executives. These reflections are not intended to cast aspersions on the practices of farmers today. This is written as a call to adapt and improve our current practices so that we may have clean air, a recharged aquifer, and healthy habitat throughout our great preserve.
n mini-forest revolution There is an extraordinary innovation that can help create resiliency in a compromised biological system. And here’ s the twist: it did not originate in North America. It was developed in Takahashi, Japan. The Miyawaki Method synthesizes indigenous multi-layered agroforestry with a Japanese technique of rapid reforestation used on degraded land. Finally, the old adage that“ a society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in” is outmoded and outdated. This new innovation, pioneered by Japanese educator and botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 60’ s, can be used most anywhere forest biomes are known to have existed.
n akira miyawaki Under the close consultation of Dr. Miyawaki, teams in over 1700 locations around the world have planted over 40 million native trees. Miyawaki figured out that if you plant primarily keystone tree species densely, you can create a mature forest in 20-60 years. Natural succession in the Piedmont reveals a mature forest in 100-200 years. Inside these dense forests, lower lateral branches touch and send hormones straight up to the leaders, spurring rapid vertical growth. In a recent study published in the Land Journal, a research team found that“ Within just one to three years, Miyawaki microforests significantly enhanced both the physical and biological properties of degraded urban soils, signaling rapid restoration of soil function and the early return of ecosystem services.”
Akira Miyawaki was born in Takahashi, Japan. He taught plant ecology at the Yokohama National University. New York Times reporter Cara Buckley notes that Miyawaki experienced a great epiphany when he noticed that ancient native trees nearest Japan’ s temples and shrines survived the great typhoons and industrial air pollution of nearby urban centers. From this, he started a mini-forest revolution in over 25 countries with up to 4,000 unique forests planted. It is just the beginning. Continued on page 14 > the Miyawaki method
The Heritage Mini-Forest
n Potential Natural Vegetation Survey. First, conduct a PNV survey to identify which plants are likely to have evolved and thrived in your specific region for hundreds or thousands of years without human intervention. These plants are usually well-adapted to the post-glacial conditions that we see today.
n Site Selection. Do you wish to dampen the roar of a highway? Do you want to protect a stream from pollutants and erosion? Increase your property value? Select an area that is appropriate for a mature stand of trees. Orchardists may be mindful of placement and species selection, as some species can transmit
16 plenty I autumn harvest 2026