"All members of the school community accept accountability for the care of God's creation, practice effective stewardship of the Earth's resources, and work to alleviate the climate crisis."

— Sacred heart Goal III, Criterion I

In a small, often-overlooked corner of the Stone Ridge campus, something extraordinary is growing. What began as a patch of grass behind a parking lot along Rockville Pike is now home to a vibrant, living ecosystem: the Stone Ridge Tiny Forest, a project that combines student-led sustainability, hands-on learning, and Sacred Heart values to create lasting impact—both locally and globally.

Planted during the 2024–25 school year, the Tiny Forest was born from the vision and dedication of the Stone Ridge Sustainability Committee, a collaborative group of students, faculty, staff, and facilities team members.

This forest—composed of over 450 native trees and shrubs—is a powerful example of our community living out its mission: cultivating young women who not only understand their place as leaders in the world, but take meaningful action to protect and shape it.

Small Footprint, Big Impact

The Tiny Forest follows the Miyawaki Method, a dense planting technique developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This approach focuses on restoring native ecosystems quickly by planting a variety of indigenous species in compact areas—up to three plants per square meter—in specially prepared soil. Within just a few years, these mini-forests become self-sustaining and grow 10 times faster than traditional forests.

“It’s going to be a full-sized forest,” shares Jaime Chao Mignano, Director of Technology and Innovation, “but it has a tiny footprint on this campus.”

Beyond its ecological benefits—cooling the surrounding area, supporting water retention, improving air quality, and fostering biodiversity—the Tiny Forest also serves as an outdoor classroom, giving students across all divisions the opportunity to learn, reflect, and lead.

"It gives our students tangible experience with environmental stewardship, showing them that meaningful change is possible and they can be part of the solution."

— Mrs. Lauren WInkler, MIddle School Teeacher

Learning Beyond the Classroom

As the Tiny Forest grows, so too does its educational potential. The forest offers lessons in biology, ecology, and environmental science, as well as in theology, ethics, and leadership.

“It brings more sustainability awareness to campus,” shares Middle School student Yankarla ’30. “We’ll be able to use the space to learn more about our Earth and what plants do for us.”

Students observe first-hand the processes of succession, biodiversity, and the impact of human activity on local ecosystems.

“We want to inspire their curiosity as the forest continues to grow,” says Ms. Chao Mignano. “Which trees will survive? Which shrubs will really thrive, and how does everything work together? We’ll stay involved in it and engage with this Tiny Forest—learning from it as it grows and really being able to see that it’s a joyful process.”

Teachers plan to incorporate the forest into interdisciplinary learning, creating opportunities for quiet reflection, art projects, writing exercises, and leadership development.

Goal III in Action: From Awareness to Impact

The project is a living example of Goal III: A social awareness which impels to action. Students have been involved at every stage: preparing the land, selecting plant species, spreading mulch, and digging the first holes. From Lower School students getting their hands dirty to Middle and Upper School leaders coordinating logistics and educating peers, the initiative is deeply student-driven.

“Our students have developed awareness of environmental challenges facing our local ecosystems and our planet,” notes Lauren Winkler, Middle School Religion Teacher and Sustainability Club Coordinator.

“More importantly, they’ve experienced firsthand how that awareness can translate into meaningful, tangible action. They’re not just learning about climate change and biodiversity loss, they’re actively participating in solutions.”

This project also reflects key principles of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly Care for Creation. Environmental stewardship is not only a scientific or social issue—it’s a moral one. 

“This is a project that came out of our Sustainability Club,” notes Mrs. Winkler. “The club grew from Middle School students caring about and learning about the environment, being inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, which calls for us to care for the poor and care for the earth.”

By participating in this project, students are invited to see themselves as caretakers of the Earth and of one another.

A Lasting Legacy

The Tiny Forest is just one part of Stone Ridge’s expanding commitment to sustainability. This year, the school also launched a major solar panel installation on the Gym and Mater Center, and environmental and sustainability education continues to be integrated across curricula and grade levels. Together, these efforts help students understand their role as global citizens—rooted in faith, community, and a call to stewardship.

“The beauty of this project is that once established, it will become a self-sustaining outdoor classroom for generations to come,” says Mrs. Winkler.

For the students who planted the first saplings, the forest represents more than a science project; it’s a legacy. It’s a place where they can come back year after year, see the growth, and know that they were part of something meaningful.

At Stone Ridge, we’re growing more than just trees. We’re cultivating leaders who care deeply about their communities and the world around them. The Tiny Forest stands as a living symbol of that growth. ❤

Watch our students in action—enjoy this short video on the Tiny Forest project and how this sustainability initiative is transforming our campus.