As part of the 2026 National Organization of Minority Architects Conference, we are excited to present the NOMA 2026 Conference Legacy Project: Raised Garden Build at FIU BBC.
This hands-on community service project will take place at the Earth & Environment Department at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus, located at 3000 NE 151st Street, North Miami, FL 33181, approximately 20 minutes from the conference venue.
The project is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026, and will include two volunteer sessions:
- Morning Session: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Afternoon Session: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Each session will accommodate up to 40 participants.
Located on a 200-acre campus, FIU BBC has a rich history of conservation, habitat restoration, and engagement with South Florida’s unique coastal environment and wildlife. This Legacy Project will honor that ecological heritage through the planting of two selected tree types, irrigation improvements, and the transformation of reclaimed wooden pallets into sustainable raised garden beds.
The tree planting component will support the University’s ongoing research related to carbon sequestration. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon in their trunks, branches, roots, and leaves. They also contribute to carbon storage in the soil as leaves, roots, and other organic matter decompose, improving soil health while helping keep carbon out of the atmosphere. At this location, the trees will further support the department’s long-term climate resilience research by providing opportunities to study how mature, well-maintained trees store carbon over time.
Together, the tree planting and raised garden components will strengthen the environmental legacy of the project by helping capture carbon, cool the site, improve habitat, and support a healthier campus ecosystem.
The completed raised planter gardens will serve as an educational oasis and a lasting source of environmental beauty for years to come. The project is also designed for long-term success, with an automatic on-site sprinkler system that will help keep the vegetable and pollinator beds vibrant with minimal daily maintenance.
FIU will coordinate the provision of tools and materials. The conference will provide transportation for attendees, along with food and refreshments. Whether participants are seasoned architects, builders, designers, students, or complete beginners, there will be a meaningful role for everyone. Volunteers will assist with planting trees, designing and assembling raised planter beds, sanding, painting, planting, and helping bring this community-centered vision to life.
We look forward to bringing conference attendees together for a meaningful day of service, collaboration, and environmental stewardship as we help sow a flourishing legacy at FIU BBC.
Lunch will be served.
TRANSPORTATION DETAILS:
- Load in Time: 8:00 AM
- Bus departs hotel: 8:30 AM
- Event start time: 9:00 PM
- Event end time: 12:00 PM
- Bus returns to hotel: 1:30 PM