What is a micro-forest?

Situated on campus between the Dougan and Pinkerton buildings, what is currently a monoculture of turf grass will soon be transformed into a biodiverse plethora of native species that both provides for the environment by assisting pollinators, and for the public by creating an inviting recreational area and accessible green space.

There are three primary elements to this space that we hope to realize:

• A micro-forest, which is a densely and diversely populated area with many trees, bushes, and other native species that create a small but immersive forest.
• A micro-prairie, which is an area of short plants like native flowers and grasses that are vital for pollinators. We will be especially using the edible camas species for this.
• A "third place," which is a common social gathering and recreational space distinct from the home ("first place") and the workplace ("second place").

We also wish to use this space to tell a story. Specifically, the rich history of the area, its peoples, its environment, and its importance.

Why is this Important?

Biodiversity

Having a large variety of plants is critically important for maintaining pollinator species. Monocultures — which occur when one or few species dominate the ecosystem such as in turf grass lawns or ivy takeovers — have been shown to reduce the populations of pollinator species such as bees, birds, and other insects by at least 30% and up to 100% in some cases.

Urban health

Urban residents tend to be more estranged from nature and lack accessible green spaces for peace and recreation. This can take a toll on mental health, especially in tandem with other environmental effects of living in a city such as noise and air pollution. This emphasizes the importance of urban forestry, and it has been shown that having accessible green space in a city can reduce psychological distress among urban communities by as much as 50%.

Canopy coverage

The City of Tacoma has a uniquely low tree canopy coverage percentage compared to other cities around the Puget Sound at only 20% overall coverage (compared to Seattle at 28% or Bellevue at 37%). Canopy coverage is crucial for diffusing heat; large areas of concrete or pavement being exposed directly to the sun can create heat sinks which greatly exacerbate the effects of heatwaves. Canopy coverage is also effective at diffusing noise pollution and cutting down on air pollution, while providing space for larger species such as birds.