A new Portland-based nonprofit, Depave, is turning concrete eyesores into greener pastures, writes Abby Haight of The Oregonian. Its motto – Pavement to Paradise – reflects an effort to remove areas of unused pavement and return the ground to healthy soil. Besides reducing polluted runoff associated with impermeable surfaces like pavement, they hope that their undertaking will increase community feel in urban neighborhoods. The blacktops are not only chipped away by Depave’s workers, but by teachers, parents and volunteers.
"We could use heavy equipment and that would generally be easier," said Colin Bohannan, a Depave member. "But these are going to be community areas. It gives people ownership."
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