A testimonial by James Murray of Findlay Creek, Ottawa
How it all began
On March 26th, 2024, I attended the Grassroots Groundswell gathering in downtown Ottawa hosted by Ecology Ottawa. The event focused on climate action for cities and municipalities as well as justice, Indigenous rights and food security. In a discussion group circle, the topic of tiny forests was introduced by Forêt Capitale Forest , an Ottawa-based tree-planting organization. We learned what a tiny forest is and its benefits, as well as how to determine if it’s a fit for a community. A tiny forest project has its challenges, but suggested actions were presented.
At the end of the discussion, I was inspired and wanted to inquire about a tiny forest project in my community of Findlay Creek. The community has experienced vast housing and commercial development for many years, and I saw the need to contribute to the renaturalization of the community. I was advised to contact my local community association.
Art and environmental advocacy
Before I approached my local community association, I wanted to promote the concept of tiny forests and their benefits with the goal of raising interest, so in 2024, I created this environmental flip book. The flip book is made from reused material, specifically cardboard from cereal boxes and plastic packaging. In the summer of 2024 as a guest artist, I presented the art during a workshop that I led at a children’s art camp at the Ottawa Art Gallery.
Project timeline
Findlay Creek Community Association
In October 2024, I contacted the Findlay Creek Community Association to ask about the possibility of a tiny forest in the community. They suggested reaching out to South Nation Conservation for support.
South Nation Conservation
Later in October 2024, I contacted South Nation Conservation. They expressed interest in partnering on the project and offered guidance on funding, choosing a location, and recruiting volunteers. In 2025 South Nation Conservation became one of the project partners and participated in meetings to help advance the project.
EnviroCentre
In December 2024, I updated EnviroCentre on the project. In January 2025, we met to discuss funding options and possible planting sites. The Ottawa Rotary Home emerged as a promising location. EnviroCentre also shared additional tiny forest resources.
Forêt Capitale Forest
In February 2025, I contacted Forêt Capitale Forest. They provided helpful technical guidance and supported the review of potential sites.
Ottawa Rotary Home Foundation
In March 2025, contact was made with the Ottawa Rotary Home about hosting a tiny forest. They expressed interest, and further discussions helped confirm the planting location, funding and project details.
Announcements
In April 2025, EnviroCentre confirmed the project was moving forward. By September 2025, the Ottawa Rotary Home site was finalized, and preparations began for a fall planting date. I shared the announcement with local community partners, schools, environmental groups and neighbours.
The project was funded by the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation, with support from the Ottawa Rotary Home Foundation.
Planting day!
The planting was postponed until October 7th. The rain may have discouraged some from coming to volunteer but we managed to have enough people. Everyone did a super job–the planting went very well. It was a memorable day.
We all kept on working despite the rain, which was greatly needed particularly for the new plantings. We had several members from EnviroCentre and representatives from Forêt Capitale Forest. Both organizations coordinated the project. Several staff members from the Ottawa Rotary Home were involved and very supportive. They also assisted with the food and drinks, which helped us as we continued our work.
I am sorry I did not get a chance to meet all who were present or recall names. A few residents of the Rotary Home came out to watch the action. The Home is proud and excited to have the Tiny Forest. I had never visited one in person, and it was amazing to be involved with this project from the beginning to end. I’m recommending citizens visit the site–with the consent of the Rotary Home, of course! The Home is really looking forward to showing it to the community and perhaps visitors from outside the neighbourhood as well.
In closing
The tiny forest installation at the Ottawa Rotary Home was truly a community effort.
Again, thank you everyone who was involved. Please continue to support the organizations who contributed to the effort. This tiny forest will continue to receive care and attention.
I also wish to acknowledge that the land on which I have participated is the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg Nation.