In 2024, The Perennial Project officially turned a corner—from a grassroots initiative to a regional model for community revitalization, creative placemaking, and youth-led transformation.

What began as planting flowers became a blueprint for how small towns rise—with vision, grit, and the belief that beauty belongs everywhere.

This year, our annual cleanup brought together more volunteers than ever before, including new partners from surrounding towns, visiting students, and civic leaders inspired by Brownsville’s momentum. We expanded beyond downtown, activating overlooked alleys, gateways, and neglected corners. With a focus on long-term sustainability, we launched an expanded perennial flower planting initiative—investing in native and seasonal blooms designed to thrive year after year and create lasting visual impact.

Most powerfully, student-led volunteer groups grew dramatically, taking ownership of planning, outreach, and on-the-ground transformation efforts. These young leaders are now at the forefront—organizing events, guiding teams, and shaping Brownsville’s future with their hands and their hearts.

Spring 2024 marked the beginning of our next chapter—one where Brownsville not only blooms, but leads.