This climate adaptation and green infrastructure project consists of two integrated components designed to advance urban resilience, tree equity, and youth-led climate action in Calgary.

The first component involves establishing a Miyawaki (mini) forest to enhance local biodiversity, climate resilience, and community green space. The proposed site is approximately 200 m² and will include roughly 800 native plants, comprising 200 canopy trees, 200 sub-canopy trees or tall shrubs, 200 short shrubs, and 200 ground-cover plants. Using the Miyawaki method, the forest will be densely planted to accelerate growth, improve soil health, and maximize ecosystem benefits in a compact urban footprint.

The second component focuses on youth leadership and equity by creating two Youth Tree Equity Ambassador roles for individuals from BIPOC neighbourhoods in Northeast Calgary, an area with comparatively lower tree canopy cover and reduced access to green infrastructure. These ambassadors—ideally university students, though not exclusively—will receive hands-on training in the Miyawaki method, including site design and planting, community engagement, maintenance practices, climate-adaptation outcomes, and monitoring and data collection (e.g., tree survival and growth rates). The program will also emphasize practical applications for community and school-based learning.

With ongoing mentorship and support from the Calgary Climate Hub, Rocky Ridge–Royal Oak Community Association, and partner experts, the Youth Tree Equity Ambassadors will engage local organizations, community groups, and residents within their neighbourhoods to explore locally relevant and culturally appropriate opportunities for future Miyawaki forests.

The goals of this project are to build youth capacity and technical knowledge in climate adaptation, increase BIPOC engagement in climate action initiatives in Calgary, and establish a strong, community-driven partnership in Northeast Calgary to design and implement a Miyawaki forest in 2026.