The City of Tampa recently honored the Green Team, a group dedicated to environmental stewardship, who surpassed 15,000 service hours in the past program year. Graduating after an intense year of community service, these nine individuals each tallied over 1,700 hours in efforts to beautify and protect the city's environment. The graduates were recognized in a ceremony at Seminole Garden Center yesterday, as reported by the City of Tampa.
During their service, the Green Team made a substantial impact by planting 375 trees and over 9,400 plants, as well as removing an impressive 49,000 pounds of litter from Tampa’s parks and waterways. Through community engagement, they also educated more than 4,500 residents and youth on the importance of protecting and improving their natural environment.
In a statement highlighting the team’s accomplishments, Mayor Jane Castor stated in a press release, "Our Green Team tackled some of the hardest, dirtiest work out there — planting trees, cleaning up trash, and making Tampa a cleaner, greener place for everyone to enjoy. Their efforts are exactly what we need to strengthen our city’s ecosystem, improve air and water quality long term, and help us prepare for any environmental challenges ahead." The statement reflects the city’s acknowledgment of the Green Team’s activities and their impact on Tampa’s environment.
Green Team members, many of whom earned certifications such as the Urban Agriculture Specialist Certification, participated in a variety of city initiatives. Their role in the 2024 hurricane response serves as one example of their involvement in addressing environmental challenges. As the program concludes, members depart with newly acquired skills and a documented record of service to Tampa’s environmental efforts.
