The Underline Celebrates Earth Day with “Day in the Dirt,”Planting Miami’s First Microforest in District 5
The Underline, Miami’s 10-mile linear park and urban trail, celebrated Earth Day with “Day in the Dirt,” bringing together corporate volunteers from Amazon and JPMorgan Chase to plant its 12th microforest and District 5’s first in downtown Miami.
Located at SW 1st Avenue between SW 24th and 25th Roads, the microforest was planted using the Miyawaki Method, an innovative reforestation approach that uses densely planted native species to grow forests faster and create self-sustaining ecosystems in compact urban spaces. This microforest is modeled after four microforests in unincorporated Miami Dade County and South Miami that were originally funded by TD Bank.
“Day in the Dirt” is part of The Underline’s monthly free community programming, traditionally held on the first Saturday of each month, giving residents and volunteers the opportunity to get involved, learn about The Underline’s environmental initiatives, and experience the impact of this transformative public space firsthand.
“This is one of our favorite days here at The Underline because people can experience the cultivation that happens 365 days a year,” shared Patrice Gillespie Smith, President & COO of Friends of the Underline. “Our programming and initiatives are creating a resilience corridor, and our microforest initiative is a tangible example of how we’re building a healthier, more sustainable future for our community.”
The installation will help increase biodiversity, absorb carbon, cool surrounding areas, and reduce stormwater runoff. The species planted during the event included gumbo limbo, satinleaf, white stopper, pigeon plum, silver muttonwood, Simpson stopper, corkystem passion vine, and the rare, critically endangered Florida bitterbush, all selected to support native wildlife and restore South Florida ecology.
The morning began with a guided tour of The Underline, followed by remarks and a reading of Sonnet No. 1 by Nicole Tallman, Miami-Dade-County’s Poet Laureate. After a planting tutorial, volunteers worked alongside The Underline’s horticulture team to bring the microforest to life.
Miami-Dade County District 5 Commissioner Vicki Lopez joined volunteers at the event and highlighted the value of increasing green space in Miami’s urban core.
“Today we’re celebrating Earth Day in District 5, and it's particularly special for us who live in vertical living. We have very little green space in Brickell, and this happens to be the one place where you can celebrate having some green space,” said County Commissioner Vicki Lopez.
Volunteers from Amazon and JPMorgan Chase rolled up their sleeves alongside The Underline team, demonstrating how “Day in the Dirt” continues to connect people directly to the park’s environmental mission. Through monthly community programming, The Underline invites residents and partners alike to experience, support, and help shape one of Miami’s most transformative public spaces.