Miami-Dade kicks into high gear for Earth Day, led by the area's top official. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has laid out the welcome mat for an Earth Day celebration taking place at Larry & Penny Thompson Memorial Park and Campground. As reported by the Miami-Dade government's press release, the environmental festivities are scheduled for April 20 with Commissioner Kionne McGhee and Maria Nardi, Miami-Dade Parks Director, joining the fray.
"Earth Day reminds us that every day is an opportunity to honor and nurture our precious environment," Levine Cava stated. The day's agenda is jam-packed with activities aimed at raising environmental awareness, specifically rebuilding the park's Pine Rockland ecosystem. Activities include planting native flora and learning about the vital critters, like the Miami tiger beetle and the elusive Florida panther, that call these lands home.
Commissioner McGhee took the opportunity to emphasize the significance of the local landscape, "Our parks, our environment is our legacy. Earth Day is an excellent time to come together as a community to celebrate and protect the unique biodiversity of South Dade County and all South Florida. We each have something to give, and to take away from this park event."
Maria Nardi echoed these sentiments, pointing to the involvement of community volunteers, "Every day is Earth Day at Miami-Dade Parks! Our mission is to steward parks and natural areas, as part of the solution to sea level rise, the rising heat index, and other climate change impacts," she said, welcoming the public to roll up their sleeves for the cause. Nestled within the day's events is a battle against plastics, tied to this year's Earth Day mantra—Planet vs. Plastics—with volunteers tidying up the park's shoreline.
There's something for the whole family, including a kid-friendly zone and an Eco Village showcasing nature-based exhibits. Visitors can walk away with plastic-free goodies like orchids or native trees to plant at home, aligning with the event's green goals. The month of April, doubling as Earth Month, presents even more chances to get involved. Interested parties should click here for additional details and to sign up for related activities throughout the month.
