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Miami-Dade County to hold Adopt-a-Tree giveaway on July 16
Residents are invited to beat the heat and get two free trees
The Adopt-a-Tree program will hold a free tree giveaway at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at Florida International University’s (FIU) Modesto Maidique Campus, 11200 SW 8 Street, Miami, FL 33199. With temperatures rising in South Florida, shade is one of the best ways to combat the heat. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), trees can help reduce heat by shading building surfaces, deflecting radiation from the sun and releasing moisture into the atmosphere.
Single-family and duplex homeowners who live in Miami-Dade County qualify to receive two free trees and will be able to choose from a variety of tree species, including grafted mango (limited to one per household), red mulberry, longan, Krug’s holly and Bahama strongbark on a first come, first served basis. To save time, pre-registration is available; however, it does not guarantee trees or tree preferences as supplies run out.
This is a great opportunity for homeowners to create or replenish their tree canopy. Experts will be onsite to show participants how to properly plant and care for their new trees.
In addition to being nature’s cost-effective cooling system, trees provide many benefits by reducing flooding, absorbing carbon dioxide, providing habitats for wildlife, and increasing a property's value.
The last event of the season will be on Saturday, September 24, at the South Dade Cultural Arts Center, located at 10950 SW 211 Street, Cutler Bay, FL 33189.
The Water and Sewer Department will also be on-site to provide residents with high-efficiency showerheads and compact fluorescent lightbulbs in exchange for their old showerheads and incandescent light bulbs (while supplies last). Miami-Dade Animal Services will also have pets available for adoption.
Additionally, community service hours are available for students who volunteer to work an Adopt-a-Tree event..
The Adopt-a-Tree program was created in 2001 to help improve the tree canopy of Miami-Dade County. Since then, more than 200,000 free trees have been given away to the community.