Therapy Forest - Rescue MI Nature Now

1. General information

Location and description of the intervention

City or FUA

Detroit (FUA)

Region

Northern America

Short description of the intervention

The Therapy Forest project in Nolan, Detroit, initiated in 2022 and completed in 2024, represents a step forward in urban renewal and ecological restoration, led by Rescue MI Nature Now (RMNN) and local volunteers. RMNN, founded in 2019, aims to transform vacant lots in the Nolan neighborhood—an area heavily impacted by the mortgage lending crisis—into green spaces that combat urban decay. The Therapy Forest, a 2.25-acre site, is designed as an accessible, restorative environment inspired by the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-Yoku,” or forest bathing, which encourages individuals to engage with nature through all their senses.
This project not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood but also serves as a habitat for native plants and pollinators, such as goldenrod and honeybees. Through a participatory planning and design process, RMNN has actively involved community members, particularly youth, in the development and ongoing maintenance of the forest. The project includes flowering beds, perennial gardens, and other landscaping features aimed at creating a serene and therapeutic environment.
The Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund provided key financial support, recognizing the project's potential to transform neighborhood decay into a green space that serves both ecological and social purposes. The Therapy Forest is expected to become a communal asset, offering hands-on learning opportunities for local students while also providing a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors.
By converting over 2.25-acre of vacant land, RMNN’s Therapy Forest stands as a model for how urban areas can reclaim unused spaces, fostering resilience, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. This initiative not only revitalizes the Nolan neighborhood but also serves as a beacon of hope and renewal, demonstrating the impact of green spaces on urban communities.
(Ref.1-4)

Website of the intervention

https://www.rescuenaturenow.org/projects-3/forest-therapy/?playlist=e2b9450&vid…

Principal problems

Environmental Degradation

Biodiversity loss

Soil degradation and loss

Land use and Socio-economic change

Unequal availability and access to public green spaces

Health, Well-being and Social cohesion

Disconnection from nature

Poor community engagement

Implementation area characterization

Climate

Continental (Cold-summer humid continental, Cold-winter dry continental, Cold-summer dry continental)

Ecosystem

Urban or built environment

Address

20470 Danbury St.
Highland Park, 48203
United States

Location

The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by).

Area boundary (map-based)

NBS area image

Source of NBS area image

Source: https://www.google.com/maps/place/20470+Danbury+St,+Highland+Park,+MI+48203,+USA/@42.4457092,-83.1066347,338m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x8824ce415fec4035:0xa78a5c9068990529!8m2!3d42.445519!4d-83.105976!16s%2Fg%2F11csdhl8wg?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Total area

9105.40m²

NBS area

9105.40m²

Area description

Other urban area outside city center (e.g. another municipality in the FUA, commuting zone)

Type of area before implementation of the NBS

Previous derelict area

Residential

Vacant or abandoned land

Timeline of intervention

Start date of the intervention (planning process)

2022

Start date of intervention (implementation process)

2022

End date of the intervention

2024

Present stage of the intervention

Completed

2. Objectives of the intervention

Objectives of the intervention

Goals of the intervention

To transform vacant lots into green spaces, addressing urban decay and improving the aesthetic appeal of the Nolan neighborhood.
To establish a 2.25-acre forest that serves as a habitat for native plants and pollinators, such as goldenrod and honeybees, thereby contributing to local biodiversity and environmental health.
To actively involve local residents, particularly youth, in the planning, design, and maintenance of the Therapy Forest, fostering a sense of ownership and providing hands-on learning opportunities related to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
To create a serene, accessible environment inspired by the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-Yoku” or forest bathing, allowing residents and visitors to experience the restorative benefits of nature.
To enhance the quality of life for longtime residents without driving gentrification, ensuring that improvements serve the existing community by providing valuable recreational and educational resources.
(Ref.1-4)

Key Priorities

Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration)

Social Justice and community

Sustainability challenge(s) addressed

Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)

Green space creation and/or management

Habitat and biodiversity restoration

Regeneration, land-use and urban development

Promote natural styles of landscape design for urban development

Health and well-being (SDG 3)

Creation of opportunities for recreation

Inclusive and effective governance (SDG 16)

Inclusive governance

Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)

Social justice and equity

Environmental education

Sense of community and community engagement

What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?

Species-focused

Ecosystem-focused

What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets?

Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems

Restore native species

Clear and control invasive alien species

Public engagement

Implementation activities and NBS focus

Implementation activities

Rescue MI Nature Now (RMNN) initiated the Therapy Forest project by acquiring over 40 parcels of vacant land within the Nolan neighborhood. The first phase involved clearing these parcels of debris, remnants of demolished buildings, and invasive species to prepare the land for development.
To ensure community involvement, RMNN conducted a participatory planning process that engaged local residents, including youth, in the design of the Therapy Forest. Workshops and community meetings were held to gather input and foster a sense of ownership among residents.
During the construction phase, the site design included pathways, flowering beds, and perennial gardens, trees. Native plants were carefully selected to support local pollinators, and the landscaping was designed to create a serene, restorative environment.
Additionally, the project included the installation of amenities such as benches, signage, and accessible pathways to enhance the usability and comfort of the Therapy Forest for visitors.

(Ref.1-4)

Type of NBS project

Creation of new green areas

Creation of large parks and urban and peri-urban forests

Maintenance and management of urban nature

Urban reforestation, restoration of street trees

Transformation of previously derelict areas

Transformation of vacant land into green spaces

Knowledge creation and awareness raising

Educational and awareness raising programs

Improved governance of green or blue areas

Establishment of inclusive governance mechanisms involving local communities

3. NBS domains, ES and scale

NBS domain and interventions

Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented

Parks and urban forests

Large urban parks or forests

Amenities offered by the NBS

Benches and drinking water stations

Design elements for well-being

Visual elements (e.g., expansive views, scenic views, natural light, diverse vegetation)

Auditory elements (e.g., birdsong, water features, quiet areas, rustling leaves)

Olfactory elements (e.g., floral scents, earthy smells)

Services

Expected ecosystem services delivered

Regulating services

Pollination

Mediation of smell / noise / visual impacts

Habitat and supporting services

Habitats for species

Cultural services

Recreation

Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational)

Physical and experiential interactions with plants and animals

Scale

Spatial scale

Sub-microscale: Street scale (including buildings)

Beneficiaries

Demographics in implementation area

Nolan, a suburban neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan, Wayne County 48203 is a prime example of Detroit’s community-inspired resilience. The neighborhood is almost exclusively residential but enjoys a surrounding mix of national and local stores and restaurants. Population: 6,155. Ethnicity: 91% African-Amercian. Median Household Income: $36,276 (National: $75,149). (Ref.5,6)

Socio-economic profile of the area

Low-income

Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts

Non-government actors

Non-governmental organisation (NGO) / Civil society / Churches

Primary Beneficiaries

Citizens or community groups

Young people and children

Marginalized groups

Specify primary beneficiaries

Local residents: Longtime residents of the Nolan neighborhood, who have been impacted by urban decay, will benefit from the revitalized green space, which offers a serene environment for relaxation and community activities.

Youth and students: Local youth and students are key beneficiaries, as the project provides educational opportunities in environmental stewardship, sustainable practices, and hands-on involvement in the forest’s upkeep.
(Ref.1-4)

Marginalized groups

Children, young people or youth groups

Measures for inclusion of marginalised groups

Educational programs: The project includes hands-on learning opportunities, where children and young people participate in activities related to environmental stewardship, sustainable gardening, and forest maintenance. This educational component is designed to teach them about ecological principles and green initiatives.

Youth involvement in planning and maintenance: Young people are actively involved in the planning and upkeep of the forest, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their community's green spaces.

Community workshops and events: The project offers workshops and events specifically tailored for youth, aimed at enhancing their understanding of nature and the importance of preserving local ecosystems. These activities also encourage teamwork and community engagement.
(Ref.1-4)

Specify measures taken for vulnerable or marginalized communities

Targeted outreach and engagement efforts with vulnerable or marginalized communities to understand concerns or identify risks

Implementation of specific programs to address the needs of these communities

Collaboration with local community organizations or advocacy groups representing these communities

Other beneficiaries

Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators)

Native plant vegetation

Natural habitats (e.g. wetland, forests, coastal areas)

Public health (e.g. increased physical activity opportunities, reduced stress)

4. Governance and financing

Governance

Governance arrangements

Led by non-government actors

Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative

Rescue MI Nature Now (RMNN) is the primary organization driving the Therapy Forest project, overseeing its planning, fundraising, and implementation. Partnering with RMNN, the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) provided the land necessary for the project. Local volunteers, including individuals and community groups, have also played a crucial role in the project’s development, contributing their time and efforts to bring the vision to life.
Several key funding partners supported the project through the Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund in 2022, providing a total of $1.6 million in grant funding to seven projects, including the Therapy Forest. These partners include the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Bezos Earth Fund, Cleveland-Cliffs, the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.
(Ref.1-4)

