Children help create 400-tree mini forest in St. Thomas

The City of St. Thomas planted 400 trees in a small space to create its first Miyawaki Mini Forest on Sept 30, 2025 (Source: Brent Lale/CTV News London)

St. Thomas has its first Miyawaki Mini Forest.

“We’ve brought a community in to plant 400 trees in a 10-by-10 area, we’re planting trees 50 cm apart. And or you can say four trees per square metre,” says Matt Robinson, urban forester with the City of St. Thomas.

Thanks to a grant from RBC and Green Communities Canada they are planting the tries which could grow fast together in as little as 20 years.

“We’re creating an instant habitat for pollinators, native insects and wildlife,” says Robinson.

“These mini forests have a way of collecting a ton of carbon in a very small space. We’re involving the community and we’re creating space for pollinators and, wildlife.”

At Parish Park off Benjamin Parkway at the south end of the city, the event was part of a partnership between Railway City Tourism and the Parks Department.

“This is called Wild Wisdom and it’s about learning about parks, nature and working with the seasons,” says Megan Pickersgill, manager of Railway City Tourism.

“Through the year, seasonally, we have events in different parks and locations throughout Saint Thomas. We’ve had everything from greenhouse tours and cocktail hour to Fun Kids Day and obviously our fall planting day today.”