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Citizens For A Better South Florida

Educating, Protecting,

And Preserving

South Florida

Neighbors

Replanting

Neighborhoods

Creating

Environmental

Stewards

Learning

Beyond

The Classroom

CITIZENS For a better south florida

Planting Knowledge. Growing Community.

Mission Statement

Citizens for a Better South Florida is dedicated to providing environmental education, particularly to the diverse underserved community which inspires active stewardship and preservation of the South Florida environment.

OUR PROGRAMS

Get Involved!

Interested in volunteering with CITIZENS? We are building the next generation of urban forest defenders!

Click to learn how to become an environmental steward in your community.

OPPORTUNITIES

Go Native

Many exotic plants are commonly used as landscape plants in South Florida homes, creating a hostile environment that does not support native wildlife or biodiversity.

Click to learn about which plants are native in your neighborhood.

GO NATIVE!
Trees Planted
Events and Community Science Workshops
Educated Citizens
Habitats Restored

bettersouthfl

Dedicated to providing environmental education to underserved communities and inspiring active stewardship & preservation of South FL ecosystems🌳🌞🌎♻️

🌳Miami-Dade homeowners 🌳 Get up to TWO FREE TREES 🌳Miami-Dade homeowners 🌳

Get up to TWO FREE TREES at the upcoming Adopt-a-Tree giveaway!

Join Miami-Dade County DERM as they distribute 2,000+ trees to help grow a greener, cooler, and more resilient county. Choose from a variety of native and fruit trees like mango, cherimoya, and black sapote (while supplies last).

🌿Citizens for a Better SouthFlorida @bettersouthfl will be on-site!
Visit our table for expert guidance on:
• Proper planting techniques
• Tree care & maintenance
• Selecting the right tree for your space

📍 Hialeah Gardens Senior High School
🗓 Saturday, May 16
⏰ Starting at 8:30 AM

🔗 Pre-register at @miamidadeenvironment link in bio or visit miamidade.gov/adopt-a-tree

Plant it right. Grow it strong. 🌱

#AdoptATreeMiami #buildingcommunity #urbangreening #greenerMiami #dalearboles 

******Español********

🌳Residentes de Miami-Dade 🌳

¡Reciban hasta DOS ÁRBOLES GRATIS en el evento Adopt-a-Tree!

Únete al Departamento de Recursos Ambientales de Miami-Dade (DERM), donde se estarán regalando más de 2,000 árboles para ayudar a crear un condado más verde, fresco y resiliente. Podrás elegir entre una variedad de árboles nativos y frutales como mango, chirimoya y zapote negro (hasta agotar existencias).

🌿 ¡Citizens for a Better South Florida @bettersouthfl estará presente!
Visítanos para orientación sobre:
• Técnicas adecuadas de siembra
• Cuidado y mantenimiento de árboles
• Cómo elegir el árbol ideal para tu espacio

📍 Hialeah Gardens Senior High School
🗓 Sábado, 16 de mayo
⏰ Desde las 8:30 a.m.

🔗 Regístrate en el enlace en la biografía de @MiamiDadeEnvironment o visita miamidade.gov/adopt-a-tree

Plántalo bien. Hazlo crecer fuerte. 🌱
Pine rocklands are one of the most endangered ecos Pine rocklands are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world—found only in South Florida and the Bahamas.

Through hands-on restoration, we’re working to protect what remains and rebuild what’s been lost.
Join us this Saturday at Camp Choee from 9AM–1PM and be part of the Rebellion.

Restore balance.

May the Forest be with you.

Details & registration in our pinned post.

#maythe4th #maytheforestbewithyou #habitatrestoration #buildingcommunity
#jointherebellion
Happy Motivational Monday! We Need Volunteers Tomo Happy Motivational Monday! We Need Volunteers Tomorrow!

⚽🌿 Volunteer + Match Day at the Beach 🌿⚽

Join us at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park for a unique volunteer experience in partnership with @heineken_us 

Spend the afternoon restoring the park through invasive species removal and trail maintenance, then stick around to watch some soccer as the Arsenal vs. Atlético Madrid match is broadcasted on-site. 

After, enjoy the beach and a post-event DJ set with refreshments (including non-alcoholic beer).

📍 Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
🗓️ Tuesday | 2–6 PM 
⚠️ 21+ event (valid ID required)

Sign up now scan qr code or use the link in bio.

#buildingcommunity
#habitatrestoration #soccer #sustainability #beachcleanup
Happy Fruitful Friday! Here is closer look at Arb Happy Fruitful Friday!

Here is closer look at Arbor Day 🌳

This swallowtail caterpillar is feeding on wild lime—a native tree that serves as a critical host plant.

Without native species like this, butterflies don’t survive. Pollinators are vital to our very own existence.

Planting trees is important. Planting the right trees is essential.

