A mini forest grows in Brooklyn.
A small but lush forest ecosystem with trees, shrubs, wildflowers planted in a formerly bare lot was unveiled on Tuesday by city officials and electeds in the plaza in North Fifth Street Pier and Park.
The project is part of an ongoing effort to expand the city’s tree canopy and enhance public greenspace. With an investment of nearly $200,000, the redesigned area now features a vibrant mix of plants, replicating the feel of a natural forest.
"The new mini forest that we have planted here in Brooklyn has transformed this lot into a vibrant and unique space for relaxation and reflection, complete with all the trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, and stones that you'd find in a natural forest,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa.
Unlike traditional Miyawaki-style mini forests, which require years of growth, this Brooklyn forest was installed with mature plantings, offering immediate impact. It adds to the growing network of green spaces along the borough’s coastline, including nearby Bushwick Inlet Park.
The space includes native species like black gum, persimmon, river birch and serviceberry, alongside plantings such as aromatic aster, butterfly weed, narrow leaved mountain mint and hayscented fern. Decaying logs and natural stones complete the woodland setting.
Council Member Lincoln Restler allocated $35,000 toward the project.
"I'm thrilled that we're bringing the first ever mini forest to Brooklyn! The new mini forest in the Northside of Williamsburg will have an outsized impact on our community by enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, preventing flooding, and beautifying a rundown, underutilized park space,” said Restler.
