At the heart of the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, the Darlington Ecological Corridor micro-forest stands as a natural haven, fostering a deeper connection between residents and their environment. Born from a close collaboration between the Corridor, Hÿf Forêts Urbaines, the borough, Université de Montréal, and a diverse network of local partners, this project skillfully transforms an urban space into a thriving forest ecosystem. It introduces an innovative approach to weaving nature into the cityscape. By combining collective efforts and expertise, the initiative aims to reintroduce native biodiversity into the heart of the city. This endeavor reflects a strong commitment to sustainable development and the creation of accessible green spaces, significantly enhancing urban quality of life.

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Nestled in Mahatma Gandhi Park, the micro-forest is home to 600 trees and shrubs, creating an optimized space for a diverse range of native plant species. Inspired by the intricate structures of the Miyawaki method, it is arranged in distinct layers—canopy, understory, forest floor, and shrub layer—fostering a dense and resilient ecosystem. By adopting this technique, which involves planting three trees or plants per square meter, the micro-forest is designed to accelerate its own growth.