Van Voorst Park Goes Pesticide-Free

Van Voorst Park has been selected as a pesticide-free park test site, brought about after discussions between Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition, the Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and Elmhurst Park District Parks Division staff. The 2.9 acre park was selected due to its amenities and adjacent location to Jefferson Elementary School.

During the trial run, Parks Division staff will manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls including mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, over-seeding and physical weed removal. For more information, visit http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park.

“We have been pursuing a pesticide-free park location since November of last year after partnering with MPAC on a pesticide-free lawn campaign,” says Lisa Gerhold-Dirks, chair of Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition. The “Keep ON the Grass” pledge campaign is aimed at educating the community on more natural lawn care practices across Elmhurst.

"The selection of Jefferson Elementary School for this test is ideal,” says Gerhold-Dirks. “The park is used by children from the school, in park district activities and in other organized sports. Knowing that they'll be playing on a pesticide-free surface should bring peace-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides."

Lawn pesticides and herbicides have been linked to a host of health hazards from asthma and ADHD to cancer and reproductive problems.

Additionally, stormwater runoff can carry synthetic pesticides and fertilizers into our vital water ecosystems threatening our drinking water and aquatic wildlife.

Weeds are often a symptom of a larger problem associated with poor soil health or the use of improper maintenance practices. In instances where weeds are sparse, hand picking with a sturdy weeding tool is the best solution. For immediate results, look for natural products such as soaps, horticultural oils, plant-based insecticides or vinegar. For more tips and resources, visit midwestpesticideaction.org.

"Cool Cities encourages residents to follow in the footsteps of the park district by taking the pledge to go pesticide-free on their own lawns and gardens,” says Gerhold-Dirks. Visit bit.ly/MGGpledge to sign the pledge and learn more about natural lawn care. “It only takes a minute to sign the pledge, and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets and wildlife.”

MPAC will provide residents who pledge with free educational information, including maintenance tips and recommendations for natural and organic lawn care products.

With community pledge support, Cool Cities will approach other organizations, businesses and the City to ask for their commitment to go pesticide-free.

To learn more about the harmful effects of pesticides and herbicides, how to rehabilitate your lawn off its addiction to synthetic chemicals, and how to improve the physical condition of your soil and turf grass, join Elmhurst Cool Cities, MPAC and Jeff Swano from Dig Right In earth-friendly landscaping on Thurs., Sept. 29, 7 p.m., Elmhurst Public Library (this is not a library-sponsored event). Free and open to the public. For more information, visit elmhurstcoolcities.org; ecoolcities@gmail.com; 630/426-9789.