Danehy Park Miyawaki Forest 99 Sherman Street, Cambridge, MA 02140

Welcome to Danehy Park Miyawaki Forest

Located at 99 Sherman Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Danehy Park Miyawaki Forest stands as a beacon of ecological restoration and community spirit. Established on September 25, 2021, with the invaluable help of enthusiastic volunteers, this forest is the first Miyawaki Forest in both Cambridge and the greater Northeast United States. It symbolizes a collective effort to restore natural ecosystems and foster environmental stewardship.

The Miyawaki Forest at Danehy Park is a thriving, ultra-dense pocket forest, meticulously designed to mimic the intricate ecosystems of natural forests. By hosting a diverse range of native plant species, this forest enhances local biodiversity, nurtures pollinators, and plays a vital role in restoring the surrounding ecosystem. Its benefits are manifold: carbon sequestration, air purification, soil decontamination, improved water absorption to mitigate flooding, and cooling effects to counteract urban heat islands.

Beyond its environmental impact, the forest serves as a dynamic, living classroom where individuals and communities can engage with native ecology, participate in stewardship, and experience the interconnectedness of nature firsthand. The success and growth of the forest have been met with immense enthusiasm from both local and broader communities, inspiring future projects throughout the metro-Boston area and beyond.

Since its inception, the forest has shown remarkable resilience and growth. Despite the challenges posed by climate change, including a summer drought in 2023, the forest has flourished, supporting a vibrant array of life from bees and birds to earthworms and mushrooms. Thanks to careful monitoring and support from the city, the young trees have thrived, contributing to a lush, biodiverse habitat that continues to develop beautifully.

The Danehy Park Miyawaki Forest is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and dedication. We extend our deepest gratitude to forest maker Ethan Bryson, Andrew Putnam and Cambridge Urban Forestry, SUGi, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Marylee Jones and her family, Kat Livingston, and all our volunteers and team leaders who have made this project possible.

Join us in our mission to promote practical, hopeful, and actionable solutions for a healthier planet. Here, you'll find a community of people dedicated to creating a sustainable future for all species. We invite you to visit, get involved, and become an essential participant in this transformative journey. Together, we can build a world where every action contributes to a thriving, balanced ecosystem.