Waterfront Wilderness: New “Mini Forest” Unveiled in Williamsburg

Photo by NYC Parks / Daniel Avila

NYC Parks transformed an underutilized lot on the Brooklyn waterfront into a thriving ecosystem in miniature

A new “mini forest” on the Williamsburg waterfront was unveiled. Thanks to this nearly $200K investment, a lush forest ecosystem with trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and more has now replaced a formerly bare lot. The enhanced greenspace is the latest example of NYC Parks’ commitment to expanding the tree canopy throughout the five boroughs.  

Parks has filled the space with mature trees, wildflowers, decaying logs, stones, and more, effectively installing a fully-formed forest ecosystem along the Brooklyn waterfront. In contrast to Miyawaki-style mini forests, which begin with small plants planted closely together and allowed to grow naturally over time, New Yorkers will not have to wait to see the natural ecosystem of the new Brooklyn mini forest develop.  

Located on a plaza in North Fifth Street Pier and Park, the new mini forest adds yet another burst of nature to the Brooklyn waterfront as the coastline continues its green transformation. The new mini forest joins other parks and open spaces along the waterfront like Bushwick Inlet Park that are providing critical greenspace in a rapidly developing neighborhood. 

Parks is committed to expanding the tree canopy throughout the five boroughs, helping all New Yorkers enjoy the environmental and aesthetic benefits of trees. Street trees cool neighborhoods, beautify city blocks, soften the hard edges of concrete and brick, and serve as a source of pride for New Yorkers. New York City is home to more than seven million trees, comprised of more than 200 species. Parks marked three straight years of increasing tree planting totals and recently announced a new block-planting strategy that will plant up to 18,000 trees across the city per year, with a focus on heat-vulnerable neighborhoods.  

Parks invested approximately $197K in the construction of the Brooklyn mini forest. Councilmember Restler contributed approximately $35K to further support installation and maintenance. Tree species that can be found at the new mini forest include serviceberry, black gum, river birch, and persimmon. Visitors can also see shrubs, ferns, wildflowers, and grasses like narrow leaved mountain mint, flat-topped goldenrod, sweet fern, aromatic aster, butterfly weed, little bluestem, and hayscented fern.