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Along with essential programming and public safety, an important aspect of any City is its appearance — how it looks. So much so that according to MIT researchers, there is even a connection between a City’s beauty, economic growth, and an enhanced quality of life for its residents. This is the mission of the “Keep Miami Gardens Beautiful” initiative.
Keep Miami Gardens Beautiful (KMGB) was started with the goal of instilling pride in the community, combating litter, developing environmental stewardship, and ultimately beautifying the City. “The mission is to envision a country where every community is a clean, green, and beautiful place to live,” said Program Coordinator Angela Blaine. “We want to inspire and educate people daily to improve and beautify our community.”
In the last quarter alone, KMGB held four events, including two community cleanups and two “Adopt a Road” events, with a combined total of more than 120 volunteers and nearly 400 pounds of trash and debris collected. KMGB has also partnered with other Departments to get its message out. A fan favorite from the last quarter was wrapping two public works vehicles in brightly colored signage to promote the initiative and mission to residents.
As the City of Miami Gardens crosses its 20-year milestone, it is also approaching 17 years with a Tree City USA designation, maintained by adhering to strict arbor guidelines, like having a public tree care ordinance and urban forestry work funded in the City. To celebrate, KMGB distributed more than 300 trees to residents at the annual Tree Giveaway event celebrating Earth Day in late April. “This is to encourage homeowners to plant trees in their yards and improve and increase the overall tree canopy in Miami Gardens, Miami-Dade County, and surrounding areas,” said Blaine.
In addition to community events, KMGB continuously works on landscape projects and tree plantings. These projects are even more special because KMGB takes care of planting native species that have a history within the area. “The use of native plants is typically incorporated into the landscape palette to educate the public of Florida’s unique natural flora that was once abundant and should be restored where possible,” Blaine said. “Planting with purpose is to plant good!”
To inquire about quarterly cleanups, future events, and volunteer opportunities, contact Angela Blaine – KMGB Program Coordinator at City of Miami Gardens Public Works, at (786) 279-1261 or ablaine@miamigardens-fl.gov.
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