Key actors - initiating organization

Non-government organisation/civil society

Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)

National government

Public sector institution

Citizens or community group

Private foundation/trust

Stages of citizen and community engagement

Planning and design (e.g. site selection, identification of key priorities)

Development of project proposal

Decision-making among different alternative plans

On-the-ground implementation

Level of citizen and community engagement

High

Community empowerment or capacity-building initiatives

Implementation of educational programs, workshops or trainings

Formation of community-led groups responsible for the the implementation, maintenace or monitoring of the project

Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders)

Co-planning (e.g. stakeholder workshops, focus groups, participatory mapping)

Dissemination of information and education

Consultation (e.g. workshop, surveys, community meetings, town halls)

Joint implementation (e.g. tree planting)

Uncommon actors ("Missing actors")

Community & Social Groups

Activist groups (e.g. climate, environment, justice, etc)

Land owners

Other

Please specify other landowner

Project area owned by Rescue MI Nature Now non-profit, the area consists of 40 lots purchased from the Detroit Land Bank Authority. (Ref.3)

Policy drivers

NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy

Unknown

NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan

Unknown

NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan

Unknown

Mandatory or voluntary intervention

Voluntary (spontaneous)

Enablers & Barriers

Type of enablers

NGOs/Community groups driving the implementation

Funds, subsidies or investment for GI/NBS in the city (available for the city or provided by the city)

Please provide details (e.g, name of the plan or strategy) for the selected policies or initiatives.

Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund (Ref.3)

Governace and decison-making instruments

Economic and fiscal instruments (e.g. subsidies or grants, charges or fees, payments for ecosystem services (PES))

Educational and knowledge sharing instruments (e.g. science/ living labs, awareness raising campaigns, specific educational programs, green hubs)

Arrangements for governance cooperation

Unknown

Barriers

Unknown.

Financing

Total cost

Unknown

Please specify total cost (EUR)

In 2022, Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund partners provided $1.6 million in grant funding to seven projects, among them Therapy Forest - Rescue MI Nature Now. The provided grant sum was unspecified. (Ref.3)

What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?

n/a

Source(s) of funding

Public national budget

Private Foundation/Trust

Type of fund(s) used

Earmarked public budget

Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities)

Non-financial contribution

Yes

Who provided the non-financial contribution?

Citizens (e.g. volunteering)

Type of non-financial contribution

Provision of labour

Provision of expertise

Co-finance for NBS

Yes

Co-governance arrangement

A fund / grant

Entrepreneurship opportunities

Unknown

Business models

Green densification model

Vacant space model

Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?

Private non-for-profit actor (e.g. NGO, foundation)

5. Evaluation and learning

Impacts, benefits

Environmental impacts

Green space and habitat

Increased green space area

Achieved increased green space area

Enhanced support of pollination

Achieved enhanced support of pollination

Restoration of derelict areas

Achieved restoration of derelict areas

Description of environmental benefits

-Increased green space area: "Rescue MI Nature Now transformed neighborhood blight into an approximately 2-acre, accessible therapeutic forest" (Ref.3)
-Enhanced support of pollination: "it [the project] is focused on improving the landscape for pollinators and providing an amenity that will be restorative for longtime residents." (Ref.2)
-Restoration of derelict areas: " Rescue MI proposes to continue to remove blight and beautify the project area. They wish to utilize the vacant properties to develop a therapy forest consisting of flowering beds and trees, perennial gardens, landscaping and other amenities." (Ref.4)

Environmental impact indicators

Green space area created (in ha)

0.9 ha (Ref.1)

Economic impacts

Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation)

Achieved generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation)

Description of economic benefits

Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation): "Now we want to make more green spaces and involve more youth [as volunteers] in the planning and upkeep of these spaces." (Ref.1)

Evidence for use of assessment

Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process

Unknown

Presence of indicators used in reporting

No evidence in public records

Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports

No evidence in public records

Availability of a web-based monitoring tool

No evidence in public records

Name of any specific impact assessment tools

Unknown.

