The Reclamation Project: Offical Kick-off with artist Xavier Cortada

Sunday, 3/21/2010

11:30 am

Join Miami artist Xavier Cortada at the official kick-off of his urban reforestation effort at the Deering Estate to engage local residents in helping restore native habitats for plants and animals. The Reclamation Project encourages residents to plant a native tree and green flag in their front yard and encourage their neighbors to do the same. As the tree grows, their interest in protecting the environment should also grow.

The Reclamation Project is a participatory eco-art project aimed at rebuilding our native tree canopy one tree at a time. A healthy, native urban canopy ensures considerable ecosystem services. Native trees provide habitat for local fauna, prevent soil erosion, offer shade and reduce electric bills, increase property values and provide global environmental benefits through the capture of carbon dioxide and the production oxygen from their leaves. Currently, Miami’s average urban canopy cover is 10%, well below the national urban average of 30%. Citizen involvement is crucial to returning tree canopies to our urban landscape. The project's Green Flags will be available for purchase.