Greening Urban Spaces - Neelam Patil, Green Pocket Forests, Program Director

Imagine a small patch of land, at a school, in a park, or even a vacant city lot, transforming into a thriving forest in just a few years. In this episode, we explore how Miyawaki forests are turning everyday spaces into vibrant, living ecosystems with the help of dedicated organizers and community support.

Episode Overview

In this episode, we speak with Neelam Patil about her work bringing Miyawaki “Green Pocket” forests to Berkeley and beyond.

We dive into what sparked her journey into climate action, what it really takes to turn an idea into a planted forest, and how these projects are creating meaningful, lasting impact for students and their communities.

What We Cover

• Neelam’s path into environmental and climate-focused work
• What inspired the first Miyawaki forest project
• A high-level look at planning and bringing a project to life
• Navigating resources, approvals, and community support
• Lessons learned along the way
• How students and communities are benefiting today

About the Miyawaki Method

The Miyawaki Method is a technique for creating dense, fast-growing native forests that support biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health.

Learn More

• Neelam Patil, M.Ed., M.F.A.
• TIME Magazine Innovative Teacher of the Year 2022
• www.greenpocketforest.org
• Instagram: @greenpocketforest
• Director, Green Pocket Forest
• TIME Magazine Innovative Teachers list 2022
• Berkeley Schools Sow the Seeds of Climate Change
• Berkeley School Forest: San Francisco, USA
• ‘An unstoppable force of nature’: Neelam Patil named a TIME Magazine Innovative Teacher
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelam-b-patil/

Final Thoughts

This conversation is a reminder that meaningful climate action can start locally with one idea, a committed group of people, and a willingness to take the first step.

Thank You

Thank you to Neelam Patil for sharing her experience and insights.