Located beside the Faculty of Health Sciences building, this emerging green space is more than a collection of young trees and shrubs. It’s a living example of community-led climate action and a growing reminder that meaningful change can start right here at uOttawa.
What is a tiny forest
Tiny forests are small but powerful ecosystems densely planted with a diverse mix of native trees, shrubs and ground covers. They’re designed to mimic the structure and function of a natural forest, but in a space the size of a tennis court.
This high-density, biodiversity-first approach helps forests establish quickly. Closely spaced plants support one another, improve soil health and build resilience over time. Once established, tiny forests require minimal maintenance, allowing nature to do most of the work.
Why tiny forests matter on campus
Tiny forests deliver outsized benefits, many of which students and staff feel directly. They also play a meaningful role in advancing uOttawa’s broader sustainability commitments, including its Nature Positive pledge to protect, restore and enhance biodiversity on campus.
A boost for biodiversity
With more than 20 native plant species, the tiny forest creates a habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife, helping to restore biodiversity on campus. This supports uOttawa’s Nature Positive actions by increasing native species and creating healthier ecosystems in our urban environment.
A hands-on way to take climate action
Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide, making this tiny forest a meaningful local contribution to climate change mitigation. For those involved in the planting, climate action became something tangible they helped shape, something that will continue to have an impact long after the planting day.
Cooler, more comfortable campus space
Dense tree cover provides shade and releases moisture into the air, helping to reduce heat during Ottawa’s increasingly hot summers. Over time, this will mean a cooler pathway between classes and a more inviting space to pause, study or recharge outdoors.
Healthier soil and better water management
The forest’s roots strengthen soil, support beneficial micro-organisms and absorb rainwater, reducing runoff during heavy rainfall. It’s nature-based infrastructure that helps campus adapt to a changing climate.
Learning beyond the classroom
This tiny forest will also create new opportunities for hands-on learning, research and teaching across disciplines. As it grows and changes with the seasons, it can support real-world learning experiences and show how theory can turn into action beyond the classroom.
A milestone for uOttawa
Planting uOttawa’s first tiny forest was no small effort. Volunteers came together to plant 362 trees and shrubs, along with 218 ground-cover plants. Their work laid the foundation for a thriving ecosystem that will benefit campus for years to come.
With time, care and continued student involvement, this tiny forest will grow into a vibrant ecosystem and a visible symbol of uOttawa’s commitment to sustainability in action. This Earth Month, it serves as a reminder that protecting and restoring nature starts with local, student-led action.
Our sincere thanks for the funding provided by Trees for Life and Green Communities Canada (through EnviroCentre), and Tree Canada via its Community Tree Grant. We also wish to thank our partners EnviroCentre, Environtastic uOttawa and Forêt Capitale Forest for their expertise and help in bringing this project to life.
As the forest grows, so do the opportunities to get involved. Students interested in projects like this can explore summer volunteer placements and other activities through the Office of Campus Sustainability. Staff are also encouraged to get involved in future planting and ongoing care of the tiny forest.
