It measures just 100 square metres, but the Tiny Forest planted at York Street Public School has had an impact far greater on the students and staff there.
Located in one of Ottawa’s most urban and tree-deficient neighbourhoods, the York Street school had never offered a real buffer for students from the surrounding streets.
There was no inviting, natural outside area where kids could recharge or experience a bit of nature. And without greenery or a tree canopy, the schoolyard was extremely hot and provided little rainwater absorption.
That all changed in 2023–2024, when York Street was chosen to host Ottawa’s first school-based Tiny Forest–a comprehensive schoolyard greening initiative.
To deliver this program, EnviroCentre partnered with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Forêt Capitale Forest, and key funders, including the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation and Green Communities Canada.
While small in scale, the tiny forest at York Street Public School has had an outsize impact on both the school and the surrounding community. The project demonstrates how nature-based climate solutions can be successfully integrated into compact schoolyards to improve student well-being, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen local climate resilience.
Context and objectives
York Street Public School sits in Ottawa’s Lowertown, a dense urban area where access to green outdoor space is limited. The project was designed to address this gap by:
- Increasing tree canopy and students’ access to nature
- Providing climate-resilient green infrastructure
- Creating outdoor learning spaces aligned with curriculum
- Demonstrating a replicable model for other schools
This formed the foundation for a multi-phase plan, delivered over the 2023–2024 school year.
Project delivery
EnviroCentre oversaw the full lifecycle of the York Street project, from early visioning through installation and early-years support. Working closely with students, educators, and partners, we developed an ecological design that:
- Restored the site’s soil
- Addressed microclimate needs
- Created a layout that supports both learning and long-term resilience
Construction and planting took place between June 2023 and July 2024. During this period, the schoolyard was transformed into a connected network of natural features anchored by a native Tiny Forest planted in fall 2023.
This cohesive, welcoming green space encourages student engagement by incorporating elements such as:
- New outdoor classrooms
- Pollinator plantings
- Raised beds
- A living fence line
- Accessible seating
- A student-designed mural that reflects the school community’s identity
The Tiny Forest occupies approximately 50–100 square metres and includes a carefully selected mix of native tree and shrub species. Soil preparation was completed months in advance, and permanent fencing was installed to protect the young forest. Forêt Capitale Forest continues to provide early-years care to ensure healthy establishment.
Community engagement and learning
A key component of this project was student and staff participation. Students were actively involved throughout the process, including mulching, planting, and contributing to the mural.
EnviroCentre supported teachers in integrating the Tiny Forest into their curriculum, offering opportunities to explore climate, ecology, and stewardship through direct experience.
On May 15, 2025, the school held a community celebration recognizing all partners who contributed to the schoolyard transformation. The event included student performances, presentations, and a screening of a documentary capturing the project’s development and impact.
Impact
On the ecological side, the Tiny Forest has:
- Increased native biodiversity in the schoolyard
- Improved stormwater absorption
- Begun to moderate heat in an area with very little existing canopy
As it matures, this compact green area will continue to cool the schoolyard, support pollinators, and sequester carbon while providing long-term ecological value in a smaller space.
For students and educators, the transformation has created much-needed daily access to green, welcoming outdoor learning areas.
Teachers report higher engagement during outdoor lessons, and the new green spaces have strengthened school pride and community connection. And because students helped shape and plant the forest, the project has also fostered a strong sense of stewardship and ownership.
Funders & Partners
This project was made possible through the support of:
- The Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation
- Green Communities Canada
Additional thanks to Home Hardware for materials support and to the York Street Public School community, OCDSB, and Forêt Capitale Forest for their collaboration and commitment.