March 2021
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Restoring Biodiversity: Tiny Forests Have Mighty Impact
When it comes to boosting biodiversity and creating green spaces, the West has taken inspiration from the East. Utilizing the methods of one of Japan's most respected botanists, organizations in Europe are creating tiny forests that thrive amidst urban landscapes.
Holland's Tiny Forest Initiative and Urban Forests, based in France and Belgium, have taken a sustainable leaf out of Akira Miyawaki's book to create small but mighty woodlands in their local areas. In 1970, Miyawaki discovered that the trees around his homeland's religious shrines tended to be native species, but he later found that only 0.06 percent of Japanese forests were made up of indigenous trees.
In response, he pioneered a method of restoring native forests on deforested or degraded plots of land. The Miyawaki Method created more than 1,700 forests throughout Asia, a staggering 96.7 percent of which developed resilient ecosystems in less than 10 years.
The method serves as a blueprint for volunteers in Europe, who plant clusters of indigenous seedlings that grow to become fully fledged and biodiverse ecosystems. Even in areas as small as a tennis court, these tiny forests restore soil, preserve water and air quality and attract flora and fauna. Since these small green spaces grow 10 times faster and are 30 times denser and 100 times more biodiverse than a conventional plantation, they are a sustainable way to combat climate change, foot by foot.
The small-scale patches of greenery aren't just pleasant spots for insects and small mammals but for people, too, often serving as meeting places for local communities.

5 Things You Didn't Know Were Covered by Auto Insurance
When it comes to fender benders, keyed cars and windshields damaged by stray rocks, you know your auto insurance policy has you covered. But did you know that your policy may also cover more unusual circumstances? Below are four such circumstances.
When rodents make your car their new home: Rodents can decide to make a new residence under your hood. This can lead to interfering with the operation of your vehicle. Especially if your vehicle is parked for a lengthy period of time, you should check to see if you have an "other than collision" clause that covers any rodent-created damage.
When potholes cause issues: Pothole accidents are categorized as collisions by many auto insurance policies. If so, the damage caused by a run-in with a pothole will be covered by your policy.
When your child's car seat is part of an accident: During crashes, various parts of your vehicle can be impacted in a severe manner. One less obvious point of impact may be your child's car seat. After an accident, it may be damaged, and it's a good idea to replace it. Your auto insurance policy may cover the cost of replacement.
When your furry friend needs care: Dogs love their owners' cars, and if your dog is ever injured as a result of an accident, your auto insurance may cover the vet bills.
When you miss work due to a car accident injury: Your policy may cover a portion of your lost income.
If you experience any of these issues, call or email our office to determine whether your policy covers them.
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