(3207,2,'2016-05-31 20:23:13','2016-05-31 20:23:13','<h3>Getting rid of dandelions the safe way (even though they\'re beneficial!)</h3>\r\nFor the countless times I’ve discussed “natural” strategies to eliminate dandelions, I can’t recall a\r\nsingle question on how they first became a staple “weed” in our American lawns! Yes, we all know <img class=\"alignright wp-image-3193\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dandelion-1306911_1920.jpg\" alt=\"dandelion-1306911_1920\" width=\"332\" height=\"220\" />these yellow sunflowers use “parachutes” to spread their seeds in every which crack, crevice, and opening of your lawn, but did you know that this abundant plant species originates from Europe?\r\n\r\nSince the Puritans introduced them to the New World, dandelions have played a role in <a href=\"http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3007\" target=\"_blank\">American history</a>. During the civil war, Confederate soldiers replaced coffee with dried dandelion roots. Herbalists used the roots to treat <a href=\"http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion\" target=\"_blank\">liver and gallbladder disease</a>, since their leaves possess diuretic properties that increase the amount of urine in your body to improve appetite, digestion, and kidney function.\r\n\r\nEvery part of this so-called weed is edible and can add <a href=\"http://www.naturallivingideas.com/things-to-do-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">flavor and nutritional value</a> to your next salad, sandwich, and/or tea with its bounty of vitamins (A, B, C, and D) and minerals (iron, potassium, and zinc). Somewhere down the line, however, we stopped valuing these plants for their human health contributions and began typecasting them as an eyesore for our ideal green and lush lawns.\r\n\r\nKnowing its ability to improve human health, aerate your soil, and attract pest eating ladybugs, I would encourage you to embrace the dandelion. Nevertheless, I am not oblivious to the pressures forcing your hand to manage them.\r\n\r\nWhen contemplating how to get rid of dandelions, ask whether you want to apply the same control each year for the recurring dandelion symptom or do you want to tackle the root cause of the symptom and avoid repetition year after year? I can offer natural vinegar products and pre-emergent herbicides (i.e. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/corn-gluten-meal-the-dos-and-donts/\" target=\"_blank\">corn gluten</a>) that will kill these broadleaf weeds, but, just like with synthetic herbicides, these products do not address compacted, low pH, and nutrient imbalanced soil conditions that favor dandelion growth.\r\n\r\nLucky for you, many practices for growing strong and resilient turf limit these favorable soil conditions <a href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/mow_high_for_weed_and_grub_control\" target=\"_blank\">starting with mowing high</a>. Maintaining tall grass takes away the sunlight and soil entryways that dandelion seeds need to germinate, reduces the likeliness of scalping/damage of grass cells, and increases root mass and strength. In addition to mowing high, great lawn managers will exercise every option for their turf to crowd out and prevent the germination of dandelions including overseeding gaps with grasses, leaving grass clippings to smother dandelion seeds and fertilizer, and watering deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth.\r\n\r\nHealthy, strong, and dense turf will battle and prevent many dandelion seeds from germinating in your lawn, but when seeds breach this first line of defense you’ll need the reinforcements of the billions of bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, and arthropods inhabiting your soil. Keeping these reinforcements happy requires a keen sense for their preferred soil nutrients, maintenance, and structure. Organizations from our list of soil test providers will measure the essential soil factors for life and provide recommendations for how to best treat your soil for grass growth using many of the aeration and soil amendment techniques that I <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">discussed in last month’s post</a>.\r\n\r\nBy applying your soil test provider’s suggestions and maintaining the tall, dense turf I described earlier, you should see reductions in the dreaded yellow flower. If you do not see reductions this year don’t be discouraged. It takes time and care to build-up healthy, resilient soil and turf, especially if the lawn highly depended on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for growth previously.  For some lawn managers, this process may take between three and five years to holistically address dandelions, but once they see reductions and don’t have to spend all the time and money on year after year chemical control, it makes all that previous effort worth it.\r\n\r\nIf you have a dandelion presence now in your lawn, first try to establish a tolerance for it. A couple dandelions here and there will not bother anyone and can easily be managed manually.  For significant dandelion problems, we encourage you to apply an <a href=\"http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html\" target=\"_blank\">Integrated Pest Management approach</a> of limiting your chemical use for the problem and choosing a product with the least toxicity to human health and the environment.  Find tips on this approach <a href=\"https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/ncap/pages/44/attachments/original/1429733273/dandelions.pdf?1429733273\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> and <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/alternatives/factsheets/Least%20toxic%20control%20of%20weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. Finally some after the fact natural treatments include <a href=\"http://www.pesticide.org/vinegar_herbicides\" target=\"_blank\">vinegar</a>, <a href=\"http://diagnostics.montana.edu/plant/topics/herbicidalsoaps.html\" target=\"_blank\">herbicidal soaps</a>, and <a href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/programs/ipmnet/Iron%20Herbicide%20Info-UMD-IPMnet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">iron-based herbicides</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Dealing with Dandelions','','inherit','closed','open','','3190-revision-v1','','','2016-05-31 20:23:13','2016-05-31 20:23:13','',3190,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3190-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3208,2,'2016-05-31 20:23:55','2016-05-31 20:23:55','<h3>Getting rid of dandelions the safe way (even though they\'re beneficial!)<img class=\"alignright wp-image-3193\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dandelion-1306911_1920.jpg\" alt=\"dandelion-1306911_1920\" width=\"332\" height=\"220\" /></h3>\r\nFor the countless times I’ve discussed “natural” strategies to eliminate dandelions, I can’t recall a\r\nsingle question on how they first became a staple “weed” in our American lawns! Yes, we all know these yellow sunflowers use “parachutes” to spread their seeds in every which crack, crevice, and opening of your lawn, but did you know that this abundant plant species originates from Europe?\r\n\r\nSince the Puritans introduced them to the New World, dandelions have played a role in <a href=\"http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3007\" target=\"_blank\">American history</a>. During the civil war, Confederate soldiers replaced coffee with dried dandelion roots. Herbalists used the roots to treat <a href=\"http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion\" target=\"_blank\">liver and gallbladder disease</a>, since their leaves possess diuretic properties that increase the amount of urine in your body to improve appetite, digestion, and kidney function.\r\n\r\nEvery part of this so-called weed is edible and can add <a href=\"http://www.naturallivingideas.com/things-to-do-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">flavor and nutritional value</a> to your next salad, sandwich, and/or tea with its bounty of vitamins (A, B, C, and D) and minerals (iron, potassium, and zinc). Somewhere down the line, however, we stopped valuing these plants for their human health contributions and began typecasting them as an eyesore for our ideal green and lush lawns.\r\n\r\nKnowing its ability to improve human health, aerate your soil, and attract pest eating ladybugs, I would encourage you to embrace the dandelion. Nevertheless, I am not oblivious to the pressures forcing your hand to manage them.\r\n\r\nWhen contemplating how to get rid of dandelions, ask whether you want to apply the same control each year for the recurring dandelion symptom or do you want to tackle the root cause of the symptom and avoid repetition year after year? I can offer natural vinegar products and pre-emergent herbicides (i.e. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/corn-gluten-meal-the-dos-and-donts/\" target=\"_blank\">corn gluten</a>) that will kill these broadleaf weeds, but, just like with synthetic herbicides, these products do not address compacted, low pH, and nutrient imbalanced soil conditions that favor dandelion growth.\r\n\r\nLucky for you, many practices for growing strong and resilient turf limit these favorable soil conditions <a href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/mow_high_for_weed_and_grub_control\" target=\"_blank\">starting with mowing high</a>. Maintaining tall grass takes away the sunlight and soil entryways that dandelion seeds need to germinate, reduces the likeliness of scalping/damage of grass cells, and increases root mass and strength. In addition to mowing high, great lawn managers will exercise every option for their turf to crowd out and prevent the germination of dandelions including overseeding gaps with grasses, leaving grass clippings to smother dandelion seeds and fertilizer, and watering deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth.\r\n\r\nHealthy, strong, and dense turf will battle and prevent many dandelion seeds from germinating in your lawn, but when seeds breach this first line of defense you’ll need the reinforcements of the billions of bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, and arthropods inhabiting your soil. Keeping these reinforcements happy requires a keen sense for their preferred soil nutrients, maintenance, and structure. Organizations from our list of soil test providers will measure the essential soil factors for life and provide recommendations for how to best treat your soil for grass growth using many of the aeration and soil amendment techniques that I <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">discussed in last month’s post</a>.\r\n\r\nBy applying your soil test provider’s suggestions and maintaining the tall, dense turf I described earlier, you should see reductions in the dreaded yellow flower. If you do not see reductions this year don’t be discouraged. It takes time and care to build-up healthy, resilient soil and turf, especially if the lawn highly depended on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for growth previously.  For some lawn managers, this process may take between three and five years to holistically address dandelions, but once they see reductions and don’t have to spend all the time and money on year after year chemical control, it makes all that previous effort worth it.\r\n\r\nIf you have a dandelion presence now in your lawn, first try to establish a tolerance for it. A couple dandelions here and there will not bother anyone and can easily be managed manually.  For significant dandelion problems, we encourage you to apply an <a href=\"http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html\" target=\"_blank\">Integrated Pest Management approach</a> of limiting your chemical use for the problem and choosing a product with the least toxicity to human health and the environment.  Find tips on this approach <a href=\"https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/ncap/pages/44/attachments/original/1429733273/dandelions.pdf?1429733273\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> and <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/alternatives/factsheets/Least%20toxic%20control%20of%20weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. Finally some after the fact natural treatments include <a href=\"http://www.pesticide.org/vinegar_herbicides\" target=\"_blank\">vinegar</a>, <a href=\"http://diagnostics.montana.edu/plant/topics/herbicidalsoaps.html\" target=\"_blank\">herbicidal soaps</a>, and <a href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/programs/ipmnet/Iron%20Herbicide%20Info-UMD-IPMnet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">iron-based herbicides</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Dealing with Dandelions','','inherit','closed','open','','3190-revision-v1','','','2016-05-31 20:23:55','2016-05-31 20:23:55','',3190,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3190-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3209,2,'2016-05-31 20:24:22','2016-05-31 20:24:22','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-3193\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dandelion-1306911_1920.jpg\" alt=\"dandelion-1306911_1920\" width=\"332\" height=\"220\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Getting rid of dandelions the safe way (even though they\'re beneficial!)</h3>\r\nFor the countless times I’ve discussed “natural” strategies to eliminate dandelions, I can’t recall a\r\nsingle question on how they first became a staple “weed” in our American lawns! Yes, we all know these yellow sunflowers use “parachutes” to spread their seeds in every which crack, crevice, and opening of your lawn, but did you know that this abundant plant species originates from Europe?\r\n\r\nSince the Puritans introduced them to the New World, dandelions have played a role in <a href=\"http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3007\" target=\"_blank\">American history</a>. During the civil war, Confederate soldiers replaced coffee with dried dandelion roots. Herbalists used the roots to treat <a href=\"http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion\" target=\"_blank\">liver and gallbladder disease</a>, since their leaves possess diuretic properties that increase the amount of urine in your body to improve appetite, digestion, and kidney function.\r\n\r\nEvery part of this so-called weed is edible and can add <a href=\"http://www.naturallivingideas.com/things-to-do-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">flavor and nutritional value</a> to your next salad, sandwich, and/or tea with its bounty of vitamins (A, B, C, and D) and minerals (iron, potassium, and zinc). Somewhere down the line, however, we stopped valuing these plants for their human health contributions and began typecasting them as an eyesore for our ideal green and lush lawns.\r\n\r\nKnowing its ability to improve human health, aerate your soil, and attract pest eating ladybugs, I would encourage you to embrace the dandelion. Nevertheless, I am not oblivious to the pressures forcing your hand to manage them.\r\n\r\nWhen contemplating how to get rid of dandelions, ask whether you want to apply the same control each year for the recurring dandelion symptom or do you want to tackle the root cause of the symptom and avoid repetition year after year? I can offer natural vinegar products and pre-emergent herbicides (i.e. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/corn-gluten-meal-the-dos-and-donts/\" target=\"_blank\">corn gluten</a>) that will kill these broadleaf weeds, but, just like with synthetic herbicides, these products do not address compacted, low pH, and nutrient imbalanced soil conditions that favor dandelion growth.\r\n\r\nLucky for you, many practices for growing strong and resilient turf limit these favorable soil conditions <a href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/mow_high_for_weed_and_grub_control\" target=\"_blank\">starting with mowing high</a>. Maintaining tall grass takes away the sunlight and soil entryways that dandelion seeds need to germinate, reduces the likeliness of scalping/damage of grass cells, and increases root mass and strength. In addition to mowing high, great lawn managers will exercise every option for their turf to crowd out and prevent the germination of dandelions including overseeding gaps with grasses, leaving grass clippings to smother dandelion seeds and fertilizer, and watering deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth.\r\n\r\nHealthy, strong, and dense turf will battle and prevent many dandelion seeds from germinating in your lawn, but when seeds breach this first line of defense you’ll need the reinforcements of the billions of bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, and arthropods inhabiting your soil. Keeping these reinforcements happy requires a keen sense for their preferred soil nutrients, maintenance, and structure. Organizations from our list of soil test providers will measure the essential soil factors for life and provide recommendations for how to best treat your soil for grass growth using many of the aeration and soil amendment techniques that I <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">discussed in last month’s post</a>.\r\n\r\nBy applying your soil test provider’s suggestions and maintaining the tall, dense turf I described earlier, you should see reductions in the dreaded yellow flower. If you do not see reductions this year don’t be discouraged. It takes time and care to build-up healthy, resilient soil and turf, especially if the lawn highly depended on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for growth previously.  For some lawn managers, this process may take between three and five years to holistically address dandelions, but once they see reductions and don’t have to spend all the time and money on year after year chemical control, it makes all that previous effort worth it.\r\n\r\nIf you have a dandelion presence now in your lawn, first try to establish a tolerance for it. A couple dandelions here and there will not bother anyone and can easily be managed manually.  For significant dandelion problems, we encourage you to apply an <a href=\"http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html\" target=\"_blank\">Integrated Pest Management approach</a> of limiting your chemical use for the problem and choosing a product with the least toxicity to human health and the environment.  Find tips on this approach <a href=\"https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/ncap/pages/44/attachments/original/1429733273/dandelions.pdf?1429733273\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> and <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/alternatives/factsheets/Least%20toxic%20control%20of%20weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. Finally some after the fact natural treatments include <a href=\"http://www.pesticide.org/vinegar_herbicides\" target=\"_blank\">vinegar</a>, <a href=\"http://diagnostics.montana.edu/plant/topics/herbicidalsoaps.html\" target=\"_blank\">herbicidal soaps</a>, and <a href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/programs/ipmnet/Iron%20Herbicide%20Info-UMD-IPMnet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">iron-based herbicides</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Dealing with Dandelions','','inherit','closed','open','','3190-revision-v1','','','2016-05-31 20:24:22','2016-05-31 20:24:22','',3190,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3190-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3210,2,'2016-05-31 21:24:28','2016-05-31 21:24:28','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-3193\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dandelion-1306911_1920.jpg\" alt=\"dandelion-1306911_1920\" width=\"332\" height=\"220\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>While beneficial to your body and soil, dandelions will not get out of our dog house soon. MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson focuses on getting rid of them the safe way.