The City of Homestead has received grant funding to support its Urban Tree Reforestation Project, which will enhance the city’s tree canopy and improve neighborhood aesthetics and environmental health.
The project was supported by Congressman Carlos Gimenez and funding is provided by the U.S. Forest Service through the 2024 Urban and Community Forestry – Inflation Reduction Act Grant Program. The grant was awarded to the City of Homestead in the amount of $49,500 by the Florida Forest Service (FFS), a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which administers the program at the state level.
Through this funding, the City of Homestead planted 51 Florida native trees within the public right-of-way along SW 187th Avenue (Redland Road), between NW 15th Street (Kings Highway / SW 304th Street) and NW 8th Street (Campbell Drive / SW 312th Street). The newly planted trees will help increase shade, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, manage stormwater runoff, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
“This investment in our urban forest reflects our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said Steven D. Losner, Mayor. “We are grateful to the U.S. Forest Service and the Florida Forest Service for their support in helping Homestead expand its tree canopy with native species that are well-suited to our local environment.”
The Urban Tree Reforestation Project aligns with the City’s ongoing efforts to promote resilience, beautification, and long-term environmental benefits through responsible urban forestry practices.
“The work upon which this publication is based was funded, in whole or in part, through a subrecipient grant awarded by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S.D.A. Forest Service nor does mention of trade names, commercial productions, services, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.”