Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez Joins The Underline Conservancy and Community Partners for Earth Day “Day in the Dirt” Microforest Planting

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, 2026, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez joined The Underline, along with volunteer teams from Amazon and JPMorgan Chase, for a hands-on “Day in the Dirt” event to plant District 5’s first microforest.

The microforest, located at SW 1st Avenue between SW 25th and 26th Roads, marks a step forward in expanding green infrastructure and climate resilience in the urban core. Guided by The Underline’s horticulture team, volunteers participated in planting a dense, biodiverse cluster of native trees using the Miyawaki Method, an innovative approach that accelerates forest growth, enabling ecosystems to mature up to ten times faster and become self-sustaining within three years.

A microforest is a dense, biodiverse forest planted in a small urban space—often no larger than a tennis court—using native species that work together to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. By mimicking natural forest layers and planting trees close together, microforests grow rapidly and require minimal maintenance once established. In addition to their fast growth, microforests play a critical role in improving urban environments by increasing biodiversity, attracting pollinators, and restoring native habitats.

“Spaces like this matter more than people realize,” said Commissioner Vicki Lopez. “When you live in a dense area like ours, where green space can be limited, The Underline provides exactly that. In a busy, built-up community, having access to green space really does change how you feel day to day. It’s good for your physical health, but just as important, it’s good for your mental health. You can feel it when you’re out here, and honestly, there’s something really nice about getting outside, getting a little dirty, and doing something hands-on that improves your own community.”

Microforests also help absorb carbon dioxide, improve soil health, reduce noise pollution, and provide natural cooling that can significantly lower temperatures in surrounding areas. Within the first year alone, these forests begin delivering environmental and resilience benefits, with long-term impacts that continue to grow over time.

Led by The Underline Conservancy, the project is part of a broader vision to incorporate microforests along the 10-mile Underline corridor. This newly planted site represents the twelfth microforest planned, further advancing the transformation of the corridor into a vibrant, environmentally sustainable public space.

"We're grateful to Commissioner Lopez for her leadership and to Amazon and JPMorgan Chase for rolling up their sleeves alongside our volunteers,” said Eulois Cleckley, CEO of The Underline. “With this twelfth microforest, we're deepening The Underline's role as a resilient mobility corridor for Miami and deploying innovative solutions that benefit communities."

The event began at 8:00 AM at the Vizcaya Metrorail Station, where volunteers gathered before participating in a guided walking tour along the Hammock Trail. Commissioner Lopez welcomed attendees, followed by remarks from The Underline CEO Eulois Cleckley and corporate partners. After a planting tutorial, volunteers worked alongside horticulture experts to bring the microforest to life.

Once established, the microforest will provide immediate and long-term environmental benefits, including increased biodiversity, enhanced shade, improved air quality, and meaningful reductions in urban heat.

Left to Right: Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez with volunteers helping put together the Microforest in District 5.
(Photos by: Jean Gary Bourdeau/Miami-Dade County)