Miami Heat dancers and Burnie the mascot will be on hand Sunday, Sept 13 at Zoo Miami for the third and final edition of a 2,500 “Adopt a Tree” giveaway by Miami-Dade County\u2019s Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM).<\/p>\n
Eligible homeowners can receive up to two free trees from a variety of species, including Achacha, Crabwood, Grafted Mango, Jaboticaba, Jamaican Caper Tree, Simpson’s Stopper, Spanish Stopper, Soursop and Sugar Apple on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n
The event will take place at 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177 between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Pre-registration is now open at miamidade.gov\/adoptatree<\/a>, but it does not guarantee specific species will be available.<\/p>\n “During peak summer heat, we see more clearly than ever how essential trees are,\u201d Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. \u201cThey lower temperatures, reduce cooling costs, improve air quality, enhance our communities, increase property values, manage excess rainfall and provide natural protection from storm surge.<\/p>\n \u201cEach tree we plant and allow to grow to maturity delivers lasting benefits for our county, so we encourage all homeowners to take advantage of this valuable program.”<\/p>\n So far, more than 5,000 trees have been adopted after similar events in Hialeah and North Miami.<\/p>\n Homeowners of single-family and duplex properties in Miami-Dade can receive up to two free trees per year through the program.<\/p>\n \u201cAdopt-a-Tree is one of Miami-Dade County\u2019s top efforts to expand our tree canopy to 30 percent,” said Loren Parra, Chief Resilience Officer and DERM Director. “Since 2001, the program has helped more than 250,000 free trees find loving homes thanks to the dedication of our residents.\u201d<\/p>\n Guests at the Sept. 13 event can also enjoy free cafecito courtesy of Caf\u00e9 La Llave<\/a>, adopt a pet from Miami-Dade County Animal Services<\/a> and swap old shower heads and incandescent lightbulbs for new high-efficiency showerheads and up to three energy-efficient LED bulbs, free of charge, courtesy of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department<\/a>, while supplies last.<\/p>\n