The London Environmental Network is happy to announce our first Depave Paradise project in the City of St. Thomas!

On Saturday, June 25 we will be inviting volunteers out to the Horton Farmers' Market to help build and plant 2 new gardens along the heritage building. These garden beds will be full of native plants to add a pop of green infrastructure to the market property.

Depave Paradise is a community-oriented urban sustainability initiative that targets underutilized public spaces with excess pavement to be removed and replaced with lush, native planting varieties that improve the ecological diversity and stormwater permeability of the site. Through this process, Depave Paradise works to reclaim these underused spaces to become more beneficial to the community and the natural environment for future generations.

With the growing trend of urbanization, it is imperative to consider the urban public spaces that hold significant cultural, social, and economic value to the communities they work to serve; by focusing on revitalizing these third places, we are able to bring life back to a site that would otherwise go underserved. Depave Paradise is a Public Service and Environmental Stewardship Campaign that works with partner networks and local organizations to reimagine and shape what a public space should look like.

With the help from community volunteers, we will add biodiversity, stormwater management, and curb appeal to the Horton Farmers' Market by adding native plantings and permeable surfaces.

Reminders:

• No experience required - just bring a smile and we'll help with the rest!
• Dress appropriately - wear long pants (if possible), closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and bring lots of water
• All equipment will be provided for you including tools and safety supplies
• Refreshments will also be provided for all volunteers

Come join us to Depave Paradise in St. Thomas!