</h3>\r\nFor the countless times I’ve discussed “natural” strategies to eliminate dandelions, I can’t recall a\r\nsingle question on how they first became a staple “weed” in our American lawns! Yes, we all know these yellow sunflowers use “parachutes” to spread their seeds in every which crack, crevice, and opening of your lawn, but did you know that this abundant plant species originates from Europe?\r\n\r\nSince the Puritans introduced them to the New World, dandelions have played a role in <a href=\"http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3007\" target=\"_blank\">American history</a>. During the civil war, Confederate soldiers replaced coffee with dried dandelion roots. Herbalists used the roots to treat <a href=\"http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion\" target=\"_blank\">liver and gallbladder disease</a>, since their leaves possess diuretic properties that increase the amount of urine in your body to improve appetite, digestion, and kidney function.\r\n\r\nEvery part of this so-called weed is edible and can add <a href=\"http://www.naturallivingideas.com/things-to-do-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">flavor and nutritional value</a> to your next salad, sandwich, and/or tea with its bounty of vitamins (A, B, C, and D) and minerals (iron, potassium, and zinc). Somewhere down the line, however, we stopped valuing these plants for their human health contributions and began typecasting them as an eyesore for our ideal green and lush lawns.\r\n\r\nKnowing its ability to improve human health, aerate your soil, and attract pest eating ladybugs, I would encourage you to embrace the dandelion. Nevertheless, I am not oblivious to the pressures forcing your hand to manage them.\r\n\r\nWhen contemplating how to get rid of dandelions, ask whether you want to apply the same control each year for the recurring dandelion symptom or do you want to tackle the root cause of the symptom and avoid repetition year after year? I can offer natural vinegar products and pre-emergent herbicides (i.e. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/corn-gluten-meal-the-dos-and-donts/\" target=\"_blank\">corn gluten</a>) that will kill these broadleaf weeds, but, just like with synthetic herbicides, these products do not address compacted, low pH, and nutrient imbalanced soil conditions that favor dandelion growth.\r\n\r\nLucky for you, many practices for growing strong and resilient turf limit these favorable soil conditions <a href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/mow_high_for_weed_and_grub_control\" target=\"_blank\">starting with mowing high</a>. Maintaining tall grass takes away the sunlight and soil entryways that dandelion seeds need to germinate, reduces the likeliness of scalping/damage of grass cells, and increases root mass and strength. In addition to mowing high, great lawn managers will exercise every option for their turf to crowd out and prevent the germination of dandelions including overseeding gaps with grasses, leaving grass clippings to smother dandelion seeds and fertilizer, and watering deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth.\r\n\r\nHealthy, strong, and dense turf will battle and prevent many dandelion seeds from germinating in your lawn, but when seeds breach this first line of defense you’ll need the reinforcements of the billions of bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, and arthropods inhabiting your soil. Keeping these reinforcements happy requires a keen sense for their preferred soil nutrients, maintenance, and structure. Organizations from our list of soil test providers will measure the essential soil factors for life and provide recommendations for how to best treat your soil for grass growth using many of the aeration and soil amendment techniques that I <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">discussed in last month’s post</a>.\r\n\r\nBy applying your soil test provider’s suggestions and maintaining the tall, dense turf I described earlier, you should see reductions in the dreaded yellow flower. If you do not see reductions this year don’t be discouraged. It takes time and care to build-up healthy, resilient soil and turf, especially if the lawn highly depended on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for growth previously.  For some lawn managers, this process may take between three and five years to holistically address dandelions, but once they see reductions and don’t have to spend all the time and money on year after year chemical control, it makes all that previous effort worth it.\r\n\r\nIf you have a dandelion presence now in your lawn, first try to establish a tolerance for it. A couple dandelions here and there will not bother anyone and can easily be managed manually.  For significant dandelion problems, we encourage you to apply an <a href=\"http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html\" target=\"_blank\">Integrated Pest Management approach</a> of limiting your chemical use for the problem and choosing a product with the least toxicity to human health and the environment.  Find tips on this approach <a href=\"https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/ncap/pages/44/attachments/original/1429733273/dandelions.pdf?1429733273\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> and <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/alternatives/factsheets/Least%20toxic%20control%20of%20weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. Finally some after the fact natural treatments include <a href=\"http://www.pesticide.org/vinegar_herbicides\" target=\"_blank\">vinegar</a>, <a href=\"http://diagnostics.montana.edu/plant/topics/herbicidalsoaps.html\" target=\"_blank\">herbicidal soaps</a>, and <a href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/programs/ipmnet/Iron%20Herbicide%20Info-UMD-IPMnet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">iron-based herbicides</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Dealing with Dandelions','','inherit','closed','open','','3190-revision-v1','','','2016-05-31 21:24:28','2016-05-31 21:24:28','',3190,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3190-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3211,2,'2016-05-31 21:25:53','2016-05-31 21:25:53','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-3193\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dandelion-1306911_1920.jpg\" alt=\"dandelion-1306911_1920\" width=\"332\" height=\"220\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>While beneficial to your body and soil, dandelions will not leave our dog house soon. MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson focuses on getting rid of them the safe way.</h3>\r\nFor the countless times I’ve discussed “natural” strategies to eliminate dandelions, I can’t recall a\r\nsingle question on how they first became a staple “weed” in our American lawns! Yes, we all know these yellow sunflowers use “parachutes” to spread their seeds in every which crack, crevice, and opening of your lawn, but did you know that this abundant plant species originates from Europe?\r\n\r\nSince the Puritans introduced them to the New World, dandelions have played a role in <a href=\"http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3007\" target=\"_blank\">American history</a>. During the civil war, Confederate soldiers replaced coffee with dried dandelion roots. Herbalists used the roots to treat <a href=\"http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion\" target=\"_blank\">liver and gallbladder disease</a>, since their leaves possess diuretic properties that increase the amount of urine in your body to improve appetite, digestion, and kidney function.\r\n\r\nEvery part of this so-called weed is edible and can add <a href=\"http://www.naturallivingideas.com/things-to-do-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">flavor and nutritional value</a> to your next salad, sandwich, and/or tea with its bounty of vitamins (A, B, C, and D) and minerals (iron, potassium, and zinc). Somewhere down the line, however, we stopped valuing these plants for their human health contributions and began typecasting them as an eyesore for our ideal green and lush lawns.\r\n\r\nKnowing its ability to improve human health, aerate your soil, and attract pest eating ladybugs, I would encourage you to embrace the dandelion. Nevertheless, I am not oblivious to the pressures forcing your hand to manage them.\r\n\r\nWhen contemplating how to get rid of dandelions, ask whether you want to apply the same control each year for the recurring dandelion symptom or do you want to tackle the root cause of the symptom and avoid repetition year after year? I can offer natural vinegar products and pre-emergent herbicides (i.e. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/corn-gluten-meal-the-dos-and-donts/\" target=\"_blank\">corn gluten</a>) that will kill these broadleaf weeds, but, just like with synthetic herbicides, these products do not address compacted, low pH, and nutrient imbalanced soil conditions that favor dandelion growth.\r\n\r\nLucky for you, many practices for growing strong and resilient turf limit these favorable soil conditions <a href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/mow_high_for_weed_and_grub_control\" target=\"_blank\">starting with mowing high</a>. Maintaining tall grass takes away the sunlight and soil entryways that dandelion seeds need to germinate, reduces the likeliness of scalping/damage of grass cells, and increases root mass and strength. In addition to mowing high, great lawn managers will exercise every option for their turf to crowd out and prevent the germination of dandelions including overseeding gaps with grasses, leaving grass clippings to smother dandelion seeds and fertilizer, and watering deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth.