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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 ecosystemsπŸŒ³πŸŒžπŸŒŽβ™»οΈ

Happy Throwback Thursday! Our final @leadership_ Happy Throwback Thursday! 

Our final @leadership_learning_center summer field trip was one to remember!

Students spent the day atΒ Shake-A-Leg Miami, where they explored Biscayne Bay by kayak, enjoyed a pontoon boat ride, and cooled off with time in the water. From trying new activities to working together on the water, the day was filled with adventure, confidence-building, and unforgettable memories.

Experiences like these help connect youth with South Florida's unique coastal environment while encouraging teamwork, resilience, and a love for the outdoors.

A big thank you toΒ @shakealegmiaΒ for providing such an incredible experience for our students!

Stay tuned for updates, volunteer with us, or you can support our efforts to provide environmental education to our community using the πŸ”— in our bio.

#environmentaleducation #handsonlearning #outdooradventures #enjoytheoutdoors #supportlocal
Happy Fruitful Friday! Throughout June, resident Happy Fruitful Friday! 

Throughout June, residents gathered at four community workshops as part of @ecoedimpactcorp City of Hollywood Tree Canopy ProjectΒ to learn about the many benefits of urban trees and green spaces.

Participants explored how a healthy tree canopy creates cooler streets, cleaner air, stronger communities, and more resilient neighborhoods. Community members also shared their input through interactive tree voting, helping shape the future of Hollywood's urban forest.

As part of the initiative,Β CITIZENS hosted a free tree giveaway, giving residents the opportunity to plant trees in their own yards and contribute directly to a greener, healthier city.

Thank you to everyone who attended and took part in building a more sustainable Hollywoodβ€”one tree at a time. 

Volunteer with us using the πŸ”— in our bio.
Stay tuned for more upcoming events.

#buildingcommunity #treecanopy #urbangreening #urbanforestry #trees
Happy Throwback Thursday! Take a look at our secon Happy Throwback Thursday! Take a look at our second visit from @seabirdstation and meet Humberto & Rosario!

Our 4th & 5th grade and middle school students had the opportunity to meet two incredible Florida box turtles fromΒ Pelican Harbor Seabird StationΒ during a special wildlife presentation at @leadership_learning_center

Students discovered that Florida box turtles have a unique hinged shell that allows them to completely close themselves inside for protection from predators. They also learned Humberto and Rosario's inspiring stories.

Rosario survived a nearly shattered shell after being thrown to the ground, while Humberto recovered from a shell injury caused by a fall. Thanks to the dedicated care they received, both turtles recovered. Because they became accustomed to human care during rehabilitation, they now serve as ambassador animals, helping educate others about Florida's native wildlife.

And here's a fun factβ€”they've even hadΒ five baby turtles together! 🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒

Thank you Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, for another unforgettable visit and for inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards! 

πŸ’š Every animal has a story. Every story can inspire conservation.

πŸ“Έ taken by @lorenalmarrero

#buildingcommunity #floridaboxturtle #environmentaleducation #protectwildlife #handsonlearning
Happy Throwback Thursday! Check out our Camp Choee Happy Throwback Thursday! Check out our Camp Choee event from last Saturday.

Community. Conservation. Connection.

Our Camp Choee Community Volunteer Day brought together volunteers to care for this special natural area through habitat restoration, a community BioBlitz usingΒ iNaturalist, and stewardship activities that will benefit Camp Choee for years to come.

Together, we mulched newly planted trees with pine needles, raked natural mulch, documented local biodiversity, and shared native Green Thatch Palms with community members to encourage native landscaping at home.

A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and energy to help restore and protect this unique space.

Special thanks to @athleticbrewing Β through itsΒ Two For The TrailsΒ grant program for their continued support for this Camp Choee initiative and helping make community conservation efforts like this possible.

Every volunteer. Every observation. Every tree makes a difference.

Stay tuned for more.

