Chatham Twp Using Organic Lawn Care This Summer

CHATHAM, NJ — Chatham Township is planning on using organic lawn care on its recreational fields and at the Colony Pool Club this summer, Mayor Curt Ritter announced on Tuesday.

Ritter said the township decided to use only organic lawn care to reduce the amount of pesticides near where children play. Lincoln Landscaping, a Northeast Organic Farming Association registered organic company, has been contracted for the lawn care.

“Our decision to move to organic lawn management for our athletic fields and The Colony Pool Club will eliminate the need to use chemical fertilizers in these areas and help ensure the health of our many residents who use these recreational areas,” Ritter said, citing a policy statement issued by the New Jersey American Academy of Pediatrics.

“The pesticide runoff from many fields eventually ends up in the Passaic River, which is the drinking water source for Chatham Township. This is a wonderful move by Chatham Township to protect our vital resources," Dot Stillinger, Chair of the Chatham Township Environmental Commission, said.

There are other benefits to organic lawn care. Organic lawns have deeper roots and might not get worn down as easily, Ritter said.

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