Bioremediation & Earth Repair: Regenerative Remedies for Toxic Realities

This workshop will be a hybrid event, with Leila joining virtually. Folks are welcome to view the virtual workshop in-person together at the Barton Branch Library in Hamilton, Ontario

If you are looking to attend virtually, RSVP to our Google Calendar Event:

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=MTZmbGcza203Y2FqZHJldmE1aDEycGF0OGcgc3Rld2FyZHNoaXBAZ3JlZW52ZW50dXJlLmNh&tmsrc=stewardship%40greenventure.ca

The @gardenofrepairs is thrilled to be hosting Leila Darwish as a 2024 Garden Artist -in-Residence! Throughout her residency, Leila will explore the relationships we have to ecological sacrifice zones in our communities, and deepen her knowledge of bioremediation possibilities for conflict zones and lands shattered by the weapons of war and occupation.

Join us for a free bioremediation workshop with Leila, hosted by Green Venture and Garden of Repairs, on June 26th from 4-5:30 pm! Learn how to detoxify and regenerate contaminated urban soils to grow healthy and safe food and medicine for your community.

We request that folks who are able to do so to wear face masks for the in-person portion of this workshop. We are happy to provide free surgical masks at the event.

Are you passionate about growing and gathering your own food and medicine, but concerned that the soils in your community may be contaminated by toxic heavy metals or chemicals? Bioremediation is the science and art of working with living organisms and systems to detoxify, heal, and regenerate contaminated soils and water. Through the use of different plants, bacteria, and fungi, heavy metals and chemicals in soil and water can either be bound, extracted or broken down to create healthier and more resilient urban gardens, greenspaces, watersheds, and ecologies. This class will provide an introduction to different bioremediation tools and regenerative remedies for detoxifying the gardens, lands and waters that sustain and nourish us. We will also explore different contaminants left behind by toxic legacies, and the many natural allies we can work with for healing our bodies and the land.

Leila Darwish is an author, community organizer, bioremediation educator, and permaculture practitioner with a deep commitment to providing accessible and transformative tools for communities dealing with the toxic contamination of their lands and waters, and responding to disasters. Leila published her first book “Earth Repair: A Grassroots Guide to Healing Toxic and Damaged Landscapes” in 2013. For over a decade, she has taught numerous bioremediation courses and consulted on projects in communities across North America, Europe, and Palestine. Her work is rooted in environmental and social justice, inspired by the power of mutual aid and collective care, regenerative earth repair, and a wonder for all things wild.

Leila currently splits her time between Calgary (Traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda) and Vancouver Island (Unceded Coast Salish Territory). She has roots in Hamilton and it is a place with many beautiful family memories. Her mother grew up in Hamilton and Leila spent summers visiting her grandparents there. She looks forward to working with the wonderful team at the Garden of Repairs this summer!

The Barton Branch Library has an accessible washroom and automatic door opener. Please message [email protected] with any access requests or questions.

Image description:Leila is smiling into the camera, a large green space with lush grass and trees behind her. The sun is low, golden, and shining close to the horizon. She has curly dark brown hair, light brown eyes, and is wearing a sleeveless button up black and white tiger print blouse

Host or Publisher Green Venture