OUR STORY

Citizens for a Better South Florida (CITIZENS) was founded in 1988 by Arsenio Milian, a Cuban-born environmental and civil engineer committed to protecting South Florida’s natural resources and communities. While serving on the board of the South Florida Water Management District, Mr. Milian gained firsthand insight into the environmental challenges affecting the Everglades, the Biscayne Aquifer, and Lake Okeechobee—systems that are vital to the region’s ecology and quality of life.

As rapid population growth, flood control, and urban development altered the natural flow of water that sustains South Florida’s ecosystems, Mr. Milian recognized that water-related issues would shape the future of the region and its residents. He also understood that many immigrants arriving in South Florida needed access to environmental education—particularly in their native language—in order to become informed stewards of their new home. Under his leadership, a coalition of business and community leaders came together to establish CITIZENS, grounded in grassroots, community-based environmental education.

CITIZENS was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1989 and has since become a national pioneer in multilingual environmental education. From its inception, the organization has provided bilingual outreach in English and Spanish to community groups of all ages. One of its earliest initiatives was the development of innovative teacher training and environmental education programs for ESOL students in elementary schools, childcare centers, and after-school programs. More than 1,200 teachers were trained using this curriculum, which received the Governor’s Environmental Education Award.

Over the past 36 years, CITIZENS has continued to design and deliver impactful environmental programs that combine education with hands-on action. These initiatives include community tree plantings, hands-on science workshops, habitat restorations, and eco-immersion experiences that connect people directly to the natural environment. In 2006, the organization’s publication, Go Native!, became an important component of the City of Miami’s “Our Green Miami” communications campaign. CITIZENS also contributed to the development of the City of Miami’s Master Tree Plan and remains one of five nonprofit urban forestry organizations supporting tree planting efforts across the city, while serving on the City of Miami’s Urban Forestry Team.

CITIZENS’ work is rooted in collaboration and cultural competency. The organization engages and empowers local community leaders to educate their neighbors, families, and colleagues about pressing environmental issues and practical solutions. Alongside its partners, CITIZENS has built a strong network of faith-based institutions, schools, libraries, municipalities, public housing communities, and community centers to foster an appreciation for trees and to share knowledge about the ecosystem services provided by green spaces.

Since its inception, CITIZENS has educated more than 47,114 community members, planted over 14,776 trees, conducted more than 1,197 workshops, and restored over 117 ecosystem habitats throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties. These measurable outcomes reflect the organization’s long-standing commitment to creating informed, engaged communities.

CITIZENS envisions communities where people understand the connection between their everyday actions and the health of their neighborhoods, local ecosystems, and the global environment. The organization believes that environmental education empowers individuals to become stewards—helping to sow the seeds for a better quality of life for all.itizens for a Better South Florida (CITIZENS) was founded in 1988 by Arsenio Milian, a Cuban-born environmental and civil engineer committed to protecting South Florida’s natural resources and communities. While serving on the board of the South Florida Water Management District, Mr. Milian deepened his understanding of the complex environmental challenges facing the Everglades, the Biscayne Aquifer, and Lake Okeechobee—systems that are essential to the region’s ecology and quality of life.

In 2006, CITIZENS’ publication Go Native! became a key component of the City of Miami’s “Our Green Miami” communications campaign. The organization played an active role in the City’s Green Commission and contributed significantly to the development of Miami’s Master Tree Plan. Today, CITIZENS is one of five nonprofit urban forestry organizations supporting tree planting efforts across the city and serves on the City of Miami’s Urban Forestry Team.

CITIZENS recognizes that South Florida’s cultural diversity is a strength. The organization actively engages local community leaders to educate neighbors, families, and colleagues about pressing environmental issues and practical solutions. By maintaining a diverse board, staff, interns, and volunteers, CITIZENS acts as a vital bridge between the natural environment and South Florida’s urban communities.

Explore our site to learn more about CITIZENS’ programs, upcoming events, and how you can get involved in creating a healthier, more sustainable South Florida.