 #planttrees #arborday #pollinator #wildlifehabitat #urbangreening
Happy Earth Day 🌎🌿🌱🌳 Check out our Earth Day in a Happy Earth Day 🌎🌿🌱🌳

Check out our Earth Day in action!

Yesterday, our @leadership_learning_center students got hands-on in the garden as they continue to tend to their garden this season. Learning where food comes from, and harvesting what they grew themselves.

Earth Day is a reminder that caring for our planet starts with everyday actions. Experiences like this help students build real connections to sustainability, responsibility, and the environment.

Every day is Earth Day when we invest in the next generation.

🌳 Join us. Get involved in the work that we do.🌳

 #earthdayeveryday  #growyourownfood #youthempowerment #sustainability #environmentaleducation
Join us this Saturday in downtown Miami for a powe Join us this Saturday in downtown Miami for a powerful closing to @nationalwater_dance  NWD Projects 
Experience National Water Dance / Sonic River—where dance, music, and poetry come together to honor water, community, and place.

We’re proud to share that Ralph Ariza, Executive Director of Citizens for a Better South Florida, will open the event, setting the tone for an afternoon of reflection, creativity, and connection.

📍 West Park Fountain, 
  Stephen P. Clark Government Center
🗓 Saturday, April 18
⏰ 3:45 PM

No registration required. Come witness this unique collaboration of artists and community voices. Bring a friend and be part of the moment.

#nationalwaterdance #buildingcommunity #miamievents #communitythroughart #environmentaleducation
Happy Motivational Monday! 🌳Join us at Camp Choe Happy Motivational Monday! 

🌳Join us at Camp Choee this May 🌳

Be part of restoring one of South Florida’s unique ecosystems while connecting with the history and beauty of this special place.

Together, we’ll be:
• Planting native pine rockland species
• Raking pine needles
• Sharing stories of Camp Choee
• Enjoying guided nature walks

🗓 Saturday, May 9, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 11347 SW 160th St, Miami, FL 33157
⚠️ RSVP is required to participate.

In partnership with @miamidadeenvironment
Funded by @athleticbrewing Two For The Trails grant 

Register through the link in our bio or scan the QR code on the flyer

Come ready to learn, connect, and make a lasting impact. 

#buildingcommunity #environmentaleducation #campchoee #athleticbrewingco #twoforthetrailsgrant
Happy Fruitful Friday and Happy Earth Month! This Happy Fruitful Friday and Happy Earth Month!

This month we celebrate Earth Day but it is more than a day—it’s a movement. 🌳🌎
Every seed planted 🌿, every lesson shared📚, every hand🧤 in the soil brings us closer to a more sustainable future♻️.

This April, we celebrate the work—but more importantly, the people behind it.
Let’s keep growing, together🌱.

More activities to come so stay tuned.

#volunteerappreciation #buildingcommunity #earthmonth #environmentaleducation #dalearboles
Happy Motivational Monday! We bring you a little Happy Motivational Monday! 

We bring you a little glimpse of our field trip last week with our students from @leadership_learning_center 

This spring break, our Leadership Learning Center students took learning beyond the classroom and into the @evergladesnps.

Through hands-on exploration, they experienced the importance of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems—gaining a deeper understanding of biodiversity, conservation, and environmental responsibility.

These moments are more than a field trip—they’re shaping the next generation of environmental leaders.

Stay tuned for more as our students continue to learn, grow, and lead.

Some lessons can’t be taught in a classroom.

#environmentaleducation #evergladesnationalpark #HandsOnLearning #everglades #springbreak
Happy Fruitful Friday! Take a look at our growth Happy Fruitful Friday!

Take a look at our growth in progress at the LLC @leadership_learning_center Vegetable Garden.

What started as prepared beds and newly planted crops is already taking root. Each week the garden is filling in as vegetables begin to grow and the space continues to come to life.

Gardens like this are more than places to grow food. They are living classrooms that connect people to soil, sustainability, and where our food comes from.

Stay tuned as the garden continues to grow and the harvest season gets closer.

#growyourownfood #environmentaleducation #urbangreening #foodsecurity #eatyourveggies
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Camp Choee Thank you to everyone who joined us at Camp Choee last Saturday.

Together, we honored its history, supported habitat restoration, and strengthened our community through hands-on stewardship. From pine straw distribution to biodiversity exploration and guided leadership, your energy made a meaningful impact.

A special thank you to Athletic Brewing Company @athleticbrewing for funding this project and helping advance environmental stewardship in South Florida.

We are also grateful to James Duncan for sharing his knowledge of Camp Choee’s land history and deepening our understanding of this significant site.

We appreciate every volunteer and partner who continues to invest in a greener, healthier South Florida.

Interested in partnering or volunteering at future events? Stay connected.

#buildingcommunity #urbangreening #dalearboles #environmentaleducation #greenspaces
Happy Fruitful Friday everyone! 🏕 Volunteer Camp Happy Fruitful Friday everyone!

🏕 Volunteer Camp Choee 🏕
Join Citizens for a Better South Florida on Saturday, February 28 for a morning of honoring history, restoring nature, and strengthening community.