#urbangreening #habitatrestoration #buildingcommunity #environmentaleducation #communityforestry
Join Us. Grow with us, Miami! Come out to theΒ Ur Join Us. Grow with us, Miami! 

Come out to theΒ Urban Forest Community Engagement WorkshopΒ to learn about the city's urban forest, upcoming tree plantings, volunteer opportunities, and green careers.

🌱 Every attendee receives a free plant to take home!

🌳 Workshops held throughout Miami.

Register and find a location near you atΒ miami.gov/ufcworkshopsΒ or scan the QR code on the flyer.

Let's grow a greener, healthier Miami together! πŸ’š

#buildingcommunity #dalearboles #urbangreening #environmentaleducation #urbanforestry
🌳Miami-Dade homeowners can receive up to TWO FREE 🌳Miami-Dade homeowners can receive up to TWO FREE TREES at Adopt-a-Tree!

Join the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) on Saturday, July 25, in FIU Biscayne Bay Campus as more than 2,000 trees are given away to help grow a greener, cooler, and more resilient Miami-Dade County.

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

Residents can choose from a variety of native and fruit trees, including Mango, Cherimoya, and Black Sapote while supplies last. Β 

πŸ“FIU Biscayne Bay Campus 
πŸ“†Saturday, July 25 Β  
πŸ•’Starting at 8:30 a.m.

Pre-register today at @MiamiDadeEnvironment’s 
πŸ”— in bio or visit miamidade.gov/adoptatree
Happy Flashback Friday! Here is a look at this wee Happy Flashback Friday! Here is a look at this week's special guest that visited our students  @leadership_learning_center

🐾 Meet Blue!

Our 4th & 5th grade and middle school students at the Leadership Learning Center had the opportunity to meetΒ Blue, a Virginia opossum from @seabirdstation.

Blue is an ambassador animal. Because he is blind, he could not be released back into the wild. Instead, he now helps educate students and the community about wildlife rehabilitation, the importance of protecting Florida's native species, and the role opossums play in healthy ecosystems.

Through this unforgettable animal encounter, students gained a greater appreciation for wildlife, conservation, and the dedicated work that goes into caring for injured and non-releasable animals.

A heartfelt thank you toΒ Pelican Harbor Seabird StationΒ for sharing Blue's story and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. 

Stay tuned as we continue to provide our students with ongoing summer fun activities that will get them excited about science.

#environmentaleducation #wildlifepresevation #opossum #marsupial
Happy Wednesday Wonders! Last week our students a Happy Wednesday Wonders!

Last week our students at @leadership_learning_center explored the fascinating science of sound during an interactive workshop.

Using a cymatic sound board, students observed how sound vibrations create unique patterns, demonstrating how frequency and energy can be seen as well as heard. They also experimented with musical instruments to better understand vibration, rhythm, and the physics behind sound.

Hands-on experiences like these inspire curiosity and encourage students to explore the world through science and discovery.

Stay tuned for more fun summer activities.

#stemeducation #environmentaleducation #soundhealing #handsonlearning #frequencyvibrations
Join us atΒ Camp ChoeeΒ for ourΒ Summer Cookout Commu Join us atΒ Camp ChoeeΒ for ourΒ Summer Cookout Community Volunteer Day!

Help restore this special natural space while enjoying guided nature walks, learning about Camp Choee's history, and connecting with fellow community members.

πŸ“… July 11, 2026
πŸ•“ 4pm - 7pm
πŸ“ 11347 SW 160th St.
 Miami, FL. 33157

Scan the QR code to RSVP or click the πŸ”— in our bio we can't wait to see you!

With support byΒ @athleticbrewing Two For The TrailsΒ andΒ @miamidadeenvironment πŸ’š

#cookout #environmentaleducation #volunteerservice #southflorida
#urbangreening
Happy Throwback Thursday! Take a look back at la Happy Throwback Thursday! 

Take a look back at last week when students at @mdcpadron rolled up their sleeves to help grow a greener campus!

On Wednesday June 7, 2026 students plantedΒ 7 treesΒ in the student parking area to help expand tree canopy coverage, improve shade, and support a healthier campus environment.

