K-12 students spend an average of 35 to 37.5 hours per week in schools. Pest and pesticide hazards can have detrimental short- and long-term effects on their health and safety. Only an estimated 15-20% of these US school districts have programs that effectively control pest and weed problems with limited pesticides. Regrettably, Midwest Grows Green
The City of Elgin expands its Pesticide Free Zone program in 2022
Northwestern Chicago Suburb commits to 12 Pesticide Free Zones. The City of Elgin has designated approximately 26.45 acres of parkland for avoiding synthetic pesticide applications. “We are always looking for opportunities to offer sustainable land management practices that limit or eliminate any herbicide-related chemical exposure while still maintaining weed control and aesthetic quality in our
The River Forest Park District wants you to enjoy their pesticide-free parks!
For the seventh year, the River Forest Park District (RFPD) will manage its fields and grounds free of environmental and health concerns for children, pets and wildlife by not applying lawn pesticides. “The Park District strives to keep our parks a healthy place for everyone to enjoy,” said Michael Sletten, RFPD’s Executive Director. “We hope
The Risks of Artificial Turf
Midwest Grows Green’s Ryan Anderson explains why our Chicago Ultimate Frisbee Tournament fundraiser will always take place on natural turfgrass, not artificial turf. Midwest Grows Green’s annual ultimate frisbee tournament fundraiser takes place June 11-12. This tourney and all future tourneys will take place on naturally grown turfgrass, not artificial turf. We see between 1,200 to 1,500
Green Shield Certified Launches Sustainable Landscaping Standards
GSC for Landscapes expands sustainable pest control certification and evaluation services to outdoor spaces Madison, Wisconsin, May 3, 2022 – This May, the sustainable standard for premium pest protection, Green Shield Certified (GSC), will introduce GSC for Landscapes that identifies and promotes safer greenspaces for: Pollinators-Habitat destruction and overuse of pesticides has triggered an unsustainable population
Protecting the Earth starts in your backyard this April
You may not find a better time to transition your lawn to organic, native or sustainable than this Earth Month. That’s because MGG and related organizations have developed programs, resources and events to support your transition. This support includes helping you: Obtain spring lawn and garden care tips MGG has plenty of factsheets to review
Healthy Grounds Leads to Healthy Hounds
Local environmental and pet advocacy groups combine to raise awareness about rising canine cancer rates. Keeping man’s best friend healthy requires proper exercise, nutrition and… lawn care. “Dogs love digging in the dirt, rolling around in the grass and licking their paws. These behaviors unfortunately can result in adverse health outcomes if using synthetic pesticides
6 Reasons to Trot-Into the Hounds & Grounds Canine Cancer Awareness Event
MGG invites you to a paw-some dog agility course experience led by Hawk City K9. Benefits abound for people and pooches alike: Receive an introduction to dog agility from the best at Hawk City K9 Stacey Hawk and Hawk City K9 have led dog agility courses for many years. Each owner and their dog will
MGG Technical Assistance in Action: City of Elgin
Elgin’s turfgrass at Lords Park struggled to grow in rocky, compacted and thin soil. MGG’s Technical Assistance Program implemented soil restoration to improve the environment for plant growth this fall. This year, our Technical Assistance Program (TAP) had the opportunity to transition a portion of the City of Elgin’s historic Lords Park away from synthetic
The Chicago Ultimate Frisbee Tournament
On-field fundraiser promotes pesticide-free play for everyone. 65 percent of natural grass sporting fields receive pesticide applications. “Our high use of pesticides on turfgrass has far-reaching effects for our children, pets, water quality and pollinators,” Ryan Anderson of the non-profit sustainable landscaping initiative Midwest Grows Green (MGG) explained. “We need to ask if these risks
