The Depave Movement

Building Community in Shared Labor

Heat-related problems are a global concern, with communities worldwide grappling with unprecedented challenges. Urban areas, in particular, experience higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon where the abundance of pavement that absorbs heat is not balanced by sufficient green space for shade and cooling. This heat disparity is not evenly distributed within cities, with the same communities that face social and economic barriers also having more pavement and less green space in their neighborhoods. 

Depaving, also called desealing, removes hard paving, such as concrete or asphalt, and replaces it with a more porous surface, such as gravel, soil, and plants. The depave movement began in Portland, Oregon; from the beginning, local community members were an integral part of it. Depave, a nonprofit organization, started the movement in 2008. Its mission is to coordinate and generate community depaving projects to introduce regreening. The projects, which focus on historically disenfranchised neighborhoods disproportionately impacted, bring people together to share experiences while mitigating heat at the local level. 

Depaving allows water to soak into the ground, reducing flooding with heavy rainfall. Planting trees increases shade and protects people when there is a high heat index. Introducing native plants adapted to the local climate and soil requires less maintenance and attracts wildlife to urban spaces. And having nature to look at near our homes is good for our physical and mental health. For example, one study found that people in the same town who lived near more greenery or had closer access to green spaces had lower blood pressure and decreased incidence of hypertension.

As of 2024, more than 360,000 square feet of hard surface have been removed in Portland alone, equivalent to six and a quarter football fields. Depave highlights how these efforts divert more than 24 million gallons of rainwater from entering storm drains every year. Last summer, Depave partnered with NASA to better understand the impact of their efforts. Satellite images mapped land surface temperature in six areas where Depave chose projects (because they were in areas of high potential heat vulnerability). Findings showed that the projects reduced heat in these areas, with an average one degree decrease. 

A recent BBC article highlighted how the movement has taken off in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Depaving reduces heat and encourages community members to slow down and enjoy the outdoors where they live. A Canadian environmental nonprofit, Green Venture, believes that depaving is a critical strategy in reducing flooding and the amount of sewage that goes into lakes and other water bodies when there is flooding. 

The BBC article notes that if depaving as a movement is to take off meaningfully, cities and regions need to embrace and support such efforts. This requires a good deal of planning and investment. There are hopeful examples of this, including the French government’s significant urban greening efforts to make towns and cities more resilient during summer heatwaves.

Anyone can volunteer for Depave projects, as I did recently at Morning Star Church, an African American congregation in northeast Portland, Oregon. The event was the second phase on the site, removing asphalt in an area that will become a playground for Pequeñitos Daycare. Next to the designated site is a beautiful city park, Kʰunamokwst Park, which includes a play area. For reasons unclear to me, the city does not allow preschool children to use the park during the school day. When the playground is finished, the children can access their play oasis and a slice of nature. (Phase I lies adjacent to the playground site and will become a vegetable and fruit garden for the parishioners.)

Before the work started, I spoke with Jeremy Maxwell, who recently joined Depave's board. He said there has been a proliferation of interest in projects like this from environmental and other groups. Still, he continued, the organization's priority is partnering with Title 1 public schools. Not only are the children in these schools at risk because of the heat island effect, but they also face other vulnerabilities, such as poverty and frequent moves.

The day started with everyone standing in a circle, where the church's pastor welcomed and thanked us. Margaret, a volunteer, then led us in group stretching to prepare our bodies. An introduction to safety followed, with leaders showing us how to use the tools. Safety is a priority, but equally important to them is that we take care of ourselves and take frequent breaks. They emphasized the communal aspect of working together, enjoying each other and the labor. 

Then, the work began with enthusiasm. Everyone was happy to be there, and it was palpable. Someone had cut the asphalt into large squares to facilitate our work. Two people joined to tackle one double square of asphalt at a time. Along with the heavy lifting, there were friendly conversations. A DJ playing music nearby kept the energy high. 

We quickly fell into a rhythm. I organically paired up with different people throughout the morning. I began working next to Blake, who placed a stone under his pry bar to leverage it and lift the slab a couple of inches. Now, I could set my pry bar underneath the other side. Together, we hoisted the concrete slab, and then, often with the help of a third person nearby, we pushed the slab forcefully onto a flat surface, except for a smaller piece of asphalt, which helped break up the slab. A steady stream of wheelbarrows arrived to receive chunks of asphalt. When full, someone brought them to one of the five dumpsters, where people were waiting to guide them up a ramp and unload them. Unbroken slabs, weighing a couple of hundred pounds, were hoisted onto hand trucks. 

As the morning progressed, we took more frequent breaks to rest our backs, drink water, and eat fruit. Volunteers came by with misting bottles to help cool everyone. Even as our energy reserves waned, our spirits remained buoyant. When the dumpsters were full, lunch was waiting under the tents. Volunteers from the congregation brought salad, fruit, pasta, and fried chicken. 

Depave is not just an organization; it's a movement with a powerful mission, promoting environmental justice and stewardship. It's a beacon of vibrant community, embodying qualities such as hospitality, bonding activities, acceptance, and an emphasis on enjoying each other. The organization's secret sauce, which has enabled it to become a movement, is its unique method of inviting others to participate meaningfully. This is a cause worth supporting and getting involved in.

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