Mini-Forest; Big Planting Day

The Climate Action Team is thrilled with the progress on our Miyawaki-style Mini Forest.

In July, the City of Minneapolis Foresters spent a week preparing our back hillside for planting by removing two trees and auguring in compost and bio char. They covered that with a layer of cardboard, then 3 – 6 inches of wood chips. All of this labor and materials was at no cost to FUS. To speed the decomposition of  the cardboard and chips, we’ve installed drip hoses to supplement rainfall, with great success.  The soil is lovely!

We will be planting 400 shrubs and bare-root saplings Saturday, November 7. Go here to see the full list of species. Volunteers of all ages and abilities should register:  Nov 7, 2026 Mini-forest Planting First Unitarian Society and arrive at by 9:15. Refreshments will be served then. Lunch will be served on completion. A limited number of gloves and tools will be available, but if you can bring your own, that will be helpful.

Hannah Lewis, author of Mini-Forest Revolution, will be leading the planting. “Lead Foresters” will supervise their teams in planting strips across the hillside. We are looking for a few more experienced gardeners for this role. They will meet with Hannah Sunday, November 1 at 12:30 in the Dietrich Room and report by 8:30 on planting morning. If this interests you, please note this on your registration form.

Children need to be accompanied by a parent. Rain date is Saturday, November 14.