Miami-Dade County’s tree canopy expansion efforts received a boost as Neat Streets Miami-Dade County awarded the City of Miami Gardens’ Keep Miami Gardens Beautiful program a 2023 GREEN Miami-Dade County Matching Grant.
Valued at $30,700, the grant aims to support the Myrtle Grove Canopy Tree Replacement (CRT) Planting initiative.
Advancing the Million Trees Miami-Dade County initiative
Neat Streets Miami-Dade County, now in its eighth year, has awarded 17 organizations matching grants to enhance public lands throughout the county and advance the Million Trees Miami-Dade County initiative. This community-wide endeavor strives to achieve a 30 percent overall tree canopy.
Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration with municipal partners such as Miami Gardens’ Keep Miami Gardens Beautiful program, County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, the Chair of Neat Streets Miami-Dade County, highlighted the substantial funding awarded to a diverse range of applicants.
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Investing in a greener and more resilient Miami Gardens
She emphasized the importance of investing in public land to reach the 30 percent urban tree canopy goal, which will significantly improve the health and aesthetics of the community.
For Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris, the initiative goes beyond beautification, focusing on the long-term sustainability and well-being of the city’s residents.
Trees play a crucial role in providing shade, improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and contributing to a healthier environment. By prioritizing canopy tree replacement and planting, Miami Gardens is investing in a greener and more resilient city, leaving a legacy that will benefit future generations.
As part of the Myrtle Grove Canopy Tree Replacement project, Keep Miami Gardens Beautiful will adhere to the principles of the Right Tree/Right Place approach.
Over 100 Florida native and beneficial Florida-friendly trees, including Bridalveil, Bulnesia, Cuban Tamarind, Crape Myrtle, Gumbo Limbo, Mahogany, Pigeon Plum, Shady Lady, Silver Buttonwood, Simpsons Stopper, and Pink Trumpet trees, will be planted.
This diverse selection aims to enhance the streetscape, providing beauty and shade. The tree planting will take place on NW 32nd Avenue, spanning from NW 183rd Street to NW 169th Terrace, as well as NW 180th Street along the south side of the Myrtle Grove Canal. The project’s implementation includes strategically placing trees along sidewalks, allowing residents, students, and pedestrians to enjoy the numerous benefits of a healthy urban tree canopy.
The project was made possible through the County’s Tree Trust Fund, with a focus on areas with low tree canopy and low-to-moderate income populations. This initiative not only aims to beautify the city but also ensures a sustainable future, preserving the well-being of the community and creating a greener and more resilient Miami Gardens.
