TD Bank donates $150,000 to expand Miami-Dade's tree canopy

Miami-Dade County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) has received a major boost to its tree‑planting efforts and community tree giveaways thanks to a generous $150,000 grant from TD. The funding supports the Million Trees Miami initiative and advances Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s Urban Forestry Plan, strengthening the County’s capacity to expand its tree canopy to 30 percent by 2030, an important goal that will help reduce urban heat and increase access to green infrastructure across our community. The urban heat island effect occurs when developed areas become significantly warmer than surrounding communities because buildings and pavement absorb heat and there are fewer trees to provide cooling.

“TD’s commitment to Miami-Dade County is a powerful example of corporate citizenship in action,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Growing our tree canopy is a responsibility we all share. Every tree we plant helps protect our residents, create cooler neighborhoods and ensure a more resilient community for everyone.”

The grant will directly support the following initiatives:

• Park planting projects, including “growing green” playgrounds with shade trees to protect children by decreasing dangerously high temperatures
• Small installations, ranging from butterfly gardens to pollinator plant habitats
• Community tree and garden giveaways in low-coverage neighborhoods, with upcoming events from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at these TD stores:
  • September 4 - 801 W. 49th Street, Hialeah, FL 33012
  • November 6 - 2495 NE 8th Street, Homestead, FL 33033
  • January 15, 2027, in celebration of Florida’s Arbor Day - 7400 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL  33155

DERM’S Million Trees Miami initiative is a community-wide effort to achieve a 30 percent tree canopy cover for Miami-Dade County. The initiative was launched by Neat Streets Miami-Dade County, a multi-jurisdictional board that aims to create and maintain sustainable, beautiful, clean, and environmentally equitable spaces countywide.

“This grant reinforces what true community stewardship looks like,” said Miami-Dade County DERM Director and Chief Resilience Officer Loren Parra. “Strong private partnerships allow us to reach new areas, give away more trees to our residents, bring more shade to streets and playgrounds, and even create colorful pollinator gardens. We appreciate TD’s vision and dedication to building a more beautiful, healthier, and greener Miami-Dade.”

Learn more at Million Trees Miami.