{"id":132791,"date":"2026-01-22T01:41:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T01:41:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/132791\/"},"modified":"2026-01-22T01:41:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T01:41:36","slug":"st-edwards-university-partners-with-h-e-b-to-plant-first-central-texas-tiny-forest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/132791\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Edward’s University partners with H-E-B to plant first Central Texas Tiny Forest"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSt. Edward\u2019s University<\/a> and H-E-B<\/a> have collaborated to create the first Tiny Forest in Austin and Central Texas to help improve canopy cover in communities throughout Austin.<\/p>\n

How it works<\/p>\n

On Jan. 17, H-E-B team members, community volunteers, university students, faculty and staff joined together to plant 54 square meters with 164 trees and shrubs.<\/p>\n

The project uses the Miyawaki Method, an approach that enables trees to grow 10 times faster and seclude 10 times more carbon than traditional tree planting methods.<\/p>\n

Arborist and sustainability coordinator Roy Johnson explained how the method differs from conventional tree planting.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can use this method to provide all of the benefits of conventional tree plantings, such as air and ground water filtration, erosion control and cooling the air through evapotranspiration,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cHowever, using this specific and detailed method, trees can be expected to grow much faster than conventional plantings.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through this method, the trees planted at the event are expected to reach full maturity within the community\u2019s lifetime, as stated in a news release.<\/p>\n

Natural resources intern Veronica Chavez said the project will reduce the negative effects of urbanization on the local community.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven on just a local level, a tiny forest can improve air quality, help with stormwater management and provide a cooling effect for the surrounding areas,\u201d Chavez said. \u201cIt also becomes a habitat for local wildlife and pollinators, encouraging increased biodiversity in the area.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"OnOn Jan. 17, community members, students, faculty and H-E-B partners joined together to plant 164 trees and shrubs for the Tiny Forest. (Courtesy St. Edward’s University)The background<\/p>\n

According to the news release, the Miyawaki Method crafted by botanist Akira Miyawaki was inspired by his time witnessing large-scale deforestation from World War II and overdevelopment in Japan.<\/p>\n

The project is a proof-of-concept model that can be shared with overdeveloped communities in need of the benefits of trees, such as areas within the eastern crescent of Austin, which typically receive low tree equity scores.<\/p>\n

The event marks the second year of the university\u2019s collaboration with H-E-B through its Trees for Texans program, which aims to support healthier environments for schools, parks and communities throughout Texas.<\/p>\n

Get involved<\/p>\n

Community members can directly help the Tiny Forest project by participating in a fringe mantel planting in the fall or reaching out to [email\u00a0protected]<\/a> for information about how to plant a tiny forest in their community. Interested individuals can also stay updated with the forest by checking out its Instagram @Seu_food_forest<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Quote of note<\/p>\n

\u201cThese tiny forests won’t check every box needed for climate change mitigation and environmental justice, but they have the ability to be a massive boost to both,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cIt seemed like we should jump on the opportunity to start introducing this concept to Austin sooner than later. We are very excited about the potential and very pleased that the ball has started rolling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t