Before

13,000 square feet of dilapidated impervious surface made up the majority of Village of Middle Cove’s community property. Arundel Rivers and our partners removed these impervious and unused tennis courts (that were overrun by brazen, invasive Bradford pear trees). Once removed, the community planted the area with over 300 native trees. Community volunteers also planted scores of native flowers to complement the trees, expanding the habitat and pollinator value of the site. 

Afforestation, the process of establishing tree cover where, recently, there was none, is an environmental restoration strategy with many benefits. The trees provide habitat and nourishment for critters and smaller plants, they filter and soak up polluted runoff, and they generate cooling shade as they grow, an ever-urgent necessity as we experience extreme heat and urban heat islands due to climate change. Located in the heart of the Village of Middle Cove and Heritage Harbour communities, this afforestation effort will provide a physical home for our native fauna  and cooling solace for our communities. 

After