In his last month representing Midwest Grows Green, Ryan Anderson details the most applied pesticides in the lawn and garden sector and the alternatives to these products. It has been a great privilege to lead Midwest Grows Green (MGG) since its start in 2015. At first, I felt overwhelmed learning the concepts, terms and products
environmentally friendly
MGG Technical Assistance Program in Action: Ray Elementary School
MGG transformed a schoolyard of weeds and bare soil to a dense, resilient grass field without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Since the fall of 2022, Midwest Grows Green’s (MGG) Technical Assistance Program has helped Ray Elementary School in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood to restore a section of their schoolyard using sustainable, pesticide-free landscape management. Vytas
What to know about invasive jumping worms…
Expert Bradley Herrick describes the recent spread of invasive jumping worms and what you can do to protect our greenspaces. 35 states have reported invasive jumping worm presence. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum’s Ecologist, Bradley Herrick, has raised awareness about this new soil invader. Herrick answered our questions about why we should focus on invasive jumping
Saving Green when Growing Green
MGG’s Ryan Anderson shares lawn care strategies to protect both the environment and your budget. You don’t have to break the bank to grow playable, resilient and chemical-free natural grass athletic fields. MGG’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP) team has identified multiple practices that will both save the environment and your pockets. Prioritize your parks
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
Spoil Your Soil: The Benefits of Composting
When did you last treat your grass with “brown gold” to keep it happy and resilient? MGG’s 2018 Spring Intern Ellicia Sanchez discusses the importance of compost. Just like any house that requires a sturdy foundation to withstand rain, wind and other external pressures, your lawn needs healthy, organic matter to breathe, hold nutrients and
Dieting your lawn
Your lawn’s out of shape! MGG’s Ryan Anderson constructs a workout and diet plan for your lawn with help from a soil test. We need to manage our lawn’s soil similar to how one approaches a diet. The best dieters do their research beforehand by weighing themselves, tracking their eating and exercise schedule from weeks
I Spy Green! Seven Kane County retailers eco-label lawn care products this growing season.
The blooming of forsythia shrubs and the sprouting of tree leafs signals the beginning of the lawn care season and the many critical decisions to grow strong, resilient grass this spring. This year, seven retailers in Kane County alleviate the anxiety lawn care may bring by eco-labeling effective organic and natural lawn care products and tools.
