From Grass to Forest: using the Miyawaki method to reimagine urban greening in WA

Join Dr Grey Coupland for an inspiring Science Week talk on how Miyawaki forests can turn unused urban spaces into thriving pockets of native biodiversity. Learn how communities and schools are engaging with the Murdoch University program to restore habitat, cool our suburbs, and take practical climate action.

Dr Grey Coupland is a restoration ecologist from Murdoch University passionate about greening our cities and transforming urban spaces into thriving ecosystems. She developed and leads the Miyawaki Forest Program from Murdoch University, which creates small, fast-growing native forests in schools and communities to restore biodiversity, cool cities, and inspire hands-on environmental action. Through this work, Grey engages children and community members in planting and monitoring their own forests, building a deeper connection with nature while contributing to climate resilience and ecological restoration. Her program has been recognised by UNESCO and the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for its innovative approach to science engagement and community-led restoration.