational School in 2026. Read below for some background information and links to similar projects across Canada. Please reach out if you would be interested in volunteering with this project.
What is a Little Forest?
We have designed our Little Forests using the Miyawaki Method. Miyawaki forests are small areas (around the size of a tennis court) planted with a diverse selection of native species.
While this method is not a replacement for natural forests, Little Forests using the Miyawaki Method are an approach to greening urban spaces, breaking up monoculture lawns and restoring damaged lands.
We're excited to be bringing this approach to SSM. Keep scrolling for project updates and photos.
Project Updates
June 2025: Prepared the forest floor layers at our future Little Forest site at White Pines.
May 2025: Trees planted at East View by a great group of volunteers. Made possible by funders and donours!
June 2024: We spread the layers of what will become the forest floor across the site. This includes composted manure, hay and mulch. We had help from a number of volunteers as well as students and staff at East View!
May 2024: Our grant application was successful and we began full steam ahead with the initiation of our first Little Forest project. The site of the first Little Forest will be at East View Public school.
March 2024: We submitted our first application for funding for this project and we've secured partners for potential planting locations.
Little Forest projects across Canada
We've been inspired by and continue to learn a lot from ongoing Little Forest projects across Canada. Check them out below!
Want to volunteer on this project?
Reach out to us via our Contact page and mention that you would like to volunteer with the Little Forests project.