For Immediate Release:
June 02, 2008

Media Contact:
Jennifer Rodero
roderj@miamidade.gov
305-372-6999



The Miami-Dade Adopt-a-Tree Program Moves from Saturday to Sunday


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- 
The second free tree give away of the 2008 Adopt-a-Tree season will take place this Sunday, June 8th.  Adopt-a-Tree events usually take place on a Saturday to give residents ample time to plant their new trees during the weekend; however, the next event will take place on a Sunday in order to give Miami-Dade residents with a busy weekend schedule an opportunity to adopt their free trees. 

The event time remains the same, from 9am until noon, rain or shine; and it will take place at the Miami Dade College North Campus located at 11380 NW 27 Avenue Bldg. 400, Miami.  Eligible Miami-Dade County residents will be able to receive up to 2 FREE trees from the Adopt-a-Tree program.  Residents will be able to choose from a variety of trees such as Orange Geiger, Mango, Red Mulberry, and Green Buttonwood.  Approximately 2,800 free trees will be available for adoption at this event, and tree experts will also be onsite to show participants how to properly plant and care for their new trees. 


BENEFITS OF TREES:

  • A well shaded home can cut your air-conditioning costs by up to 40%.
  • A well-landscaped yard that includes trees can increase your property value by 15%.
  • Trees remove tons of carbon dioxide from the air each year, improving air quality and combating global warming.

ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Residents must be a Miami-Dade single-family or duplex homeowner.
  • All participants must bring photo ID.
  • Renters must bring written permission from the homeowner and a copy of the homeowner's photo ID to adopt the trees on his/her behalf. 
  • Residents of rental apartments, condos and trailer parks are not eligible. 
  • A good tip is to bring a cart or wagon to transport the trees to your car.

Also at this event, Miami-Dade County's Water and Sewer Department (WASD) will be exchanging free High-Efficiency Showerheads for those participants who bring their old showerheads to the event.  In order to receive a free High Efficiency Showerhead, residents must bring their old showerhead to WASD's representatives at the event this Sunday.  For more information about the High Efficiency Showerhead program, please call 786-552-8955 or log on to www.miamidade.gov/wasd

The goal of the Adopt-a-Tree program is to replenish the depleted tree canopy of Miami-Dade County.  The tree canopy of the County is well below the national average for major metropolitan areas due to the impact of hurricanes, the Citrus Canker, and urban development. All eligible Miami-Dade residents can adopt 2 FREE trees per property per year.  For general information about the Adopt-a-Tree program call 311 or log on to www.miamidade.gov/derm/


 

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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Overtown Transit Village North
701 NW 1st Court
Miami, Florida 33136
(305) 372-6789