Beginning this fall, Heights Libraries will partner with Heights Tree People to build a mini-forest behind the Coventry PEACE Building. The Heights Libraries Urban Mini-Forest project is supported, in part, by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public tree planting and maintenance grant from Cuyahoga Healthy Urban Tree Canopy.
The mini-forest will include the planting of 62 large canopy trees and 150 understory trees and plants, prioritizing native species to help expand Cleveland Heights’ tree canopy.
“The urban mini-forest is a unique library project that allows us to expand our services beyond the walls of the library buildings,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “We are excited to offer a space for environmental programming and education. This is an opportunity for us to model environmental stewardship at the PEACE Park.”
Preparation for the forest, including mulching and selective tree removal based on recommendation from an International Society of Arboriculture, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, certified arborist, will begin in August 2023. To prepare the site for the forest, seven trees will be removed, including a dead pin oak, invasive Norway maples, and a hollow red maple. In addition to site preparation, a portion of the existing asphalt area will be removed and reforested. Tree planting will begin in spring 2024.
The Heights Libraries Urban Mini-Forest project is a partnership with trained forestry professionals and Heights Tree People, a community-based volunteer group that specializes in tree planting and has planted over 950 new trees in Cleveland Heights and University Heights since 2019.
“The Coventry mini-forest will grow to shade and cool the area, freshen the air, provide habitat for other species, build connections among neighbors, and give space for children and adults to spend time in the woods. This project is a step towards healing the Earth.” said Heights Tree People Co-Founder Laura Marks.
Urban mini-forests demonstrate how cities can reconnect with nature and rebuild biodiversity. The mini forest is part of Heights Libraries’ overarching urban forestry goals to expand and maintain the urban tree canopy to promote biodiversity and long-term health of the tree canopy; increase free outdoor Library programming that encourage community stewardship of trees; and support workforce development opportunities in the PEACE Park.
“We are thrilled to partner with Heights Tree People to promote community forestry,” said Levin. “The Library is committed to responsible stewardship of the PEACE Park, and the urban mini-forest project is the start of many improvements to this important green space.”
Community members who are interested in volunteering or learning more about the mini-forest project can visit HeightsTreePeople.com.
The mini-forest is a separate project from the upcoming renovation of the PEACE Park playground. This project is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from the Cuyahoga County Healthy Urban Tree Canopy Grant Program.
This wonderful plan promises to benefit the community, the local ecosystem, and the interface between them. Congratulations Heights Libraries!