Green Team

Tampa was once referred to as “The world’s biggest tree city” due to trees covering 36% of our landscape. The tree canopy has receded by 4.6% since 1995. Increasing the tree canopy will reduce urban heat by providing shade for building and sidewalk surfaces, deflecting radiation from the sun, and releasing moisture into the atmosphere. 

Tampa Bay is located on the Gulf of Mexico and the Hillsborough River runs through the city. Keeping the waterways clean is integral for a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Marine debris also washes up into the mangrove trees and on the living shoreline, which aid to reduce storm surge during hurricane season, thus posing serious health risks to them and the community at large. 

Plastic in all forms, polystyrene foam, mylar confetti, textiles, metal, cigarette filters and more, can often be found as litter in many public places in cities, and they can be toxic for soil and wildlife. Over time plastics break down into tiny pieces called microplastics that mix into the soil of plants and trees and are accidentally ingested by wildlife, causing serious health complications and even death. Picking up litter and removing as much debris as we can on a regular basis helps curb these very serious side effects of plastics. 

Storm drains are used to trap in excess water to help prevent flooding. Litter and tidal debris can block these drains thereby making flooding more probable in that area. Without proper removal of storm drain debris and litter, these materials often end up washing into the water ways, harming marine life. 

Spreading awareness via engaging with community members while picking up litter and planting trees, tabling at events being held throughout the city, social media posts, press conferences, and developing educational programs for students at various community centers and schools. We have partnered with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, the Coalition of Community Gardens, Hispanics for the Environment, Tampa Bay Kayak Anglers, Gasparilla Music Festival, the University of South Florida, Tampa International Airport, Nature’s Classroom and Freedom Boat Club among others.