Parent to Parent: Going Green Community

WSVN -- What had hundreds of people lined up in North Miami beach? They were all waiting to take home a tree. It was all part of an Adopt-A-Tree program hosted by Miami-Dade County.

Sally Heyman: "It's Miami-Dade County's commitment to reshading South Florida and keeping us green."

Parents and kids alike came out to pick a tree, take it home and plant it.

Michele Wharton: "What kid doesn't like fruits and vegetables and flowers and seeing how they grow? It's a little bit like a farm in the city."

Twelfth grader Florence Cheung volunteered at the event and says it give kids a chance. You'd be surprised how much they want to learn about the environment.

Florence Cheung: "Take part and also learn how to plant a tree, or how to take care of a tree."

Seven's Parenting Expert Dr. Valerie Goode agrees. Something as simple as planting a tree can help teach kids to care about their community.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Just like you have a relationship with your family, you have a relationship in your community, it's extended family."

Dr. Valerie says planting a tree with your child and watching it grow is also a fun way to teach them about saving the planet, and she says other fun projects like coastal clean-ups can be learning opportunities, or help your kids start a fund to donate to other green projects.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "For example you can have them give part of their birthday money, or children receive money for chores, just a little bit it can be pennies."

So, go on and get dirty. You will find your kids love learning how to take care of trees and plants, and gives them a lasting reminder of how they did their part.

Sally Heyman: "Actually it's your legacy, even when you're gone your tree can be there."

Lynn Martinez: "Free Adopt-A-Tree programs are hosted in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties several times throughout the year."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management
www.miamidade.gov/derm