Miami, FL — Friends of The Underline announced today four nonprofit partners who will receive grants to advance environmental education and stewardship as part of the Growing Miami’s Green Corridor: Cultivating Community Environmental Stewards initiative. Supported by an urban forestry grant from the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, this program fosters greater public engagement in urban forestry education, empowering Miamians to become active stewards of South Florida’s unique ecosystem.

After a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, Miami Waterkeeper, BLUE Missions, Love The Everglades Movement, Inc., and Trinity Church/Peacemakers Family Center were selected to develop and deliver community-focused workshops on the importance of native trees, green infrastructure, and environmental resilience. These organizations will receive funding between $5,000 and $25,000 to support their programs, which will provide equitable access to nature-based learning experiences for diverse communities across Miami-Dade County.

Each selected nonprofit will offer programming on The Underline that connects residents to local ecosystems and teaches them how to enhance their natural surroundings

• GEN2050 Arts + Science In Action (Trinity Church/Peacemakers Family Center): A seasonal workshop series celebrating local biodiversity through hands-on ecological education and creative reflection, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds, including low-income and vulnerable communities.
• Cooling Miami: An Urban Hike Exploring Trees, Drought, and Heat (BLUE Missions): An immersive experience exploring the impact of urban forestry on Miami’s climate resilience.
• Urban Forest to Urban Waters: A Community Environmental Education Series (Miami Waterkeeper): A hands-on workshop series near the Miami River, connecting diverse communities with urban forests and educating them about trees’ relationship to water quality.
• Identifying Native and Invasive plants (Love The Everglades Movement, Inc.): Hands-on ecological education followed by creative reflection.

“We are excited to collaborate with these community based organizations to expand environmental education and instill an appreciation  for urban forestry’s role in our community’s resilience,” said Patrice Gillespie Smith, President & COO of The Underline Conservancy. “Led by our horticulturist, Asha Bertsch, these nonprofits will create meaningful experiences that inspire Miamians to become stewards of nature. 

Workshops will launch this year along The Underline’s 10-mile linear park and urban trail, providing residents with hands-on learning opportunities about the benefits of trees, green spaces, and sustainable urban design.

For more information about Growing Miami’s Green Corridor and upcoming workshops, visit TheUnderline.org or follow @theunderlinemia on social media.