Princeton’s Microforest Turns 1, Municipality Wants Your Feedback

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton’s first microforest is now a year old, and the town wants to know what residents think.

The municipality held an event to mark the project’s first anniversary at Quarry Park. Community members, volunteers and project partners came to see how the site has grown and to celebrate the work that went into it.

As the microforest begins its second year, Princeton is asking residents to take a short survey. The town wants feedback on the project, its benefits and ways people can get involved in the future.

The municipality thanked the Shade Tree Commission, the Environmental Commission and the volunteers who have supported the project.

How it started

As Patch previously reported, the microforest was planted on Oct. 4, 2025, in an underused section of Quarry Park that had been mostly grass and invasive species. The project is part of Princeton’s Climate Action Plan.

It follows the Miyawaki method, developed by Japanese plant ecologist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s. Trees of different heights are planted close together, along with native shrubs. The approach can create a mature woodland in 20 to 30 years instead of about a century.

The forest includes red maple, white oak, American hornbeam, tulip poplar, blackgum, sweet pepperbush, nannyberry and spicebush. All are found in local old-growth forests.

Officials said the forest can capture carbon, help manage stormwater runoff, provide natural cooling and serve as an outdoor classroom for learning about local ecology. The site also has walking trails and seating areas.