Miami-Dade to Give Away Free Trees at Zoo Miami on Sept. 13

Miami-Dade residents will have another opportunity to bring home free trees during the third Adopt-a-Tree event of the season, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13, at Zoo Miami. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., or until the available trees run out, at Zoo Miami, located at 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177. Parking will be free.

Since its launch in 2001, Miami-Dade County’s Adopt-a-Tree Program has distributed more than 250,000 trees to local residents, helping expand the area’s tree canopy while giving families an opportunity to add fruit trees and other species to their properties at no cost.

The planned selection for the Sept. 13 event includes a diverse variety of trees. Residents can choose from Achacha, Crabwood, grafted mango, Jaboticaba, Jamaican Caper Tree, Simpson’s Stopper, soursop, Spanish Stopper and sugar apple, depending on availability.

Trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Although pre-registration for the event is now open and can help verify a resident’s eligibility in advance, County officials emphasize that pre-registration does not guarantee that a tree will be available. Those hoping for a particular variety may want to arrive early.

The event will offer more than just trees. Residents will also have an opportunity to exchange up to two non-high-efficiency showerheads for high-efficiency models designed to help reduce water consumption. Participants may also exchange up to three incandescent light bulbs for energy-efficient LED bulbs. Both exchanges will be available free of charge while supplies last.

The environmental initiative will also be combined with an opportunity to help local animals. Through the “Adopt-a-Tree and Adopt a Pet” effort, visitors can explore options for bringing home a furry companion and providing a pet with a new family.

The event is part of Miami-Dade County’s broader efforts to encourage greener communities and promote practical ways for residents to conserve natural resources.

By providing trees, water-saving equipment and energy-efficient lighting at no cost, the program offers households several ways to make changes that can provide environmental benefits well beyond the event itself.

For families interested in participating, pre-registration for the Sept. 13 Adopt-a-Tree event is already open.

However, with trees available only while supplies last, residents are reminded that distribution will ultimately depend on availability and order of arrival.