\r\n\r\nHealthy, strong, and dense turf will battle and prevent many dandelion seeds from germinating in your lawn, but when seeds breach this first line of defense you’ll need the reinforcements of the billions of bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, and arthropods inhabiting your soil. Keeping these reinforcements happy requires a keen sense for their preferred soil nutrients, maintenance, and structure. Organizations from our list of soil test providers will measure the essential soil factors for life and provide recommendations for how to best treat your soil for grass growth using many of the aeration and soil amendment techniques that I <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">discussed in last month’s post</a>.\r\n\r\nBy applying your soil test provider’s suggestions and maintaining the tall, dense turf I described earlier, you should see reductions in the dreaded yellow flower. If you do not see reductions this year don’t be discouraged. It takes time and care to build-up healthy, resilient soil and turf, especially if the lawn highly depended on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for growth previously.  For some lawn managers, this process may take between three and five years to holistically address dandelions, but once they see reductions and don’t have to spend all the time and money on year after year chemical control, it makes all that previous effort worth it.\r\n\r\nIf you have a dandelion presence now in your lawn, first try to establish a tolerance for it. A couple dandelions here and there will not bother anyone and can easily be managed manually.  For significant dandelion problems, we encourage you to apply an <a href=\"http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html\" target=\"_blank\">Integrated Pest Management approach</a> of limiting your chemical use for the problem and choosing a product with the least toxicity to human health and the environment.  Find tips on this approach <a href=\"https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/ncap/pages/44/attachments/original/1429733273/dandelions.pdf?1429733273\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> and <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/alternatives/factsheets/Least%20toxic%20control%20of%20weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. Finally some after the fact natural treatments include <a href=\"http://www.pesticide.org/vinegar_herbicides\" target=\"_blank\">vinegar</a>, <a href=\"http://diagnostics.montana.edu/plant/topics/herbicidalsoaps.html\" target=\"_blank\">herbicidal soaps</a>, and <a href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/programs/ipmnet/Iron%20Herbicide%20Info-UMD-IPMnet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">iron-based herbicides</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Dealing with Dandelions','','inherit','closed','open','','3190-revision-v1','','','2016-05-31 21:25:53','2016-05-31 21:25:53','',3190,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3190-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3212,2,'2016-06-01 17:51:19','2016-06-01 17:51:19','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-3193\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dandelion-1306911_1920.jpg\" alt=\"dandelion-1306911_1920\" width=\"332\" height=\"220\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>While beneficial to your body and soil, dandelions will not leave our dog house soon. MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson focuses on getting rid of them the safe way.</h3>\r\nFor the countless times I’ve discussed “natural” strategies to eliminate dandelions, I can’t recall a\r\nsingle question on how they first became a staple “weed” in our American lawns! Yes, we all know these yellow sunflowers use “parachutes” to spread their seeds in every which crack, crevice, and opening of your lawn, but did you know that this plant originates from Europe?\r\n\r\nSince the Puritans introduced them to the New World, dandelions have played a role in <a href=\"http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3007\" target=\"_blank\">American history</a>. During the civil war, Confederate soldiers replaced coffee with dried dandelion roots. Herbalists used the roots to treat <a href=\"http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion\" target=\"_blank\">liver and gallbladder disease</a>, since their leaves possess diuretic properties that increase the amount of urine in your body to improve appetite, digestion, and kidney function.\r\n\r\nEvery part of this so-called weed is edible and can add <a href=\"http://www.naturallivingideas.com/things-to-do-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">flavor and nutritional value</a> to your next salad, sandwich, and/or tea with its bounty of vitamins (A, B, C, and D) and minerals (iron, potassium, and zinc). Somewhere down the line, however, we stopped valuing these plants for their human health contributions and began typecasting them as an eyesore for our ideal green and lush lawns.\r\n\r\nKnowing its ability to improve human health, aerate your soil, and attract pest eating ladybugs, I would encourage you to embrace the dandelion. Nevertheless, I am not oblivious to the pressures forcing your hand to manage them.\r\n\r\nWhen contemplating how to get rid of dandelions, ask whether you want to apply the same control each year for the recurring dandelion symptom or do you want to tackle the root cause of the symptom and avoid repetition year after year? I can offer natural vinegar products and pre-emergent herbicides (i.e. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/corn-gluten-meal-the-dos-and-donts/\" target=\"_blank\">corn gluten</a>) that will kill these broadleaf weeds, but, just like with synthetic herbicides, these products do not address compacted, low pH, and nutrient imbalanced soil conditions that favor dandelion growth.\r\n\r\nLucky for you, many practices for growing strong and resilient turf limit these favorable soil conditions <a href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/mow_high_for_weed_and_grub_control\" target=\"_blank\">starting with mowing high</a>. Maintaining tall grass takes away the sunlight and soil entryways that dandelion seeds need to germinate, reduces the likeliness of scalping/damage of grass cells, and increases root mass and strength. In addition to mowing high, great lawn managers will exercise every option for their turf to crowd out and prevent the germination of dandelions including overseeding gaps with grasses, leaving grass clippings to smother dandelion seeds and fertilizer, and watering deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth.\r\n\r\nHealthy, strong, and dense turf will battle and prevent many dandelion seeds from germinating in your lawn, but when seeds breach this first line of defense you’ll need the reinforcements of the billions of bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, and arthropods inhabiting your soil. Keeping these reinforcements happy requires a keen sense for their preferred soil nutrients, maintenance, and structure. Organizations from our list of soil test providers will measure the essential soil factors for life and provide recommendations for how to best treat your soil for grass growth using many of the aeration and soil amendment techniques that I <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">discussed in last month’s post</a>.\r\n\r\nBy applying your soil test provider’s suggestions and maintaining the tall, dense turf I described earlier, you should see reductions in the dreaded yellow flower. If you do not see reductions this year don’t be discouraged. It takes time and care to build-up healthy, resilient soil and turf, especially if the lawn highly depended on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for growth previously.  For some lawn managers, this process may take between three and five years to holistically address dandelions, but once they see reductions and don’t have to spend all the time and money on year after year chemical control, it makes all that previous effort worth it.\r\n\r\nIf you have a dandelion presence now in your lawn, first try to establish a tolerance for it. A couple dandelions here and there will not bother anyone and can easily be managed manually.  For significant dandelion problems, we encourage you to apply an <a href=\"http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html\" target=\"_blank\">Integrated Pest Management approach</a> of limiting your chemical use for the problem and choosing a product with the least toxicity to human health and the environment.  Find tips on this approach <a href=\"https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/ncap/pages/44/attachments/original/1429733273/dandelions.pdf?1429733273\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> and <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/alternatives/factsheets/Least%20toxic%20control%20of%20weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. Finally some after the fact natural treatments include <a href=\"http://www.pesticide.org/vinegar_herbicides\" target=\"_blank\">vinegar</a>, <a href=\"http://diagnostics.montana.edu/plant/topics/herbicidalsoaps.html\" target=\"_blank\">herbicidal soaps</a>, and <a href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/programs/ipmnet/Iron%20Herbicide%20Info-UMD-IPMnet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">iron-based herbicides</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Dealing with Dandelions','','inherit','closed','open','','3190-revision-v1','','','2016-06-01 17:51:19','2016-06-01 17:51:19','',3190,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3190-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3213,2,'2016-06-01 18:26:35','2016-06-01 18:26:35','<h3><img class=\"alignright wp-image-3193\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dandelion-1306911_1920.jpg\" alt=\"dandelion-1306911_1920\" width=\"332\" height=\"220\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>While beneficial to your body and soil, dandelions will not leave our dog house soon. MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson focuses on getting rid of them the safe way.