We’ll be:
• Spreading pine straw
• Exploring biodiversity
• Sharing Camp Choee’s story
• Enjoying guided nature walks

🗓Feb 28, 2026
🕦9 AM – 1 PM
📍11347 SW 160th St.
 Miami, FL. 33157

⚠️ RSVP is required.
Register through the 🔗 in our bio or scan the QR code on the flyer.

Let’s work together for a greener, healthier South Florida.

#dalearboles #urbangreening #environmentaleducation #buildingcommunity #volunteerservice
Happy Treemendous Tuesday! Here is a look back at Happy Treemendous Tuesday!
Here is a look back at last week’s harvest @mdckendall adding to the food pantry.
Through hands-on learning and community engagement, we continue cultivating food access across South Florida.

Stay tuned for upcoming events.

Want to get involved? 

Visit the link in our bio.

#urbangreening #buildingcommunity #growyourownfood #dalearboles #mdc
Happy Motivational Monday! Today, we honor Dr. Ma Happy Motivational Monday!

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through service.

This past Saturday January 17th at the Belafonte Tacolcy Center, CItizens partnered with @gmscmiami for an event honoring Dr. King. Through a community tree giveaway, we investing in a greener, healthier future for our neighborhoods.

Stay tuned for upcoming volunteer opportunities and events. To support our work, please visit the link in our bio. 

#mlkday2026 #dalearboles #urbangreening #buildingcommunity #treegiveaway
Happy Fruitful Friday! A better South Florida st Happy Fruitful Friday! 

A better South Florida starts from the ground up. 
When we care for our gardens, we strengthen our communities, protect our environment, and invest in the future we share.

Join us in growing something meaniful this year. 🌱🌳

Support this work by volunteering, donating, or following us to stay connected and grow with us this year.

🎥@lorenalmarrero

#buildingcommunity #urbangreening #dalearboles #treeleaders #growyourown
Happy Treemendous Tuesday! Happy New Year and chec Happy Treemendous Tuesday! Happy New Year and check out our upcoming event.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through service

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Join us for @gmscmiami MLK Jr. Day of Service we will provide a Tree Giveaway as we come together to grow a greener, healthier community.

📅 Saturday, January 17, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Belafonte Tacolcy Center (Parking Lot)
62nd Street & 10th Avenue (across from City of Miami Police Station)

🌳 Free trees available
🤝 Volunteers needed

Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by serving our neighbors and planting hope for future generations.

🔗 Sign up to volunteer or learn more — link in bio.

#dalearboles #buildingcommunity #servewithpurpose #mlkdayofservice #volunteerservice
Happy Flashback Festive Friday! Here is a look at Happy Flashback Festive Friday!
Here is a look at our @leadership_learning_center students last week.

Creativity meets community this holiday season.

Our students painted wooden discs  into handmade ornaments—learning artistic expression while celebrating the season.

Happy Holidays and stay tuned for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities!

#csw #dalearboles #environmentaleducation #holidayseason #ornaments
Happy Holidays from CITIZENS This season, slow d Happy Holidays from CITIZENS 

This season, slow down, step outside, and reconnect with nature—and each other.

Nature has a way of bringing us back to what matters most.

Follow us for more ways to grow a greener South Florida!

#dalearboles 
#happyholiday
#environmentaleducation
#buildingcommunity
#urbangreening
Happy Flashback Friday! Take a look at our @leade Happy Flashback Friday!

Take a look at our @leadership_learning_center students last week as they turned everyday waste into wearable art by creating jewelry from recycled soda tabs ♻️

Hands-on activities like this show how creativity and sustainability go hand in hand—and how small choices can make a big environmental impact.

Help us continue to provide environmental education to our South Florida community and keep us in mind during this giving season to support our programming. 

Donation 🔗 in our bio

#csw #stemeducation #reduce #reuse #recycle
Happy Treemendous Tuesday! This past Saturday, vol Happy Treemendous Tuesday!
This past Saturday, volunteers came together at #smilehaven to grow, learn, and give back. 🌱

From planting vegetables and sharing a meal, to giving away fruit trees and teaching proper planting techniques, this event was all about empowering our community through environmental education and sustainability.

Thank you to every volunteer and community member who helped us plant seeds for a healthier South Florida—today and for generations to come.

#buildingcommunity #urbangreening
#treeleaders #TREELeaders #growyourownfood #environmentaleducation #communitypartners #communitygarden #sustainability #righttreerightplace #urbangreening
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Citizens for a Better South Florida is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 65-0114889) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.


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  • Home
  • Our Roots
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
  • Our Seeds
    • Programs
    • Go Native
  • Our Growth
    • Coming soon!
  • Tree Leader Program
    • What is the TREE Leader Program?
    • TREE Leader List 2025
    • Upcoming Events
    • Know your Canopy
    • Native Trees
    • TREEsources