Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project
Share your ideas for a resilient community!
We are looking for underutilized open spaces that could be revitalized to reduce flooding, heat, and habitat loss. Our project focuses primarily on public land in areas with the greatest potential to advance equity. Feedback will guide the selection of locations for a range of green infrastructure design solutions across Miami-Dade County. We are asking YOU, the residents and stakeholders of Miami-Dade, to suggest sites that you think can benefit from a green infrastructure project through our Community Input Tool
Community Input Tool Upcoming Events
In The News About the Partners About the Funders
What is Green Infrastructure?
Our communities can be redesigned to work with nature, providing flood protection, shade, habitat, water filtration, and green space. This is called "green infrastructure", which falls under a larger umbrella of nature based solutions (NBS). Some examples of green infrastructure solutions include:
- Living shorelines and streets
- Rain gardens
- Wetlands
- Urban forests
By implementing green infrastructure, we can manage climate risk and enhance quality of life for all who live in Miami-Dade. Miami Waterkeeper, in collaboration with community partners, is investigating green infrastructure opportunities in Miami-Dade County’s built environment.
Share Your Input - Community Input Tool
Share your ideas for a resilient community through our online interactive map! This can be:
- Underused green space
- Parking lots and vacant lots
- Stretch of street that has no shade
- Area that always floods
- Schools, parks, trails, libraries, etc.
Go to our Community Input Tool to add your suggested locations for green infrastructure design projects.
Upcoming Events
April 6 - Miami Riverday Festival at 250 NW North River Dr from 1pm-6pm. Celebrate the unique culture and natural environment of the historic Miami River at the 25th annual Miami Riverday Festival. This free family-friendly festival features complimentary Miami River boat rides, environmental educational booths, children's activities, historic tours and re-enactments, food, drinks and live music. The historic properties at Lummus Park are also open to explore during the festival. Miami Waterkeeper will have a vendor booth and will discuss their Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project seeking nominations for areas Overtown residents want to prioritize in their community.
April 20 - North Miami Earth Fair at Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park from 11am-3pm. This family friendly event will have free music, food vendors, local artists, giveaways, free recycling services, and other vendors. Miami waterkeeper will be discussing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project Community Input Tool and seeking resident nominations for locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution.
Past Events
November 4 - El Portal This is Our Village - Informational Exposition at Village Town Hall from noon-5pm. Miami Waterkeeper will be launching our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project Community Input Tool during Mayor Omar Nickerson's Village Address. We will have additional resources available at our table for those that want to stop by and learn more! El Portal residents may also nominate locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution.
November 8 - SMASH Meeting at the Co-op 1611 NW 65th street from 6pm-8pm. Struggle for Miami's Affordable and Sustainable Housing (SMASH) is hosting their Fall Fellowship Feast where they will reveal their new solar panels on the Liberty City Co-op (which is also a Resilience Hub). Miami Waterkeeper will be presenting their Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project and seeking nominations for areas Liberty City residents want to prioritize in their community. Our community map is also on display at the Co-op/Resilience Hub until December so residents can also learn more about the project and nominate locations ideal for revitalization to reduce flooding, excessive heat and habitat loss.
November 11 - Science and Peace Day at Hattie Bauer Hammock Preserve from 9am-noon. The Miami-Dade County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program will be leading volunteers through an educational forum with organizations such as The Institute for Regional Conservation, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami Waterkeeper and other non-profit organizations where attendees can explore different organizations sharing the same vision. Miami Waterkeeper will be discussing their Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project and seeking nominations for areas Homestead residents want to prioritize in their community.
November 18 - Naranja Library Branch from 11am -1pm. Miami Waterkeeper will be discussing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project Community Input Tool and seeking resident nominations for locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution. Find us in the lobby, during the student help/tutoring program.
December 2 - SMASH Design Charette in Liberty City from noon-2pm. Miami Waterkeeper will be discussing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project Community Input Tool and seeking resident nominations for locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution.
December 6 - Community Canvassing Homestead. Look for us walking the community, having conversations with local businesses and residents to promote our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project Community Input Tool, and upcoming community events in the Homestead area.
December 7 - Community Canvassing West Little River. Look for us walking the community, having conversations with local businesses and residents to promote our upcoming community event at the North Central Library Branch on December 8 as well as our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project Community Input Tool.
December 8 - North Central Library Branch from 9:30-11:30am. Miami Waterkeeper will be discussing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project Community Input Tool and seeking resident nominations for locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution. Find us in the lobby, during the Adult Computer Help Program event.
January 20 - Miami Springs Library Branch from 11am-2pm. Miami Waterkeeper will be discussing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project Community Input Tool and seeking resident nominations for locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution. Find us in the lobby, during the student help/tutoring program.
January 21 - Homestead La Ranchera Market from 9am-11am. Miami Waterkeeper will be discussing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project Community Input Tool and seeking resident nominations for locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution. Find us tabling outside of the market.
January 30 - Homestead Cybrarium - All Families Fun Night from 5-6:30pm. Miami Waterkeeper will be discussing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project Community Input Tool and seeking resident nominations for locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution. Find us in the lobby, during the All Families Fun Night event.
February 5 - City of Miami Climate Resilience Committee Meeting 6pm. Miami Waterkeeper will present our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project and Community Input Tool, and encourage resident nominations for locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution.