</h3>\r\nFor the countless times I’ve discussed “natural” strategies to eliminate dandelions, I can’t recall a\r\nsingle question on how they first became a staple “weed” in our American lawns! Yes, we all know these yellow sunflowers use “parachutes” to spread their seeds in every which crack, crevice, and opening of your lawn, but did you know that this plant originates from Europe?\r\n\r\nSince the Puritans introduced them to the New World, dandelions have played a role in <a href=\"http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/3007\" target=\"_blank\">American history</a>. During the civil war, Confederate soldiers replaced coffee with dried dandelion roots. Herbalists used the roots to treat <a href=\"http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion\" target=\"_blank\">liver and gallbladder disease</a> and their leaves possess diuretic properties that increase the amount of urine in your body to improve appetite, digestion, and kidney function.\r\n\r\nEvery part of this so-called weed is edible and can add <a href=\"http://www.naturallivingideas.com/things-to-do-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">flavor and nutritional value</a> to your next salad, sandwich, and/or tea with its bounty of vitamins (A, B, C, and D) and minerals (iron, potassium, and zinc). Somewhere down the line, however, we stopped valuing these plants for their human health contributions and began typecasting them as an eyesore for our ideal green and lush lawns.\r\n\r\nKnowing its ability to improve human health, aerate your soil, and attract pest eating ladybugs, I would encourage you to embrace the dandelion. Nevertheless, I am not oblivious to the pressures forcing your hand to manage them.\r\n\r\nWhen contemplating how to get rid of dandelions, ask whether you want to apply the same control each year for the recurring dandelion symptom or do you want to tackle the root cause of the symptom and avoid repetition year after year? I can offer natural vinegar products and pre-emergent herbicides (i.e. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/corn-gluten-meal-the-dos-and-donts/\" target=\"_blank\">corn gluten</a>) that will kill these broadleaf weeds, but, just like with synthetic herbicides, these products do not address the compacted, low pH, and nutrient imbalanced soil conditions that favor dandelion growth.\r\n\r\nLucky for you, many practices for growing strong and resilient turf limit these favorable soil conditions <a href=\"http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/mow_high_for_weed_and_grub_control\" target=\"_blank\">starting with mowing high</a>. Maintaining tall grass takes away the sunlight and soil entryways that dandelion seeds need to germinate, reduces the likeliness of scalping/damage of grass cells, and increases root mass and strength. In addition to mowing high, great lawn managers will exercise every option for their turf to crowd out and prevent the germination of dandelions including overseeding gaps with grasses, leaving grass clippings to smother dandelion seeds and fertilizer, and watering deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth.\r\n\r\nHealthy, strong, and dense turf will battle and prevent many dandelion seeds from germinating in your lawn, but when seeds breach this first line of defense you’ll need the reinforcements of the billions of bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, and arthropods inhabiting your soil. Keeping these reinforcements happy requires a keen sense for their preferred soil nutrients, maintenance, and structure. Organizations from our list of soil test providers will measure the essential soil factors for life and provide recommendations for how to best treat your soil for grass growth using many of the aeration and soil amendment techniques that I <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">discussed in last month’s post</a>.\r\n\r\nBy following your soil test provider’s suggestions and maintaining the tall, dense turf I described earlier, you should see reductions in the dreaded yellow flower. Don\'t be discouraged if you do not see reductions this year. It takes time and care to build healthy, resilient soil and turf, especially for lawns that highly depended on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides previously.  For some lawn managers, this process may take between three and five years to holistically address dandelions, but once they see reductions and don’t have to spend all the time and money on year after year chemical control, it makes all that previous effort worth it.\r\n\r\nIf you have a dandelion presence now in your lawn, first try to establish a tolerance for it. A couple dandelions here and there will not bother anyone and can easily be managed manually.  For significant dandelion problems, we encourage you to apply an <a href=\"http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7469.html\" target=\"_blank\">Integrated Pest Management approach</a> of limiting your chemical use for the problem and choosing a product with the least toxicity to human health and the environment.  Find tips on this approach <a href=\"https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/ncap/pages/44/attachments/original/1429733273/dandelions.pdf?1429733273\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> and <a href=\"https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/alternatives/factsheets/Least%20toxic%20control%20of%20weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>. Finally some after the fact natural treatments include <a href=\"http://www.pesticide.org/vinegar_herbicides\" target=\"_blank\">vinegar</a>, <a href=\"http://diagnostics.montana.edu/plant/topics/herbicidalsoaps.html\" target=\"_blank\">herbicidal soaps</a>, and <a href=\"https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/programs/ipmnet/Iron%20Herbicide%20Info-UMD-IPMnet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">iron-based herbicides</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Dealing with Dandelions','','inherit','closed','open','','3190-revision-v1','','','2016-06-01 18:26:35','2016-06-01 18:26:35','',3190,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3190-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3215,2,'2016-06-15 16:16:50','2016-06-15 16:16:50','','WIH_MPAC How-to-Hire-a-PCO-For-BB','','inherit','closed','open','','wih_mpac-how-to-hire-a-pco-for-bb','','','2016-06-15 16:16:50','2016-06-15 16:16:50','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/WIH_MPAC-How-to-Hire-a-PCO-For-BB.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(3216,2,'2016-06-15 16:18:52','2016-06-15 16:18:52','<h2>Resources</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of toolkits, guides, and factsheets to help you reduce your exposure to pesticides. Our information empowers renters, homeowners, managers, parents, and decision-makers to make smart decisions that lead to healthier communities.\r\n\r\nContinue reading<a name=\"Features\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Features\">Feature Publications</a>, <a href=\"#Home\">In Your Home</a>, <a href=\"#Community\">In Your Community</a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>Feature Publications</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit: </strong>The basics of natural lawn care, health benefits of switching to natural lawn care, and practical tools and example documents to use during a campaign.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activists Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit:</strong> Information about pesticide reduction as a sustainable cost effective choice for municipal operations.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green: A Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden: </strong>Reduce your contribution to climate change, help your lawn and garden adapt to a changing environment, and produce beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Guide</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Human Health and Pesticides: Glyphosate and 2,4-D:</strong> This white paper discusses the common active ingredients in lawn pesticides of Glyphosate and 2,4-D and their human health impacts.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/MPAC_WhitePaper-final-12.11.15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Human Health and Pesticides White Paper</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Schools/Childcares:</strong> The materials your school needs to put an IPM program in place, including sample policies, forms and protocol.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: </strong>View our bed bug policy, which demonstrates the necessity of taking action on this issue.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/WIH_MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs-2015.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan</a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<a name=\"Home\"></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe following publications are also available for download. Some publications offer downloads in multiple languages. <span class=\"orange\">Click or tap a title to start download.