The forest for the trees – honors for Miami

Written by John Charles Robbins on March 16, 2017

 

Today in Orlando, the City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department was to be recognized by the Florida Urban Forestry Council for “Outstanding Urban Forestry Program,” part of its 2016 Friends of our Urban Forest Awards Program.

The award was to be presented during the Urban Forestry Institute 2017 Conference.

Since 1998, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, led by Senior Park Naturalist Juan Fernandez, has been working to improve the health, preservation and public appreciation for Miami’s urban forests.

The award also highlights the accomplishment completed by the community members and volunteers through service learning events, which have contributed to the habitat restoration work and the use of the parks as outdoor classrooms to learn about the importance of habitat conservation first hand.

Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Kirwin emphasized that this award recognizes the efforts of the parks team and the community. “We really went a long way in positioning ourselves as a big part of the conservation and stewardship solution for our city and beyond and look forward to many more accomplishments, to make sure we offer the best experience to the City of Miami residents while caring for our environment,” Mr. Kirwin said.

Details: To learn about becoming involved with the Parks and Recreation Department and natural areas call (305) 416-1300 or email Gloria Antia, Park Naturalist at gantia@miamigov.com.