Thursday February 8 - Miami Gardens CAC meeting 5pm at the Community Center. Miami Waterkeeper will present our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project and Community Input Tool, and encourage resident nominations for locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution.
February 10 - Overtown Walking Tour and River Clean Up from 2-5pm. Urban Health Partnerships, Miami Waterkeeper and Debris Free Oceans are co-hosting a captivating walking tour and river clean up of Overtown. We will start at the Historic Lyric Theatre, where as we take in scenic views along our route, our knowledgeable guides will highlight the people, places, music and stories that have defined Overtown's rich history and culture.
Saturday, February 10 - Black History Celebration in the Park Losner Park, Homestead, 6-10 pm. The City of Homestead is proud to announce its community-centric celebration that is open and FREE to the public, welcoming all residents and visitors to join in commemorating the rich heritage and contributions of the Black community. Attendees can expect an evening filled with vibrant activities and entertainment, featuring live music and a DJ to keep the atmosphere lively and celebratory. Miami Waterkeeper will be part of the vendor showcase, continuing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project community outreach.
Saturday, February 10 - Doral Art Walk in Downtown Doral Park from 4-8 pm. The City of Doral is hosting its annual art walk and artisan market that is FREE to the public! This event brings a wide range of local artists and performers to create a family-friendly art experience. Enjoy an evening full of fun, entertainment, and wonderful art. Miami Waterkeeper will be part of the vendor showcase, continuing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project community outreach.
Thursday, February 15 - City of Opa-Locka Commission Meeting 7pm. Find us in the lobby outside the commission meeting, with a large map of Opa-Locka discussing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project and Community Input Tool, and encouraging resident nominations for locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution.
Friday, February 16 - Sounds of Little Haiti at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex from 6-10 pm. Experience authentic Haitian culture, from music to food and more at the monthly Sounds of Little Haiti. This immersive cultural experience takes place every third Friday of the month in the heart of downtown Little Haiti. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here! Miami Waterkeeper will be part of the vendor showcase, continuing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project community outreach.
Saturday, February 17 - Thrift and Eat Market in Hialeah 11am-7pm. Get ready to discover unique treasures, indulge in delicious food, and mingle with fellow thrift enthusiasts. Find us in a vendor booth, with a large map of Hialeah, discussing our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project and Community Input Tool, and encouraging resident nominations for locations ideal for revitalization that they want to prioritize in their community that can benefit from a green infrastructure design solution.
Friday, February 23 - Cafecito with Commissioner Renee Garcia from 9am-11am.
Saturday, February 24 - Urban Health Partnerships Heart Health Event from 9am-2pm. Miami Waterkeeper will continue our Green Infrastructure Accelerator Project outreach at Williams Park, in Overtown.
Thursday, March 7 - Hialeah Town Hall with Mayor Bovo and Commissioner Cabrera from 5:30-8pm
Friday, March 8 - Opa-locka Bingo Night from 6-8pm.
Want to get involved in other ways too? Visit our Events page!
In The News
Could Your Miami-Dade Neighborhood's Open Space Help Curb Flooding? Put it on this list (Miami Herald, Alex Harris on Nov 23, 2023)
EPA-Funded Initiative Seeks Community Input to Support Green Space Design Concepts Across Miami-Dade (The Invading Sea on Nov 22, 2023)
About the Partners
Miami Waterkeeper (MWK) is a nonprofit organization that develops local solutions to global challenges. As a leading environmental advocate in South Florida, Miami Waterkeeper focuses on sustainable solutions for clean water and resilience against sea level rise.
Florida International University Wetland Ecosystems Research Lab (FIU) will analyze two existing GI projects to measure their effectiveness in reducing stormwater runoff and removing contaminants and nutrients. This research will help to inform communities about the effectiveness of local GI projects and will be presented at the Community Town Halls.
Local Office Landscape and Urban Design is a research-based design firm building innovative, resilient, and environmentally just landscapes.
One Water Academy is a nonprofit organization that seeks to equip governments, utilities, industry, academia, nonprofits, and the community with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare, respond, and recover from shocks and stresses for One Water resilience.
University of Miami College of Engineering (COE) is focused on educating the next generation of engineers to prepare societal leaders with strong scientific and technical skills combined with an ethical and moral outlook to impact academia, business, government and/or the non-profit sector.
People's Economic & Environmental Resilience (P.E.E.R.) Group is a nonprofit law firm that partners with communities and clients to develop evidence-based policies rooted in equity, resilience, and sustainability
University of Miami School of Law Environmental Justice Clinic (EJC) advocates for and empowers marginalized communities by combining civil rights, environmental, poverty, and public health law with community lawyering principles.
Everglades Law Center is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to representing the public interest in environmental and land use matters. The ELC will advocate for improved stormwater management policies, including green infrastructure, and regulations that speak to today's changing environmental conditions and tomorrow's climate future.
About the Funders
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded project funding through the South Florida Geographic Initiatives Program, which provides competitive grants to address the immediate and emerging ecological pressures and threats to nearshore waters, bays, estuaries, beaches, and coral reefs central to South Florida's economic well-being.
Pisces Foundation
The Pisces Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations to accelerate to a world where people and nature thrive together. The foundation supports early movers, innovative ideas, and bold leaders and organizations, adapting based on lessons learned. Pisces Foundation collaborates and creates purposeful networks, knowing that connection, joint priorities, and collective action accelerate progress and produce greater results.
This project would not be possible without the generous support from our funders!
