Planting a Mini Forest for Snuneymuxw First Nation
The Rotary Club of Nanaimo partnered with Snuneymuxw First Nation and Green Communities Canada to create the first mini forest on Vancouver Island. Located in front of the new transitional housing complex on Snuneymuxw Territory in Cedar, the mini forest features over 1,000 native trees and shrubs that are planted close to each other. Densely planted mini forests are self-sustaining and are beneficial in many ways, including promoting biodiversity, reducing runoff, improving air quality in urban areas, providing mental health benefits and creating wildlife habitat.
Although small in scale, with the three planted beds measuring approximately 2,000 square feet total, creating the mini forest required the expertise and support of many over several months including:
- Rotary Club of Nanaimo: $13,500 in funding, landscaping expertise (plant selection, procurement and placement), project logistics
- Snuneymuxw First Nation: Site preparation, topsoil application and project logistics
- Green Communities Canada: $10,000 in funding and mini forest expertise
- City of Nanaimo: $3,000 in funding
This District-grant supported effort will ultimately create a welcoming and home like environment for residents in the transitional housing.
For the overall landscaping effort, our club:
- Advised on plant selection, procurement, and placement
- Reimbursed the Snuneymuxw for procurement and delivery of mulch and plants
- Provided volunteer labour to spread mulch and install plants
Committed to maintaining the landscaping after completion, Snuneymuxw will be offering residents an opportunity to earn an honorarium by working on the site.
With additional funds for more plants or outdoor furniture, Rotary’s scope will be completed during our Rotary Year 2023-2024.
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