In just one day, a grassy hillside near Hillcrest Residence Hall was transformed into a thriving forest, and now the University of Iowa is ready to do it again, right outside the College of Public Health.

On Arbor Day 2025, students, staff, faculty, and community members planted more than 4,000 native tree seedlings using the Miyawaki method, an innovative approach to reforestation developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. By planting a dense, diverse mix of native species, Miyawaki forests grow up to 10 times faster than traditional forests, support rich biodiversity, and become self-sustaining within just a few years. The first planting is now the second-largest Miyawaki forest in Iowa.

Building on that success, Miyawaki Forest 2.0 will be planted on Arbor Day 2026 on the southeast corner of the College of Public Health Building. This new forest will include approximately 2,000 native trees and shrubs and—just like the first—will be planted entirely by volunteers.

Members of the College of Public Health community are invited to roll up their sleeves and take part in this hands-on effort to improve campus sustainability, and support environmental health.

Here are some volunteer planting opportunities:

• Friday, April 24, 2026 | 1:00 PM
• Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM
  📍 College of Public Health Building

No experience required—just a willingness to help plant the future. Join us!

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a
reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@uiowa.edu.