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The Village of Pinecrest has partnered with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida to launch the Everglades Earth Cycle Project, a pioneering initiative that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich compost to restore degraded Everglades soil.
This project is funded by a $400,000 USDA grant secured in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado, a $40,000 grant from the office of Commissioner Regalado, and a $40,000 donation from community partners, including Fertile Earth Worm Farm. It builds on the success of Pinecrest’s innovative composting program.
“The Village of Pinecrest is honored and proud to partner with the Miccosukee tribe on this first-of-its-kind environmental project,” said Mayor Joseph M. Corradino. “This initiative will not only benefit our community but also play a vital role in preserving the Everglades.”
The collaboration brings together the Village, the Miccosukee Tribe, Dr. Lanette Sobel of Fertile Earth Worm Farm, and The Love The Everglades Movement to address critical environmental challenges facing South Florida, including soil degradation, nutrient runoff, and climate resilience.
Rev. Houston R. Cypress of Love the Everglades Movement emphasized the project’s deeper significance: “The Everglades Earth Cycle exemplifies what is possible when communities work together with a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and resilience. Love The Everglades Movement is dedicated to restoring and protecting the Greater Everglades in a way that respects Indigenous knowledge and contemporary scientific advances, supports ecological balance, and ensures long-term sustainability.”
The initiative builds on Pinecrest’s free residential composting program – the first in Miami-Dade County – which has already diverted over 90,000 pounds of food waste from landfills in just one year (or the equivalent of twelve Land Rovers). Vice Mayor Shannon del Prado, who spearheaded the original composting effort, noted that the program began with a simple resident suggestion. “This is what local government is about–listening to people and finding practical improvements to enhance the quality of life,” she said.
Residents interested in participating can obtain free composting bins every Sunday at the Pinecrest Farmers Market or drop off food scraps at designated locations near Pinecrest Gardens and the Community Center.
Seven new collection sites will be added, with at least 40% of the locations placed in low-income areas in District 7 of Miami-Dade, making composting even more accessible to residents. The remaining compost bins will be placed in Pinecrest parks.
Other municipalities interested in launching similar initiatives can contact Love the Everglades at circle@lovetheeverglades.org for community education sessions and program guidance.
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