Recently, IU South Bend student Kevin Price took on a project meant to last for many years to come. Kevin Price was the previous president of the Botany Club and has worked with the Ecological Advocacy Committee of South Bend Venus Parks & Arts. He is currently double majoring in biology and history to pursue a career in paleontology and is interested in environmental protection. He is also the 2025 Newman fellow for IU South Bend and currently the treasurer of the History Club.
Price’s interest in biology led to the idea of a project for campus: a microforest on the outskirts of River Crossing Campus Housing. The idea began in April 2025, became official in August 2025 and was approved in December 2025.
A microforest is a small-scale native forest planted in an urban area. In this case, the microforest is a two-thirds-acre area of IU South Bend student housing where native plant species are being planted to frame the microforest. Trash and invasive plants were first removed to prepare the plot for native plants. This project is meant to last many years with native ground vegetation, understory and canopy trees.
The project aims to eventually expand the microforest, increase the soil health of the area, increase biodiversity and reduce the urban heat canopy. The expansion of the microforest will help the other benefits grow continuously.
Price noted that it is important to emphasize that only native plants will be planted. Native plants are ultimately better for the ecosystem and don’t outcompete other species.
“Every little bit counts in the battle against biodiversity loss, and small steps like this make an impact,” he said.
This project is a source of optimism and a sign of development not just on campus, but in South Bend as a whole, and it could be the foundation for more sustainable practices and environmental efforts moving forward.
The microforest will also support future generations on campus, as it will improve the physical and mental wellbeing of students and is also much more visually appealing than the previous landscape.
Price said he hopes for more students to then spend time in the area and enjoy the beauty it brings to campus housing. He is also aiming for the development of a Microforest Stewardship to continue annually, which would appoint a student steward to take charge of the project and help maintain the microforest.
“This project is meaningful to me as I became a scientist in the forests around here, so having the opportunity to plant a forest for future scientists to study in is wonderful,” Price said. “The microforest is not just something for students today, it is for all future IU South Bend students.”
The next work day is on Friday, April 24. To keep up with progress on the microforest, find the Center for a Sustainable Future @sustainiusb on Instagram.