</span>\r\n<h3>In Your Home</h3>\r\n<h4>Indoors</h4>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance Essentials\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Arabic1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Arabic</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Burmese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Burmese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Tenants Rights and Responsibilities English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Spanish1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Tenants-Checklist-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-How-Do-I-Know-Im-Receiving-IPM-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">How Do I Know I\'m Receiving IPM Factsheet</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/WI_MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">10 Steps to Pest Control English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WI_MPAC-Pest-Control-Companies-That-Provide-IPM.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pest Control Companies That Provide IPM</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Ants.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Ants</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Cockroaches.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Cockroaches</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mice-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mice</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a>\r\n<h4>Outdoors</h4>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Products for Your Natural Lawn</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Read-Your-Weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Read Your Weeds</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mosquito-Misters-What-You-Need-to-Know.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquito Misters: What You Need to Know</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquitos and West Nile Virus</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MPAC-Pets-and-Pesticides-TU.pdf\" target=\"blank\">Pets and Pesticides</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Asthma-Pests-and-Pesticides.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Asthma, Pests, and Pesticides</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Truth-About-Head-Lice.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Truth About Head Lice</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Reasonable-Accomodations-for-Renters.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-all-vols-2015.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter All Volumes</a><a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/BiteBack_Spring14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BiteBack_vol14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.14</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 15\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-Vol.-15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.15</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 16\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletter-Vol.16.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.16</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Bed Bug Poster English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Landlords English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/WIH_MPAC-How-to-Hire-a-PCO-For-BB.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">How to Hire a Pest Control Operator For Bed Bugs</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a class=\"download\" style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MPAC-Natural-Lawn-Care-for-Homeowners.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care for Homeowners</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bee-Friendly-Garden.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">A Bee-Friendly Garden is a Pesticide-Free Garden</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Brochure</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Talking-to-Your-Neighbors-About-Pesticides1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Talking to Your Neighbors About Pesticides</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-order-form-color.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign Order Form</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/WOY_MPAC-Midwest-Natural-Lawn-Care-Companies3.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Natural Lawn Care Companies</a> <a name=\"Community\"></a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>In Your Community</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activist\'s Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a><strong>\r\n</strong><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Healthy Parks Campaign</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Parents\' Right to Know Notification Guidelines English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Reducing-Pesticides-in-Schools-a-Parents-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reducing Pesticides in Schools: A Parent\'s Guide</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs in Schools and Childcares\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Disposal-The-Right-Way.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Disposal the Right Way</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]','Resources','','inherit','closed','open','','119-revision-v1','','','2016-06-15 16:18:52','2016-06-15 16:18:52','',119,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/119-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3217,2,'2016-06-16 21:39:29','2016-06-16 21:39:29','[caption id=\"attachment_3223\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Avila_resolution.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3223 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Avila_resolution-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"Avila_resolution\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" /></a> Ryan Anderson accepting the resolution from MWRD Commissioner Frank Avila[/caption]\r\n<h3>The MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s natural lawn care efforts by passing a resolution June 16th</h3>\r\nA raindrop falls on your lawn. It trickles through the green, entrenched mass, absorbing whichever chemical, fertilizer, and sediment in its way. Jammed full of matter, the droplet jumps into a storm drain and joins the crowd of 1.4 billion gallons of waste and storm water droplets produced by the Greater Chicago area each day.\r\n\r\nUsing seven wastewater treatment plants, the <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Metropolitan Water Reclamation District</a> (MWRD) of Greater Chicago sorts through the billions of water particles to extract solid waste, harmful chemicals, and other sediment. Getting every chemical is next to impossible.\r\n\r\n\"What MWRD does each day to protect our waters and public health is incredible,\" Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s (MPAC) Program and Communication Manager Ryan Anderson said. \"But keeping these waters completely safe for humans, pets, and wildlife is a tall, almost insurmountable task. Anything MPAC, businesses, and individuals can do to prevent the release of these harmful chemicals and pollutants at the point of introduction goes a long way in furthering MWRD\'s work.\"\r\n\r\nThe MWRD <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Board\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Board of Commissioners</a> recognized MPAC\'s <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) effort to reduce the introduction of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers into Greater Chicago area waterways by unanimously <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/16_0616_MPAC-resolution.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">passing a resolution</a>. Anderson accepted the resolution from MWRD Chairman of Finance and Commissioner <a href=\"http://apps.mwrd.org/commissioners/avila.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Frank Avila</a> at the Commissioner Board Meeting June 16th.\r\n\r\n\"MPAC has always been a leader in protecting public health, even assisting the MWRD with Integrated Pest Management and herbicide reduction policies,\" Commissioner Avila said. \"I am excited to see what they do next for natural lawn care and water quality improvement with their MGG initiative.\"\r\n\r\nThe American home and garden sector applies more than 90 million pounds of herbicide product to lawns and gardens each year. Studies have linked these chemicals to various nervous, behavioral, endocrine, immune, and reproductive system disorders.\r\n\r\n\"Many do not think about it, but maintaining our nation\'s largest crop, turf grass, requires an extraordinary amount of pesticides, fertilizers, and water,\" Anderson said. \"MGG is all about educating people on the costs and impacts that result from conventional lawn care, and providing individuals, businesses, and park/school districts with the solutions.\"\r\n\r\nLearn more about MGG at its webpage (<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bit.ly/MGGweb</a>) and join the natural lawn care movement by taking the pledge (<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a>). See the resolution <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/16_0616_MPAC-resolution.