Miyawaki 101

A forest from scratch? Learn this unique and time-tested method for bringing a new forest to life for the health of soil, water, air, and ourselves. With worldwide deforestation for agriculture and development jeopardizing the health of soils, water, biodiversity, and our climate, there is no better time than the present to bring wild vegetation back to degraded lands–and quickly. 

The Miyawaki method is a rapid technique for afforestation (planting trees in areas that haven’t recently seen tree cover) that mimics nature’s behaviors to (re)create complex, whole ecosystems on otherwise depleted soils. The benefits of this high-density, low-input planting method are still being studied, but some well-documented outcomes include soil remediation, greater water control, cooler microclimates, refuge habitat for native species, and self-sufficiency in the plot only two years after planting. The Horn Farm Center is home to one of the first deciduous Miyawaki forest experimentation plots in the United States, and we look forward to sharing what we have learned from this process.

In this class, we’ll tour Horn Farm's Miyawaki test plots to showcase the ecological underpinnings of the Miyawaki method, its benefits to the ecosystem, and then demonstrate the process for building your own Miyawaki mini-forest. In addition, we hope to uplift your imagination for the possibilities of returning life and beauty to depleted soils and monotonous lawnscapes, since the Miyawaki method’s small-scale design emphasizes accessibility, scalability, and impacts we can see and feel in our lifetimes.

Additionally, each participant will have to opportunity to pick up their own Miyawaki starter kit including seven unique, native tree seedlings and the knowledge to bring rewilding home or wherever the land can benefit from this innovative planting technique.

More about Akira Mayawaki and his forest restoration method.

About the Instructor:

Wilson Alvarez is a certified permaculture designer, inventor, gardener, skilled tracker, bowyer, nature-awareness instructor, and writer from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For the past fourteen years, he has taught classes and workshops on bio-intensive agriculture, regenerative technology, foraging, hunting, trapping, tracking, and wilderness survival. Wilson has studied through the Wilderness Awareness School via the Kamana program, and he received his Permaculture Design Certificate via Susquehanna Permaculture. At the Horn Farm Center, Wilson serves as the lead land steward and educator. He teaches classes, workshops, and the Land Steward Training Program.

Program Notes:

This class will take place outdoors. Please check the weather in advance and dress accordingly. Be prepared for walking on uneven terrain and potentially snowy and/or muddy conditions. 

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here. 

Parking takes place in the field above the farmhouse.