Bristol Community College planted a Miyawaki Grove, on Friday, October 6, next to
the Jackson Arts Center (H building), at the college’s Fall River Campus.
The Miyawaki Method is a unique approach to reforestation, devised by Japanese botanist
Akira Miyawaki, in which tiny forests of indigenous species can grow quickly, within
20 to 30 years, and are much more biodiverse than those planted by conventional methods.
These mini-forests, as small as three-square meters, are ideal for mitigating heat
island effects in “urban concrete jungles” during heatwaves, by cooling land with
their canopies and increasing fresh groundwater retention.
“By creating a demonstration model and educational components for both students and
communities at large, Bristol Community College will be among the first institutions
of higher education in the United States to establish this type of innovative program”,
said Dr. Nancy Lee Wood, Director, Institute for Sustainability and Post-Carbon Education, Bristol Community
College. “The initiative adds to the numerous efforts made at Bristol to address sustainability
issues – particularly as related to regenerative ecological models.”
For more information about Bristol Community College’s Miyawaki Grove initiative,
please email NancyLee.Wood@BristolCC.edu.
Bristol Community College is grounded in core values centered on student success
and lifelong learning. For 60 years, Bristol has served as a leading resource for
education and workforce development in Massachusetts, with locations in Attleboro,
Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and online.
The college offers more than 100 career and transfer programs, along with flexible
online learning options that lead to an associate degree, a career-ready certificate,
or transfer opportunities. It also provides Dual Enrollment and Early College programs,
English language instruction programs, and Adult Basic Education to support learners
at all stages. Bristol’s Economic and Workforce Solutions division is a regional leader
in workforce development, providing customized training for businesses and the community.
Bristol’s National Offshore Wind Institute (NOWI) delivers training in a state-of-the-art facility,
offering globally recognized instruction and certifications for offshore and onshore
wind energy, maritime industries, first responders, and related fields. The college
prioritizes student success through comprehensive support services and career advancement
opportunities that reduce barriers to educational access.
As one of the largest employers in the region, Bristol is committed to fostering
an inclusive environment that reflects a rich diversity of beliefs, cultures, languages,
abilities, and lifestyles.