Use of GIS in mapping impacts

No evidence in public records

Cost-benefit analysis

Unknown

Transparency

Inclusion of diverse stakeholders in project governance processes (e.g. planning, implementation, monitoring, etc.)

Community forums for information sharing and encouraging the participation of marginalized groups

Justice

Community satisfaction

Unknown

Description of locals satisfaction with the project

Unknown.

Trade-offs & Negative impacts

Unknown

Please specify Trade-offs & Negative impacts Selected

Unknown.

Measures to prevent gentrification or displacement

No initiatives or policies were implemented

High-quality & Transformative NBS

Multiple impacts delivery (climate, biodiversity, just community)

Goal setting and impacts delivery

No, project goals were not set, and benefits were not delivered in all 3 key areas.

Reaching original project goals

Most of the project goals were achieved

Please specify the achievements of the project goals

Biodiversity Goals:
-Increased green space area: "Rescue MI Nature Now transformed neighborhood blight into an approximately 2-acre, accessible therapeutic forest" (Ref.3)
-Enhanced support of pollination: "it [the project] is focused on improving the landscape for pollinators and providing an amenity that will be restorative for longtime residents." (Ref.2)
-Restoration of derelict areas: " Rescue MI proposes to continue to remove blight and beautify the project area. They wish to utilize the vacant properties to develop a therapy forest consisting of flowering beds and trees, perennial gardens, landscaping and other amenities." (Ref.4)
Social justice and community:
-Improved access to urban green space: "We hope to change the look of the neighborhood by making a 2-acre forest that is open to everyone. This idea comes from “Shinrin-Yoku,” a Japanese practice where people use all their senses to experience nature." (Ref.1)
-Increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces: "Now we want to make more green spaces and involve more youth in the planning and upkeep of these spaces." (Ref.1)
-Improvement in people’s connection to nature/-Increased sense of place identity, memory and belonging: "programming and activities are aimed to give youth an opportunity to connect with the land, creating an attachment to place and to each other, while fostering a willingness to help other youth coming up behind them." (Ref.2)
-Increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "provide [through the project] a hands-on learning component for grade-school students" (Ref.3)

Long-term perspective

Yes

Cost-effective solutions

Yes

Equitable impacts

A. All stakeholders benefit fairly from the project

Transformative capacity

Social change (e.g. social relationships, networks and dynamics within them)

Ecological change (e.g. ecosystem functions and their distribution)

Magnitude of change

Incremental: shallow; that is, mostly maintaining business-as-usual approaches to adaptation

Application of lessons learned

Unknown

Perception of Environmental Change

Unknown

6. Sources

References

Rescue MI Nature Now (n.d.). FOREST THERAPY. Accessed on September 24, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Kelly, E. (2022). Tapping into people power to plant trees on vacant neighborhood land. Outlier Media, Accessed on September 24, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (2022). Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund Awards $1.6 Million to Improve Community and Habitat Resilience. Accessed on September 24, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Hanna, J. (2022). DEPARTMENTAL SUBMISSION. Detroit Land Bank Authority, Accessed on September 24, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Niche (n.d.). Nolan Residents. Accessed on September 24, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Homes.com (n.d.). About Nolan. Accessed on September 24, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Comments and notes

Comments

I ran into difficulties finding information on local satisfaction or any local opinion regarding the project. Based on google searches, SEEN Magazine published several articles on the project that could provide additional insights, however, due to EU GDPR restrictions I was unable to access the site.

Public Images

Rescue Mi Forest

https://www.seenthemagazine.com/businesses/nonprofits/rescue-mi-nature-now-is-turning-blight-to-beauty/article_42604656-6b19-11ef-8995-ffa1e5e330f4.html

Rescue Mi Forest

https://www.seenthemagazine.com/businesses/nonprofits/rescue-mi-nature-now-is-turning-blight-to-beauty/article_42604656-6b19-11ef-8995-ffa1e5e330f4.html

Workshop at Therapy Forest

SEEN Magazine

Aerial view of Therapy Forest

SEEN Magazine

Rescue Mi Forest

https://www.seenthemagazine.com/businesses/nonprofits/rescue-mi-nature-now-is-turning-blight-to-beauty/article_42604656-6b19-11ef-8995-ffa1e5e330f4.html

Rescue Mi Forest

https://www.seenthemagazine.com/businesses/nonprofits/rescue-mi-nature-now-is-turning-blight-to-beauty/article_42604656-6b19-11ef-8995-ffa1e5e330f4.html