Gate Green Trees
The Greening of Coral Gate is Ongoing
As early as 1991, Coral Gate has been “Going Green” by planting trees. J.C. Fernandez, then president of the Coral Gate Homeowners Association acquired a grant from the State of Florida to plant 100 trees on the Coral Gate swales. Coral Gate was the ONLY HOA to ever receive such a grant, usually these are only awarded to government bodies. Once the plantings were completed, the Coral Gate Homeowners Association received a Commendation from the City of Miami for “Outstanding Work to Beautify and Environmentally Improve Your Neighborhood.”
In October, 2008, Matthew McDonald became a Citizen Forester through a program sponsored by the Rotractors of Rotary Districe, 6990 of Coral Gables. Matthew led a group of residents and volunteers to plant 47 trees on the swales of Coral Gate. This was truly and united effort, which included Citizens for a Better South Florida, the Coral Way NET Office, City of Miami Public Works. This was truly a “ground-breaking” effort to beautify Coral Gate.
Since then, Matthew has continued to work with the city and local organizations to plant trees in Coral Gate. During the summer of 2009, fruit trees were offered up to city of Miami residents and later, in the fall, oak trees were planted on the swales Matthew and Blanca McDonald continue to serve Coral Gate as members of the Board of Directors. Matthew continues to work closely with Citizens for a Better South Florida on yearly tree plantings. This concerted effort is our way to recover some of the lost tree canopy of Miami-Dade.
Local Farmers Markets:
Area Farmer’s Markets
Coconut Grove Farmers’ Market
3300 Grand Avenue and Margaret Street, Coconut Grove
Open Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This market is known for having an insane array of artisanal prepared foods, vegan dishes, and baked goods, in addition to fresh local and organic produce.
Year-Round Markets
South Miami Farmers’ Market
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami
Open year-round, Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mary Brickell Village Sunday Market
900 block of South Miami Avenue, Miami
Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Seasonal Markets
UM Green Market
University of Miami, village green by the library
Coral Gables
Open October to May, Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Coral Gables Farmers’ Market
405 Biltmore Way (in front of City Hall), Coral Gables
Open January 15 through March 26, Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
