Green Communities Canada (GCC) and the University of British Columbia (UBC) are excited to release a new report. The first of its kind, Seeds of Change: Cultivating Mini Forests Across Canada, investigates the rapid growth of the mini forest movement in Canada. The report shares lessons, challenges, and best practices to help municipalities, practitioners, and communities advance greener, healthier, and more resilient cities. The report also proposes ideas for the future development and study of mini forests.
Read the complete report here.
Prof. Devisscher is the lead author and principal investigator of the report. Co-authors of the report include Kylie Clark and Jennie Zhou (Research Assistants working with Prof. Devisscher), as well as Tianna Mighty and Emily Shimon from Green Communities Canada.
In less than ten years, mini forests have been transforming urban spaces across Canada. The country’s first mini forest was planted in Stratford, Ontario, in 2016. Since then, communities have embraced this innovative approach to restore degraded land, increase biodiversity, and build climate resilience.
“Our findings reinforce that mini forests provide multiple benefits and are an alternative approach to green cities in the Canadian context. We also found several levers in terms of municipal policies and strategies,” says Professor Tahia Devisscher with the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry.”
The report highlights both the promise and the practical realities of mini forest planting:
Across the country, municipalities are recognizing mini forests as a tool for climate risk management, biodiversity conservation, canopy expansion, and equity in green space access. The report identifies opportunities to embed mini forests into local planning and proposes strategies for scaling.
Canada’s mini forest movement has accelerated quickly in a short time. This movement also has a vital role to play as we address the climate crisis and build sustainable, inclusive communities. Mini forests are more than trees—they are living classrooms, climate solutions, and community hubs.
