Mexico City's 'Neza York' Grows Forest in Saline Soil

A year ago, urban planner Andrea Guzmán looked at Nezahualcóyotl and saw possibility where others saw only concrete and salt.

The densely packed neighborhood on Mexico City's edge, nicknamed "Neza York," sits on an ancient lakebed with soil so salty that most plants can't survive. Residents have access to just a fraction of the green space recommended by the World Health Organization, and temperatures in the area regularly climb 1 to 7 degrees higher than surrounding neighborhoods.

Guzmán partnered with SUGi, a nonprofit that has created 263 pocket forests across 62 cities worldwide. When funding from Steve Madden came through, the team moved fast to tackle what seemed impossible.

"Because of the high level of soil salinity, we first needed to validate that planting an urban forest would work," said Diego, co-founder of Chilean reforestation company Simbiótica. The team used the Japanese Miyawaki method, packing three to five different native trees and shrubs into every 10 square feet of carefully prepared soil.

Over 300 volunteers joined the effort near Universidad Tecnológica de Nezahualcóyotl. They decompacted the earth, added massive amounts of compost, and planted 25 different species selected specifically for salt tolerance.

One year later, the results speak louder than skeptics ever could. More than 90% of the plants survived, with some trees already reaching over 10 feet tall.

The Ripple Effect

Urban planner Amelia Harvey analyzed tree density across Mexico City and found that marginalized communities like Nezahualcóyotl need trees most desperately. Every new tree in these areas delivers outsized benefits because residents start with so little green space.

The pocket forest now reduces noise pollution, captures harmful air particles, and creates temperatures significantly lower than the surrounding asphalt. Research shows that access to green spaces dramatically reduces depression and anxiety in city residents.

But Andrea sees something beyond the measurable benefits. "An urban forest is a healthy place that can inspire and surprise you," she explains. "When everything is so controlled, nothing surprises you anymore. But the natural world can still surprise us every day."

The success in Neza proves that climate solutions don't require perfect conditions. They require purposeful design, community commitment, and the courage to plant seeds in unexpected soil.