SURF Microforest Project

Florida Veterans for Common Sense Fund Inc. (FLVCS FUND) in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay, Solutions to Avoid Red Tide (START), and Sarasota County’s Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team (NEST), have worked together to plant a demonstration Sarasota Urban ReForestation (SURF) microforest at the Celery Fields, a popular ecological site and recreational amenity, in Sarasota County.

Fast Growth Microforest

Japanese Botanist Akira Miyawaki pioneered the technique to grow a microforest in 20-30 years that can have the attributes of a forest 200-300 years old. Using the Miyawaki technique, native species are planted close together to compete for sunlight. This technique allows the trees to grow upward instead of sideways. As a result, the forest grows denser and as much as ten times faster. As a bonus, in three short years the microforest should be nearly maintenance-free.

The team worked with the Serenoa Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and the Sarasota Audubon Society to find the best mix of native plants for an approximately 1/3-acre footprint chosen for the microforest. The team planted more than fifteen tree and shrub species. The plantings included canopy trees such as, bald cypress and live oak, and understory species such as, Dahoon Holly and Sugar Berry. In addition, the team added a ground layer of native shrubs and plants like coontie and beauty berry.

The site chosen for the forest was an open field covered with grass. Volunteers covered the site with a layer of cardboard and covered that material with wood chips. It suppressed the grass, provide nutrients for the forest’s fast growth, and store moisture in the soil.

Carbon Capture and Runoff Avoided

The primary goal for the forest is to sequester carbon to combat climate change. The microforest will become effective carbon sink. Forest ecologists estimate that plants and soil in a natural forest can store 40 times more carbon than a monoculture forest. The team estimates that the Celery Fields microforest will sequester approximately 600 tons of carbon in 30 years. Another major benefit will be to intercept and filter rainwater. The rainwater would otherwise leave the site to transport pollutants that foster red tide and, during intense rain events, cause downstream flooding. It’s estimated that over 3,865,00 gallons of water will be intercepted. Further, this interception will prevent over 850,000 gallons of runoff in 30 years.

Additional Benefits

The forest will provide many other benefits as well. An immediate benefit is that a Miyawaki forest can restore Sarasota’s depleted urban forest much quicker than a traditionally planted natural forest. The County will save money and effort by no longer having to mow the area, which will greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The microforest will calm storm winds as well, which is an important benefit as climate change makes SW Florida more vulnerable to hurricanes. As it grows to maturity, the forest will provide shade to help cool the urban heat island and it will filter the air.

The ecological benefits of the microforest are numerous. A primary consequence will be an increase in biodiversity. Much of the Celery Fields is currently open grassland and pond habitat. While the Celery Fields is already a birding hotspot, the microforest will make it better. It will introduce a forest habitat that is missing from the Celery Fields; this increase in biodiversity will attract more species of birds, particularly migratory songbirds, as well as other animals. The diverse tree and plant species will provide food and shelter for creatures like butterflies, amphibians, and mammals.

The microforest makes the Celery Fields, a highly prized recreational gem, even better. Runners and walkers will enjoy the shady forest as a break from the sun soaked open areas. The serenity provided by the forest will soothe the human spirit as well. Already, bird watchers are checking the forest and visitors to the site often tell our team how much they like the project.

Community Cooperation

A tremendous benefit of the project is outstanding community cooperation. Michael Saunders Foundation, The Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay Foundation, Florida Veterans for Common Sense Inc., START and several private individuals provided funding. Several different businesses donated material and expertise. The Serenoa Chapter, Native Plant Society and Sarasota Audubon provided technical expertise and logistical support. And most importantly, the project succeeded due to the hard work of many volunteers and their efforts are ongoing.

The benefits from the microforest concept are so apparent that the team envisions many more will be planted in S.W. Florida. The team expects the Celery Fields Miyawaki microforest to be the first of many.