State’s first tiny forest planted in Westmoreland Park

By Jillian Nachtigal|June 24th, 2025

On June 14, West Oak Cliff became home to what is believed to be Texas’s first tiny forest, planted in the heart of Westmoreland Park.

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The project was the result of over a year of planning led by Plan-T, a nonprofit founded by Nile Nussbaumer, her father Bernard Nussbaumer, and Brad Boa, whose collective mission is to re-wild urban spaces, restore native ecosystems, and reconnect communities with nature.

Making this vision possible were key introductions by Meghna Tare, Chief Sustainability Officer at UT Arlington, and the enthusiastic backing of the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department, who offered public land and embraced the forest’s potential as a green legacy for the community. 

In keeping with Plan-T’s values, this project prioritized local partnerships and regional resources. Soil health was restored through regenerative amendments supplied by Wonderchar and ground preparation support from 4DWN, both Dallas-based organizations. Sherry Fabricant of SavATree skillfully curated the native plant list, and the plants themselves were locally sourced by Schylaur Moody of Levi’s Leaf Nursery Services, helping to root the forest in native Texas ecology. 

“This was an incredible day,” Nile Nussbaumer said. “My personal passion lies in the relationship between human and environmental health. At Plan T, our mission is to restore soil quality, clean and cool the air, and reconnect communities—and this first tiny forest is a powerful embodiment of that vision. It was both beautiful and deeply rewarding to see so many people show up, get their hands dirty, and demonstrate their commitment to our city and the environment. We’re just getting started, but together, I believe we can truly plant the town green.” 

This initiative was also made possible thanks to District 1 Council Member Chad West’s engagement through the West Oak Cliff Area Plan, where community input over the past three years repeatedly called for increased park investment. He saw the opportunity and connected the Plan-T team with Westmoreland Park—a historically underserved space now reborn as a symbol of regeneration, beauty, and resilience. With the Westmoreland Skatepark also coming soon, both assets promise enduring benefits for local families and students at nearby Lenore Kirk Hall Elementary School. 

“I’m so excited about this innovative green investment at Westmoreland Park and want to thank the Plan-T team and their partners for bringing this project to District 1,” West said. “This tiny forest will help clean the air, provide a beautiful new green amenity, and serve as an educational tool for nearby students—especially with the new skatepark coming to the area.”