Through hands-on environmental stewardship, participants learned how trees contribute to community resilience while making a lasting investment in the campus landscape.

Every tree planted today helps create a cooler, greener tomorrow. 🌱

#environmentaleducation #urbangreening #canopy #urbanforestry #plantmoretrees
Happy Flashback Friday! Here is a look at our rece Happy Flashback Friday! Here is a look at our recent summer outing with our @leadership_learning_center students! 

Learning came to life during our recent Leadership Learning Center field trip to Montgomery Botanical Center!

Students explored diverse plant collections, observed local flora and fauna, and put their observation skills to the test through a scavenger hunt. Experiences like these help connect classroom learning with the natural world while inspiring curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper appreciation for biodiversity.

Thank you to @montgomerybotanicalcenter for hosting our students and providing an engaging educational experience.

#environmentaleducation #summercamp2026 #naturewalk #stemeducationforkids #outdooradventures
πŸ¦‹Β A Monarch's Journey These photos capture a mona πŸ¦‹Β A Monarch's Journey

These photos capture a monarch butterfly during one of the most vulnerable moments of its life emerging from its chrysalis and drying its wings before its first flight.

Newly emerged butterflies need time to expand and harden their wings, making them easy targets for predators. Unfortunately, this monarch was caught by a lizard before it could take flight.

While difficult to witness, predation is a natural part of healthy ecosystems. Monarch butterflies, lizards, birds, and countless other species are all connected through the web of life.

Nature's stories do not always have happy endings, but they help us better understand and appreciate the complex relationships that sustain biodiversity.

#environmentaleducation #pollinatorsmatter #monarch #ecosystem #circleoflife
Hope everyone is having a great Weekend! On May 3 Hope everyone is having a great Weekend!

On May 30, volunteers came together to support a 96-year-old veteran through a day of service and beautification. 🌳

Working side by side, volunteers installed a paver pathway, painted outdoor areas, planted trees, and shared proper planting and mulching techniques to help ensure the landscape thrives for years to come.

This project was about more than improving a property it was an opportunity to honor a lifetime of service while demonstrating the power of community action.

Thank you to @gmscmiami and @akazetaomega  for providing this opportunity and to everyone who dedicated their time and energy to making a meaningful difference.

#buildingcommunity #urbangreening #treeleaders #environmentaleducation #planttrees
Happy Throwback Thursday! Stewardship is more tha Happy Throwback Thursday!

Stewardship is more than planting treesβ€”it's helping them thrive.

On May 23rd, volunteers gathered at Carol City United Methodist Church for TREE Maintenance Day to care for the church canopy through mulching, pruning, weeding, and tree replacement.

During the event, volunteers replaced trees that did not survive, including swapping two Dahoon Hollies and replacing another Dahoon Holly with a Black Ironwood better suited to site conditions. These efforts help strengthen the canopy and support long-term tree health.

A special thank you to our partners and volunteers fromΒ @gmscmiami, @uwomenfaith , @beloved_community_public_mkt, and TREE Leaders for making this day of service possible.

Together, we're creating a healthier, greener, and more resilient South Floridaβ€”one tree at a time.

Follow us for more upcoming volunteer opportunities.

#urbanforestry #moretreesplease #buildingcommunity #treeleaders #urbangreening
As we reflect on the importance of service and com As we reflect on the importance of service and community this Memorial Day, we’re looking back at our May 9 stewardship event at Camp Choee.

Every restoration effort helps support the wildlife and ecosystems that make South Florida unique.

Volunteers came together to plant native pine rockland species, restore habitat, explore biodiversity, and care for one of South Florida’s unique natural spaces - including a special gray fox sighting along the way. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us in caring for this important natural and cultural space.

In partnership with @miamidadeenvironment Miami-Dade County

Funded by @athleticbrewing through their Two For The Trails grant program.

Stay connected for future volunteer opportunities.

