Nîmes University Institute of Technology

Planting a micro-forest at the IUT

Published on in Environmental Responsibility, Institutional Life

The Nîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT) has decided to participate in the initiative launched by Nîmes Métropole: planting micro-forests in urban areas. The planting will take place on Monday, December 4, and Tuesday, December 5 , as a participatory project to which all IUT staff and students are invited, upon registration*

The project will be coordinated by the nonprofit organization Soignons la Terre, Soignons les Hommes, in partnership with Nîmes Métropole.

*1-hour time slots – The registration link for the planting project will be sent via email

ALL THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MICROFOREST

What is a microforest?

Imagine a dense plantation filled with local, hardy species: with a high planting density (3 to 7 plants per square meter), each species is compelled to give its all to catch a ray of sunlight and thrive. This healthy competition promotes rapid growth and the creation of a complex, diverse ecosystem, offering the experience of a traditional forest within a tiny space.

What is it for?

  • Assistance with stormwater infiltration
  • Role as a carbon sink
  • Temperature controller
  • Self-sufficient after two to three years
  • Promotes biodiversity

Procedure

The micro-forest will be planted through a participatory effort (involving students and staff) on a 100-square-meter plot within the IUT campus.

The organization " Soignons la Terre Soignons les Hommes " will oversee the planting project after identifying the site, verifying the network, and preparing the ground.

What happens next?

Nîmes Métropole will water and weed the area for three years until the micro-forest becomes self-sustaining.

These micro-forests should thus become true reservoirs of biodiversity that we can watch evolve, but which are not intended to be visited by humans. We’ll leave nature alone!

First day of planting – December 5, 2023

The project was delayed by one day due to bad weather, but we took advantage of this beautiful day to plant more than half of the planned trees. Thank you to everyone who participated today, and see you on Monday, December 11, to continue the work.

Thanks also to Mathieu and his team at the organization "Soignons la Terre, Soignons les Hommes" for all their explanations and helpful advice!