Rochester Will Plant Miyawaki Forest in Spring 2027

The city will transform a vacant lot at 354 Driving Park Ave. into a dense, native mini-forest.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Environmental

Young green saplings in soil beds on a cleared city lot, representing urban forest development. — Rochester officials plan to convert a former commercial lot at Dewey and Driving Park avenues into a dense native Miyawaki forest by spring 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your city prioritize planting small urban forests on vacant lots instead of seeking commercial development?

In spring 2027, Rochester will convert a 1,700-square-foot vacant lot at the intersection of Dewey and Driving Park avenues into the city's first Miyawaki forest. Volunteers and staff will plant over 600 trees and shrubs representing 36 native species to enhance local air quality and cooling.

Why it matters

The project repurposes a site formerly housing a Family Dollar that is difficult to redevelop for business, providing a solution to stabilize land while improving the neighborhood environment. City officials aim to use the site as a test case for potential future urban forest expansions.

The project utilizes a specific planting method featuring native vegetation spaced 1.5 feet apart to force nutrient and sunlight competition. The soil base will be sourced from Mt. Hope Cemetery and mixed with compost to support the growth of the 36 native species.

The players

Rochester

This city in New York is the municipal authority overseeing the urban forestry project.

The details

The forest is expected to reach a mature canopy in 20 to 30 years, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem within the urban landscape. This site was selected following the realignment of the Dewey and Driving Park intersection, leaving the former commercial lot available for alternative use.

The Miyawaki planting method was originally developed in the 1970s.
City staff and volunteers will plant the forest in spring 2027.
The city will assess the success of the trial in 5 years.
The forest is expected to reach a mature canopy in 20 to 30 years.

The Big Picture

The project follows the Miyawaki forest methodology to address urban land vacancy. By implementing this specific technique, the city signals a departure from traditional green space development toward highly dense, rapid-growth reforestation models.

Residents near the Dewey and Driving Park area can expect improved air quality and localized temperature reduction once the forest reaches maturity. The trial will determine if similar vacant lots across the city are converted into high-density natural zones in the coming years.

The takeaway

Urban areas can repurpose challenging vacant lots into ecological assets through high-density native planting. This approach demonstrates how cities can prioritize environmental health in spaces that may otherwise remain underutilized.