Miami Beach is set to upgrade its iconic seven-mile Beachwalk, which took nearly 25 years to complete, with the planting of approximately 600 trees. This ambitious project, funded in part by a grant from the United States Forestry Service, aims to provide much-needed shade, combat rising temperatures, and elevate the experience for the millions who enjoy this coastal path each year—whether walking, running, biking, or rolling.
The Beachwalk, stretching from the southern tip of the city to its northern limits, has become a popular shared-use path along the eastern coast. Completed after nearly 25 years of planning and construction, it now serves as a vital mobility corridor that connects North, Mid and South Beach, and provides miles of recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
Many areas lack adequate shade, exposing path users to extreme heat and sun. Responding to residents’ requests and the need for effective heat mitigation strategies, Miami Beach has launched the Beachwalk Reforestation Project.
This project is a collaborative effort funded by a United States Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grant and Miami Beach’s 2018 General Obligation (G.O.) Bond. The grant-funded portion is estimated at $593,472.93, while the city-funded G.O. Bond portion is approximately $426,582.27.
This reforestation effort is part of Miami Beach’s Urban Forestry Master Plan, aiming to increase the city’s tree canopy from 17% to 22%. To date, the program has planted over 2,000 trees in neighborhoods across the city.
The trees selected for the Beachwalk are native species acclimated to maritime hammock and dune environments, resistant to salt, wind, and flooding. These species were carefully chosen to enhance coastal fortification and restoration while preserving the historic views from the Beachwalk. The diverse group of trees includes:
- Green Buttonwood
- Gumbo Limbo
- Wild Tamarind
- Sea Grape
- Red Bay
- (and many others)
The project will occur in five phases:
- Phase 1: 81st St – 60th St
- Phase 2: 60th St – 41st St
- Phase 3: 41st St – 25th St
- Phase 4: 23rd St – Lummus (14th Place)
- Phase 5: Lummus (5th St) – South Pointe
The project was inspired by community feedback and environmental necessity. Residents expressed a strong desire for more shade, and the city recognized the need to enhance resiliency.
According to the city, the project, set to begin later this year, has been carefully planned to minimize disruption to Beachwalk users while maximizing benefits. Beyond providing shade and mitigating heat, the new trees are expected to increase biodiversity, enhance property values, and improve the city’s overall Tree Equity Score. Locations for each tree have been chosen to balance the need for shade with the preservation of ocean views from adjacent properties.
For more information and to view images of the tree species being planted, click here. A map of proposed tree locations is available here.