Nîmes University Institute of Technology (IUT)

Planting a microforest at the IUT

Published on in Environmental Responsibility, Institutional Life

The Nîmes 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 in which all IUT staff and students are invited to participate, upon registration*

The project will be coordinated by the association “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 by email

ALL THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MICROFOREST

What is a microforest?

Imagine a dense plantation filled with local, hardy tree 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 and diverse ecosystem, offering the experience of a traditional forest within a tiny area.

What is it for?

  • Assistance with Runoff Infiltration
  • Role as a carbon sink
  • Temperature Controller
  • Self-sufficient after two to three years
  • Promotes biodiversity

Procedure

The microforest will be planted through a participatory effort (involving students and staff) on a 100 m² 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 microforest 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 people. 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 “Soignons la Terre, Soignons les Hommes” association for all their explanations and helpful advice!