North Miami planted four tropical fruit trees at the North Miami Public Library on Arbor Day as the city launched its new "Blue Forest" initiative, staff members announced.

"This Arbor Day, life at North Miami Public Library has gotten sweeter and greener with the official launch of the city of North Miami's new Blue Forest initiative," a staff member said, listing the first plantings as jackfruit, breadfruit, starfruit and soursop. The staff member said the trees are "watered and ready to thrive at the North Miami Public Library."

The initiative aims to place edible trees throughout the city in each district, the announcement said. "Most households may not have the money or the space to grow something like this. So putting it all over the city on public property gives the residents the ability to actually come pick fruits when they're fresh, when they're available," a staff member said.

City staff described a collaboration between the library team, the parks department, public works and the mayor and city council to identify further planting sites and involve residents in planting and watering. "I'll be working closely with the parks department, public works, and then all of, mayor and council to see where they would like trees," a staff member said.

City materials say the North Miami Sustainability Division’s long-term vision is "a thriving food forest made up of a thousand fruit trees" in parks, community centers and other public spaces, sustained through community stewardship. The announcement did not specify funding sources or a timeline for reaching the 1,000-tree goal.

The planting at the library is the program’s first public site; staff said the plan is to expand to other public spaces across North Miami and to involve residents in care and harvesting. The announcement noted the trees were planted, watered and expected to remain "here for years to come."