Green Venture aimed to breathe new life into a 100-square-metre plot by planting 300 native trees and shrubs and creating a new mini forest at Mohawk College. Alongside volunteers from the Mohawk College Sustainability Green Team and Hillfield Strathallan College staff, they successfully transformed a simple patch of grass into a thriving ecosystem composed of 30 distinct native species.  

The Project

Preparation for this green transformation began a month and a half prior to planting day. After thorough planning, volunteers prepared the designated plot by laying down cardboard and adding a compost mix and mulch. This proactive measure not only suppressed weed growth but also revitalized the soil, creating a fertile foundation for the upcoming planting. Planting day saw a collaborative effort between Green Venture staff, students, and volunteers from both Mohawk and Hillfield Strathallan Colleges, who worked together to dig and plant the trees and shrubs.  

Lessons Learned

The selected site is adjacent to another mini forest installed earlier in the year by Hillfield Strathallan College students. The proximity of the two plots will allow for easy comparison between the varying methods of site preparation and planting and can give future insight into future mini forests. There is interest in conducting a comprehensive ecological study of the two sites, including soil testing and evaluating the presence of potentially invasive species within the sites.  

Final Thoughts

Volunteers and students from both schools enjoyed the planting process and were excited to contribute to improving Hamilton’s urban forest. Green Venture looks forward to future collaboration opportunities to expand the mini forest initiatives on campus or install other types of green infrastructure.  

I really enjoyed the tree planting day. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to connect with nature and my roots, reminding me of my home country. Now, I am involved in making a big difference in Canada. Sharing these experiences with a group of people who care about sustainability makes a big difference to the environment and society. Small changes can have a significant impact. Thank you to Green Venture and the Mohawk Sustainability Green Team for making this possible.

– Ana Carolina Bock, International Business Management – PM – Mohawk College

This project was supported by Green Communities Canada’s Living Cities Canada Fund. To find plants that are adapted to grow in your region, or plant nurseries that sell native plants, visit the Network of Nature website at the links provided. To learn more about mini forests, take our free and publicly available mini forest online course.