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here</a>.','MWRD\'s Midwest Grows Green Resolution','','publish','closed','open','','mwrds-midwest-grows-green-resolution','','\nhttp://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/','2017-07-27 18:21:33','2017-07-27 18:21:33','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=3217',0,'post','',1),(3218,2,'2016-06-16 21:13:17','2016-06-16 21:13:17','<h2>The MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s natural lawn care efforts by passing a resolution June 16th</h2>','MWRD\'s Midwest Grows Green Resolution','','inherit','closed','open','','3217-revision-v1','','','2016-06-16 21:13:17','2016-06-16 21:13:17','',3217,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3217-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3219,2,'2016-06-16 21:13:28','2016-06-16 21:13:28','<h3>The MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s natural lawn care efforts by passing a resolution June 16th</h3>','MWRD\'s Midwest Grows Green Resolution','','inherit','closed','open','','3217-revision-v1','','','2016-06-16 21:13:28','2016-06-16 21:13:28','',3217,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3217-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3220,2,'2016-06-16 21:25:08','2016-06-16 21:25:08','<h3>The MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s natural lawn care efforts by passing a resolution June 16th</h3>\r\nA raindrop falls on your lawn. It trickles through the green, entrenched mass, absorbing whichever chemical, fertilizer, and sediment in its way. Jammed full of matter, the droplet jumps into a storm drain and joins the crowd of 1.4 billion gallons of waste and storm water droplets produced by the Greater Chicago area each day.\r\n\r\nUsing seven wastewater treatment plants, the Municipal Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago sorts through the billions of water particles to extract solid waste, harmful chemicals, and other sediment. Getting every chemical is next to impossible.\r\n\r\n\"What MWRD does each day to protect our waters and public health is incredible,\" Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s (MPAC) Program and Communication Manager said. \"But keeping these waters completely safe for humans, pets, and wildlife is a tall, almost insurmountable task. Anything MPAC, businesses, and individuals can do to prevent the release of these harmful chemicals and pollutants at the point of introduction goes a long way in furthering MWRD\'s work.\"\r\n\r\nThe MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s Midwest Grows Green (MGG) effort to reduce the introduction of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers into Greater Chicago area waterways by unanimously passing a resolution. Anderson accepted the resolution from MWRD Chairman of Finance and Commissioner Frank Avila at the Commissioner Board Meeting June 16th.\r\n\r\n\"MPAC has always been a leader in protecting public health, even assisting the MWRD with Integrated Pest Management and herbicide reduction policies,\" Commissioner Avila said. \"I am excited to see what they do next for natural lawn care and water quality improvement with their MGG initiative.\"\r\n\r\nThe American home and garden sector applies more than 90 million pounds of herbicide product to lawns and gardens each year. Studies have linked these chemicals to various nervous, behavioral, endocrine, immune, and reproductive system disorders.\r\n\r\n\"Many do not think about it, but maintaining our nation\'s largest crop, turf grass, requires an extraordinary amount of pesticides, fertilizers, and water,\" Anderson said. \"MGG is all about educating people about the costs and impacts that result from conventional lawn care, and providing individuals, businesses, and park/school districts with the solutions.\"\r\n\r\nLearn more about MGG at its website (bit.ly/MGGweb) and join the natural lawn care movement by taking the pledge (bit.ly/MGGpledge).','MWRD\'s Midwest Grows Green Resolution','','inherit','closed','open','','3217-revision-v1','','','2016-06-16 21:25:08','2016-06-16 21:25:08','',3217,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3217-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3221,2,'2016-06-16 21:28:01','2016-06-16 21:28:01','<h3>The MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s natural lawn care efforts by passing a resolution June 16th</h3>\r\nA raindrop falls on your lawn. It trickles through the green, entrenched mass, absorbing whichever chemical, fertilizer, and sediment in its way. Jammed full of matter, the droplet jumps into a storm drain and joins the crowd of 1.4 billion gallons of waste and storm water droplets produced by the Greater Chicago area each day.\r\n\r\nUsing seven wastewater treatment plants, the <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Home\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Water Reclamation District</a> (MWRD) of Greater Chicago sorts through the billions of water particles to extract solid waste, harmful chemicals, and other sediment. Getting every chemical is next to impossible.\r\n\r\n\"What MWRD does each day to protect our waters and public health is incredible,\" Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s (MPAC) Program and Communication Manager said. \"But keeping these waters completely safe for humans, pets, and wildlife is a tall, almost insurmountable task. Anything MPAC, businesses, and individuals can do to prevent the release of these harmful chemicals and pollutants at the point of introduction goes a long way in furthering MWRD\'s work.\"\r\n\r\nThe MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s <a href=\"bit.ly/MGGweb\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) effort to reduce the introduction of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers into Greater Chicago area waterways by unanimously passing a resolution. Anderson accepted the resolution from MWRD Chairman of Finance and Commissioner Frank Avila at the Commissioner Board Meeting June 16th.\r\n\r\n\"MPAC has always been a leader in protecting public health, even assisting the MWRD with Integrated Pest Management and herbicide reduction policies,\" Commissioner Avila said. \"I am excited to see what they do next for natural lawn care and water quality improvement with their MGG initiative.\"\r\n\r\nThe American home and garden sector applies more than 90 million pounds of herbicide product to lawns and gardens each year. Studies have linked these chemicals to various nervous, behavioral, endocrine, immune, and reproductive system disorders.\r\n\r\n\"Many do not think about it, but maintaining our nation\'s largest crop, turf grass, requires an extraordinary amount of pesticides, fertilizers, and water,\" Anderson said. \"MGG is all about educating people on the costs and impacts that result from conventional lawn care, and providing individuals, businesses, and park/school districts with the solutions.\"\r\n\r\nLearn more about MGG at its website (<a href=\"bit.ly/MGGweb\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGweb</a>) and join the natural lawn care movement by taking the pledge (<a href=\"bit.ly/MGGpledge\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a>).','MWRD\'s Midwest Grows Green Resolution','','inherit','closed','open','','3217-revision-v1','','','2016-06-16 21:28:01','2016-06-16 21:28:01','',3217,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3217-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3222,2,'2016-06-16 21:31:06','2016-06-16 21:31:06','<h3>The MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s natural lawn care efforts by passing a resolution June 16th</h3>\r\nA raindrop falls on your lawn. It trickles through the green, entrenched mass, absorbing whichever chemical, fertilizer, and sediment in its way. Jammed full of matter, the droplet jumps into a storm drain and joins the crowd of 1.4 billion gallons of waste and storm water droplets produced by the Greater Chicago area each day.\r\n\r\nUsing seven wastewater treatment plants, the <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Home\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Water Reclamation District</a> (MWRD) of Greater Chicago sorts through the billions of water particles to extract solid waste, harmful chemicals, and other sediment. Getting every chemical is next to impossible.\r\n\r\n\"What MWRD does each day to protect our waters and public health is incredible,\" Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s (MPAC) Program and Communication Manager Ryan Anderson said. \"But keeping these waters completely safe for humans, pets, and wildlife is a tall, almost insurmountable task. Anything MPAC, businesses, and individuals can do to prevent the release of these harmful chemicals and pollutants at the point of introduction goes a long way in furthering MWRD\'s work.\"\r\n\r\nThe MWRD <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Board\" target=\"_blank\">Board of Commissioners</a> recognized MPAC\'s <a href=\"bit.ly/MGGweb\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) effort to reduce the introduction of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers into Greater Chicago area waterways by unanimously passing a resolution. Anderson accepted the resolution from MWRD Chairman of Finance and Commissioner <a href=\"http://apps.mwrd.org/commissioners/avila.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Frank Avila</a> at the Commissioner Board Meeting June 16th.\r\n\r\n\"MPAC has always been a leader in protecting public health, even assisting the MWRD with Integrated Pest Management and herbicide reduction policies,\" Commissioner Avila said. \"I am excited to see what they do next for natural lawn care and water quality improvement with their MGG initiative.\"\r\n\r\nThe American home and garden sector applies more than 90 million pounds of herbicide product to lawns and gardens each year. Studies have linked these chemicals to various nervous, behavioral, endocrine, immune, and reproductive system disorders.\r\n\r\n\"Many do not think about it, but maintaining our nation\'s largest crop, turf grass, requires an extraordinary amount of pesticides, fertilizers, and water,\" Anderson said. \"MGG is all about educating people on the costs and impacts that result from conventional lawn care, and providing individuals, businesses, and park/school districts with the solutions.