Iowa's First Mini-Forest Taking Root

(West Des Moines, IA) -- Iowa's first mini-forest is taking root at Brookview Park in West Des Moines. Student at nearby Brookview Elementary school, at 8000 EP True Parkway, have been busy planting saplings at a plot about the size of a tennis court.

The project began as an idea from members of a local book club.

Diane Ford of Des Moines says members of her book club were inspired to develop the project after reading the book Mini-Forest Revolution by Iowa native, Hannah Lewis. Members approached the city of West Des Moines and raised $10,000. The city suggested Brookview Park, near Brookview Elementary School. Ford says the location is ideal because they had hoped to encourage children to participate in the planting. Organizers also say there is interest in the project from Iowa State University's forestry researchers.

West Des Moines City Forester Paul Tauke says since the saplings are planted close together, the trees and shrubs will mature more quickly than if they if they were spaced out. He says half the plot will be fenced to protect the plantings from rabbits and deer. He says the other half will be unfenced. Tauke says they want to determine how the mini-forest will be able to withstand rabbit and deer pressure.