Manhattan Healing Forest

Planting for Resilience.

Roosevelt Island, New York City, NY

Miyawaki Forest

City

Trees

Square Feet

Native Species

Nestled along the southern banks of Roosevelt Island, the Manhattan Healing Forest stands as a beacon of hope, offering a haven of tranquility for the almost 12,000 residents amidst the bustling cityscape.

The strong currents of the New York Estuary, aka East River, lap at our shorelines, an ever present reminder of the island’s beauty and vulnerability. As storm surges threaten Roosevelt Island, and flood models paint a concerning picture, Manhattan Healing Forest emerges as a symbol of hope and adaptation. This SUGi Pocket Forest is strategically positioned to stabilize the land and capture water, serving as a living barrier against flooding and erosion, preventing pollutant runoff and enhancing air quality.

With its diverse array of flora and fauna, Manhattan Healing Forest serves as a miniature lung for Manhattan, providing habitat for migratory birds, butterflies, and a variety of urban wildlife. From the bustling activity of squirrels to the majestic presence of peregrine falcons and red-tailed hawks, the forest teems with life and vitality. The forest is a haven for humans and wildlife alike.

Restoring hope we embrace new methods to heal the land in ways good for the health of our neighbors, our neighborhood and the living beings that dwell among us.

Forest Maker
Ethan Bryson

"Tekenink atàm" (Let us go to the forest)
— Lenape Forest Name

Forest Report: 2024

0 Months

Forest Age

Survival Rate

Average of Tallest 3 Trees

A steady stream of forest friends stop by the Manhattan Healing Forest on Roosevelt Island (Manhattan) NYC daily. Some check on their plants, some want to see how the forest is growing, others stumble upon it and love learning more. Weekly, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation observes the forest’s water needs and sets the sprinklers appropriately. On weekends iDig2Learn's founder weeds out bindweed and other non-native invasives growing. northern red flickers, Mockingbirds, warblers, the endangered Monarch butterfly and the Red-Tailed Hawk frequent the forest. A family of 3 gray squirrels tumble through the baby trees playing. Neighbors stop us on the street to tell us about their visit and how well the forest is growing. The soil which was amended with Big Reuse community compost: it is rich with worms, roly-poly wood lice, beetles, while moths, both native bumble bees and the introduced hive managed European honey bees and introduced Asian praying mantis and lady beetles have been spotted. The black willow (Salix nigra) has overtaken large areas quickly in a ground sprawling habit which may be too aggressive for the small space and pruning will be needed before the six month period. The pin cherry and American elm are doing well and the raspberries make it difficult to enter in some areas. Knowing what we know now it would have been better to create paths but the space was rather thin in a L-shape which would not allow for the quantum of biodiversity we currently have in the space.

- Christina Delfico, founder of iDig2Learn

Biodiversity Notes:

Planting: April 2024

Planting of the first White Pine tree by Curtis Zunigha from the Lenape Center of the Lenape peoples & Marylee Smunitee Jones from the Yakama Nation.

Together with the local community the first Miyawaki forest in NYC is created.

Together with over 300 people the forest was created.

From above: Roosevelt Island & Manhattan skyline

Left to Right: Ethan Bryson, Curtis Zunigha, Marylee Smunitee Jones & Family, Travis, Elise Van Middelem and Christina Delfico

Forest Design

This SUGi Pocket Forest is strategically positioned to stabilize the land and capture water, serving as a living barrier against flooding and erosion, preventing pollutant runoff and enhancing air quality.

"When I first visited Manhattan and walked around its busy concrete sidewalks, my neck would ache from looking up at the glass and steel forest of towering buildings. Now I look to the ground, searching for bare soil or native plants that have been here long before the buildings. The creativity and buzz of life in one of the world's greatest cities can once again burgeon with nutrient-rich diverse life in the soil and a more balanced ecosystem in partnership with Nature. The Lenape, whose territory is Lenapehoking, say this place is a good home. Welikia. Creating an urban environment in balance with nature can make it even better. This is our intention with the Manhattan Healing Forest."

— Ethan Bryson, SUGi Forest Maker

Native 'New Yorker' Species Selection

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) — Known as the tree of great peace, a uniter of tribes, and force of light & endurance, the white pine is also revered as the giant of the eastern forests, capable of reaching up to 200 feet. Their branches and needles serve as nesting and roosting spots, while large cones provide seeds for nearly 40 species of birds.

Beach Plum (Prunus maritima) — A staple summertime food rich in antioxidants and containing antibacterial properties, Beach Plum has many health benefits. Considered endangered in several States, the beach plum also provides shelter and habitat for the Glossy ibis.

New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) — Ferns are important for forest ecosystems, serving as microhabitats, which provide perfect cover for toads and vital food source for moths and caterpillars like the Pink-shaded Fern Moth. Deciduous ferns like the New York Fern help stabilize soil in the winter until the fronds return in the spring.

White Oak (Quercus alba) — A sacred protector tree, revered for its food and medicine by the Lenape and many other tribal communities. White oak acorns provide sustenance for over 100 species of birds and mammals, as well as numerous butterflies and caterpillars. Some ònàxkwimënshi have been known to live to 600 years.

Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) — This large deciduous tree offers ample shade and sweet edible nuts that can be enjoyed by both humans and wildlife. Shagbark hickory also attracts butterflies and moths, such as the Banded Hairstreak butterflies and Luna moth. Its sweet edible nuts can be enjoyed by local humans, squirrels and chipmunks.

Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) — In the world of flora, the adaptive Wild Black Cherry is known as the silent architect of biodiversity, providing shelter and sustenance to many wildlife. Humans benefit from the bark, which is used to make cough medicine and has long been used as a natural medicine for colds and pneumonia.

“Creating this pocket forest is an invitation to understand how rebuilding soil health positively affects the health of all surrounding life. Using this tight-knit planting Miyawaki Method to strengthen root connections which in turn boosts tree growth exponentially mirrors how diverse communities can come close together now and do this. After all, New Yorkers understand crowded small spaces and if we can plant it here it can plant it anywhere.”
Christina Delfico, founder iDig2Learn.

We’re thrilled to collaborate on this project with:

"Lenape Center has been actively continuing Lenapehoking. The establishment of this pocket forest exemplifies the transformative and regenerative power that arises from collaboration."
— Lenape Center