“[Mangroves] are gorgeous structures, they’re not a single trunk, they’re this intricate compilation of roots, one on top of the other,” Cortada says. “And in that crazy, disorganized chaos, the strongest, the most impenetrable force for hurricanes exists.”
From September up until April, Cortada, along with students from the University of Miami, will be passing out biodegradable cups filled with mangrove seedlings at Pinecrest Garden’s Farmer Market.
The culmination of all this work will be Miami’s first urban mangrove forest, nestled into the dirt along Pinecrest Garden’s parking lot.
A mural recreating Xavier’s first project will be the backdrop of the forest – a constant reminder he hopes.
“Something’s happening. Something’s coming,” Cortada says. “Are you acting in the right way? Are you diversifying your investment? Are you voting the right people into office? Are you talking to your neighbors? Are you working as a community?”
LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE: https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Environmental-Regime-Change-South-Florida-Artist–565690311.html