#buildingcommunity
#urbangreening #environmentaleducation #habitatrestoration #pinerocklands
Happy Fruitful Friday! This week we did a little m Happy Fruitful Friday! This week we did a little maintenance in the garden @leadership_learning_center

Behind every thriving garden is consistent care 🌱

From pruning overgrowth to clearing weeds and refreshing planting areas, our maintenance day at the LLC garden helped keep this green space healthy and beautiful for everyone who visits.

Stay stuned for more updates and harvest to come. 

Join us and grow with us! Our next event is tomorrow and you can register using the πŸ”— in our bio.

#growyourownfood #environmentaleducation #urbangreening #dalearboles #foodsecurity
Happy Throwback Thursday! Take a look at another e Happy Throwback Thursday! Take a look at another event from earlier this month!

🌎🌱 Celebrating Earth Day at CEMEX!

On May 7, 2026 CEMEX @cemex_usa employees participated in an Earth Day activation focused on sustainability, environmental awareness, and growing greener communities beyond the workplace.

We were also excited to welcome students from Miami Arts Studio @miamiartsstudio who joined the event and learned more about environmental stewardship and the importance of urban greening.

Employees took home trees and plants to continue making a positive impact in their own neighborhoods and communities.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this meaningful day of environmental action and community engagement.

Stay tuned for more posts from all our events in May and join us this Saturday at UMC (check out our flyer for May 23rd) πŸ”—link in our bio.

#dalearboles #environmentaleducation #urbangreening #buildingcommunity #earthdayeveryday
May has been very busy for us. Check out this even May has been very busy for us. Check out this event from early this month.

⚽🌿 Watching Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid from a golf cart TV while restoring Historic Virginia Key Beach Park? Only in Miami @onlyindade

Thank you to all of the volunteers who joined us for invasive species removal and trail maintenance, and special thanks to @heineken_us and their employee volunteers for helping support and restore this important coastal ecosystem.

An unforgettable afternoon of environmental stewardship, fΓΊtbol, community, and beachside energy.

Stay tuned for more recaps of this month.

Next event is this Saturday May 23, 2026 Tree Maintenance at UMC. Check out our previous post for more details and register using the πŸ”— in bio.

#virginiakey #heineken #environmentaleducation #buildingcommunity #soccerfans
🌳 Volunteer with us this Saturday 🌳 Join TREE Lea 🌳 Volunteer with us this Saturday 🌳

Join TREE Leaders, CITIZENS, GMSC, and community partners for a morning dedicated to caring for trees and green spaces at Carol City United Methodist Church.

Help us mulch, prune, weed, and maintain the church canopy while connecting with others working toward a greener South Florida.

πŸ“… Saturday, May 23, 2026
πŸ•˜ 9 AM – 1 PM
πŸ“ Carol City United Methodist Church
17901 NW 37th Ave.
Miami Gardens, FL 33056

🌱 Tree giveaway
βœ… Volunteer service hours available

Scan the QR code or use the πŸ”— in our bio to register. We hope to see you there!

#TREELeader #volunteerservice #miamigardens #urbangreening #buildingcommunity
Check out Part 2 of our Earth Day & Arbor Day comm Check out Part 2 of our Earth Day & Arbor Day community beautification project 🌎🌳

From prep to planting 🌳🌱

Our TREEleader from @akazetaomega sorrority organized an event and we came together to transform this yard with native trees, pollinator-friendly plants, edible crops, and raised garden beds for a longtime community resident.

Together, we planted:
🌳 Pigeon Plum, Red Mulberry, Starfruit & Wild Lime
🌿 Cocoplum, Beautyberry, Firebush, Locustberry & more
πŸ₯¬ Everglades tomatoes, collards, tat soi, eggplant, herbs, and edible greens

Creating more shade, habitat, beauty, and access to fresh food  one yard at a time.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and join us for the next project to help us make a greener South Florida.

#earthday #arborday #treeleaders #aka1908 #buildingcommunity
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  • Home
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  • 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
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