# Crowdfunded Urban Forests The PopUP Forest Project Wants to Transform Times Square into Greenery By Rebecca Byers | Published 2015-03-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-forest References: [grist.org](http://grist.org/cities/this-ecologist-wants-to-plant-a-pop-up-forest-in-times-square/) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/popupforest/build-a-popup-forest-in-times-square-nyc) The PopUP Forest is a recently launched [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petite-foret-plus) campaign aiming to fund an installation that would transform New York City's Times Square into a [temporary faux forest](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wonderwoods-vertical-forest). The ambitious initiative is being pioneered by an ecologist with a vision to turn the commodified urban square into an inspiring space filled with shipping containers that house plants, trees and shrubs. Additionally, the PopUP Forest would feature live ecosystem noises amplified through a sound system. The project has a Kickstarter funding goal of $25,000 and aims to awaken individual city dwellers to the many ways in which they have become detached from nature. By creating a [temporary glimpse of nature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highwood-installation) in what is considered the most man made city in the world, this project will both inform and inspire. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Crowdfunded Urban Forests:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Crowdfunding platforms can be used to fund and support urban forest installations, transforming urban spaces into green environments. ### Where This Applies - **Ecotourism:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: The ecotourism industry can leverage the concept of crowdfunded urban forests to attract nature-loving tourists to urban areas. - **Event Planning:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Event planning companies can incorporate the idea of temporary faux forests into their offerings, providing unique and immersive experiences for attendees. - **Environmental Conservation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: The environmental conservation industry can use the concept of crowdfunded urban forests as a strategy to raise awareness about the importance of green spaces in urban environments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Urban Greening Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-green.md) - [Urban Roofscape Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/central-yards.md) - [Nature-Connecting Design Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vert-installation.md) - [Community Tree-Planting Applications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/furthr.md) - [Mangrove Forest-Inspired Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/once-upon-a-forest.md) - [Natural Moss Terrariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petite-foret-plus.md) - [Mushroom-Like Wooden Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carbon-garden-pavilion.md) - [Modular Indoor Gardening Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gud-plant-box.md) - [Nature-Inspired Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humannature-1.md)