Tiny Forests Bringing Nature Home

By Colleen Hook, Executive Director, Quinta Mazatlan

The City of McAllen-Quinta Mazatlan has planted two Tiny Forests in 2023, one at Cathey Middle School and one near the Palm View Community Center. Children and adults planted several thousand native plants onto what was previously invasive grass fields. Tiny Forests, which can be the size of a tennis court, help boost biodiversity and create a healthier learning and living environment for all. “We could not have done these Tiny Forests without the generous support of private donors,” says Colleen Hook, Executive Director of Quinta Mazatlan.

A lot of work goes into finding partners, locations, raising funds, preparing the ground, growing/planting the native plants, and follow-up care. Thanks to the Friends of Quinta Mazatlan, a non-profit board, donors from the Moon over Mazatlan Gala have now raised over $60,000 for two Schoolyard Tiny Forests, awarding Sam Houston Elementary with the second Tiny Forest to be planted in the Spring of 2024. “With our joint MISD partnership, our vision is for every school to have a Tiny Forest,” says Colleen Hook. These little wilderness areas will grow and attract beautiful birds and other wildlife. They will also offer a great learning experience for children to have a “living science lab” on their own school campus.

The support of the entire City of McAllen makes this urban greening initiative possible with special recognition to McAllen Parks & Recreation, Convention Facilities, Information Office, Public Utility, and Public Works.

Clearly, we all would love to see Tiny Forests popping up everywhere and would like to be involved. How to get involved? From donor gifts to gifts-in-kind to hands-on stewardship (planting, watering & weeding), you can help green and grow nature in our cities. By planting these Tiny Forests, we are bringing nature back home, and when nature does well, so do we.

Benefits of Tiny Forests

• Helps with Urban Heat Stress---The soil in a Tiny Forest can be up to 20 degrees cooler than the temperature of a city street.

• Reduces Air Pollution

• Improves Storm Water Management

• Produces Oxygen & Reduces Carbon Dioxide

• Supports Wildlife, Including Birds & Pollinators

• Spending Time in Nature Reduces Stress & Crime

• Kids Get Excited About Hands-On Learning at School

• Needs Minimal Maintenance After Establishment, as Nature Takes Over