Maine Towns Restrict Lawn Chemicals

Several municiaplities in Maine have taken steps to restrict the use of lawn pesticides and fertilizers on public property due to concerns for potential environmental and health impacts. Read the full article here.

Communities across the country are increasingly adopting best practices for landscape, including natural lawn care. SPCP is planning a workshop for landscape professionals and public employees this December. Stay tuned for more information.

Ontario Lawn Pesticide Ban Reduces Water Pollution

Preliminary results found significant drops in commonly used lawn pesticides

A year after instituting a ban on cosmetic pesticide applications, researchers in Ontario found that the concentrations of three commonly used lawn pesticides declined significantly in urban streams. Results showed that dicamba, MCPP and 2,4-D all fell by more than 75% in collected water samples. This potentially hazardous cocktail accounts nearly half of lawn pesticide applications, and is linked to serious health and environmental impacts. For more information on the water quality effect of the ban check out the preliminary results.

Are these bans good for industry too? Initial evidence suggests that the number of lawn care companies increased in the wake of several provincial bans, and that early adopters of natural lawn care methods have been growing their business substantially. Read more about this phenomena, then use SPCP's fact sheet Midwest Natural Lawncare Companies to find a provider near you.

Evanston passes sustainable pest control policy

First municipal resolution in State to reduce pesticides on public property

On April 26th, the Evanston City Council passed the state's first municipal resolution creating a sustainable pest control and pesticide reduction policy. The policy requires city agencies and contractors to use sustainable pest control practices - both indoors and outdoors - and bans the most potentially hazardous pesticides from use on city property.

Research has demonstrated that practices such as Integrated Pest Management and Natural Lawn Care can reduce both pest populations and pesticides by eliminating pest friendly conditions first. This approach has also been shown to save money as well.

SPCP was instrumental in authoring the policy, and has been working with city staff and the Environment Board for nearly two years on this initiative. The city is also hosting a natural lawn care demonstration site at Stockham Park. For more details read the latest press here and here.

Growing Weed-Free Without Pesticides

Interview with ED Rachel Rosenberg

In an interview with Rosemary Piser of e-News Park Forest, SPCP Executive Director Rachel Rosenberg discussed how to maintain weed free lawns without pesticides.

Natural Lawn Care: Growing Weed-Free Without Pesticides

Natural Lawn Care Reduces Inputs, Saves Money

Harvard lawn study eliminated pesticides, saved water and recycled landscape waste

An article in the New York Times highlighted Harvard University's efforts to transform 16 acres of heavily used lawn from a sythetic to an all natural lawn care program. The results have been astounding.

Natural lawns coming to your community

Three local municipalities moving forward with plans

Safer Pest Control Project has partnered with three Chicago-area municipalities to create natural lawn care demonstration sites. The City of Evanston, Village of Lisle and Village of Orland Park have worked with SPCP to develop plans for natural lawn care, including outreach materials for residents.

Natural lawn care creates healthy turf by restoring soil qulaity and using proper maintenance practices - without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. For more information on what you can do in your community to encourage natural lawn care and sustainable pest control practices, contact Holly Thompson at 773-878-7378 ext. 202.

To get started on a natural lawn, check out our Natural Lawn Care Calendar or any of our Yards & Parks fact sheets.