\"\r\n\r\nLearn more about MGG at its webpage (<a href=\"bit.ly/MGGweb\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGweb</a>) and join the natural lawn care movement by taking the pledge (<a href=\"bit.ly/MGGpledge\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a>).','MWRD\'s Midwest Grows Green Resolution','','inherit','closed','open','','3217-revision-v1','','','2016-06-16 21:31:06','2016-06-16 21:31:06','',3217,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3217-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3223,2,'2016-06-16 21:33:34','2016-06-16 21:33:34','','Avila_resolution','','inherit','closed','open','','avila_resolution','','','2016-06-16 21:33:34','2016-06-16 21:33:34','',3217,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Avila_resolution.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3224,2,'2016-06-16 21:34:08','2016-06-16 21:34:08','<h3><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Avila_resolution.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3223\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Avila_resolution-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"Avila_resolution\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" /></a>The MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s natural lawn care efforts by passing a resolution June 16th</h3>\r\nA raindrop falls on your lawn. It trickles through the green, entrenched mass, absorbing whichever chemical, fertilizer, and sediment in its way. Jammed full of matter, the droplet jumps into a storm drain and joins the crowd of 1.4 billion gallons of waste and storm water droplets produced by the Greater Chicago area each day.\r\n\r\nUsing seven wastewater treatment plants, the <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Home\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Water Reclamation District</a> (MWRD) of Greater Chicago sorts through the billions of water particles to extract solid waste, harmful chemicals, and other sediment. Getting every chemical is next to impossible.\r\n\r\n\"What MWRD does each day to protect our waters and public health is incredible,\" Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s (MPAC) Program and Communication Manager Ryan Anderson said. \"But keeping these waters completely safe for humans, pets, and wildlife is a tall, almost insurmountable task. Anything MPAC, businesses, and individuals can do to prevent the release of these harmful chemicals and pollutants at the point of introduction goes a long way in furthering MWRD\'s work.\"\r\n\r\nThe MWRD <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Board\" target=\"_blank\">Board of Commissioners</a> recognized MPAC\'s <a href=\"bit.ly/MGGweb\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) effort to reduce the introduction of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers into Greater Chicago area waterways by unanimously passing a resolution. Anderson accepted the resolution from MWRD Chairman of Finance and Commissioner <a href=\"http://apps.mwrd.org/commissioners/avila.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Frank Avila</a> at the Commissioner Board Meeting June 16th.\r\n\r\n\"MPAC has always been a leader in protecting public health, even assisting the MWRD with Integrated Pest Management and herbicide reduction policies,\" Commissioner Avila said. \"I am excited to see what they do next for natural lawn care and water quality improvement with their MGG initiative.\"\r\n\r\nThe American home and garden sector applies more than 90 million pounds of herbicide product to lawns and gardens each year. Studies have linked these chemicals to various nervous, behavioral, endocrine, immune, and reproductive system disorders.\r\n\r\n\"Many do not think about it, but maintaining our nation\'s largest crop, turf grass, requires an extraordinary amount of pesticides, fertilizers, and water,\" Anderson said. \"MGG is all about educating people on the costs and impacts that result from conventional lawn care, and providing individuals, businesses, and park/school districts with the solutions.\"\r\n\r\nLearn more about MGG at its webpage (<a href=\"bit.ly/MGGweb\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGweb</a>) and join the natural lawn care movement by taking the pledge (<a href=\"bit.ly/MGGpledge\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a>).','MWRD\'s Midwest Grows Green Resolution','','inherit','closed','open','','3217-revision-v1','','','2016-06-16 21:34:08','2016-06-16 21:34:08','',3217,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3217-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3225,2,'2016-06-16 21:35:47','2016-06-16 21:35:47','[caption id=\"attachment_3223\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Avila_resolution.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3223 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Avila_resolution-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"Avila_resolution\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" /></a> Ryan Anderson accepting the resolution from MWRD Commissioner Frank Avila[/caption]\r\n<h3>The MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s natural lawn care efforts by passing a resolution June 16th</h3>\r\nA raindrop falls on your lawn. It trickles through the green, entrenched mass, absorbing whichever chemical, fertilizer, and sediment in its way. Jammed full of matter, the droplet jumps into a storm drain and joins the crowd of 1.4 billion gallons of waste and storm water droplets produced by the Greater Chicago area each day.\r\n\r\nUsing seven wastewater treatment plants, the <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Home\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Water Reclamation District</a> (MWRD) of Greater Chicago sorts through the billions of water particles to extract solid waste, harmful chemicals, and other sediment. Getting every chemical is next to impossible.\r\n\r\n\"What MWRD does each day to protect our waters and public health is incredible,\" Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s (MPAC) Program and Communication Manager Ryan Anderson said. \"But keeping these waters completely safe for humans, pets, and wildlife is a tall, almost insurmountable task. Anything MPAC, businesses, and individuals can do to prevent the release of these harmful chemicals and pollutants at the point of introduction goes a long way in furthering MWRD\'s work.\"\r\n\r\nThe MWRD <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Board\" target=\"_blank\">Board of Commissioners</a> recognized MPAC\'s <a href=\"bit.ly/MGGweb\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) effort to reduce the introduction of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers into Greater Chicago area waterways by unanimously passing a resolution. Anderson accepted the resolution from MWRD Chairman of Finance and Commissioner <a href=\"http://apps.mwrd.org/commissioners/avila.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Frank Avila</a> at the Commissioner Board Meeting June 16th.\r\n\r\n\"MPAC has always been a leader in protecting public health, even assisting the MWRD with Integrated Pest Management and herbicide reduction policies,\" Commissioner Avila said. \"I am excited to see what they do next for natural lawn care and water quality improvement with their MGG initiative.\"\r\n\r\nThe American home and garden sector applies more than 90 million pounds of herbicide product to lawns and gardens each year. Studies have linked these chemicals to various nervous, behavioral, endocrine, immune, and reproductive system disorders.\r\n\r\n\"Many do not think about it, but maintaining our nation\'s largest crop, turf grass, requires an extraordinary amount of pesticides, fertilizers, and water,\" Anderson said. \"MGG is all about educating people on the costs and impacts that result from conventional lawn care, and providing individuals, businesses, and park/school districts with the solutions.\"\r\n\r\nLearn more about MGG at its webpage (<a href=\"bit.ly/MGGweb\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGweb</a>) and join the natural lawn care movement by taking the pledge (<a href=\"bit.ly/MGGpledge\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a>).','MWRD\'s Midwest Grows Green Resolution','','inherit','closed','open','','3217-revision-v1','','','2016-06-16 21:35:47','2016-06-16 21:35:47','',3217,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3217-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3226,2,'2016-06-17 18:02:29','2016-06-17 18:02:29','','16_0616_MPAC resolution','','inherit','closed','open','','16_0616_mpac-resolution','','','2016-06-17 18:02:29','2016-06-17 18:02:29','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/16_0616_MPAC-resolution.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(3227,2,'2017-07-27 18:21:21','2017-07-27 18:21:21','[caption id=\"attachment_3223\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Avila_resolution.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3223 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Avila_resolution-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"Avila_resolution\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" /></a> Ryan Anderson accepting the resolution from MWRD Commissioner Frank Avila[/caption]\r\n<h3>The MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s natural lawn care efforts by passing a resolution June 16th</h3>\r\nA raindrop falls on your lawn. It trickles through the green, entrenched mass, absorbing whichever chemical, fertilizer, and sediment in its way. Jammed full of matter, the droplet jumps into a storm drain and joins the crowd of 1.4 billion gallons of waste and storm water droplets produced by the Greater Chicago area each day.\r\n\r\nUsing seven wastewater treatment plants, the <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Metropolitan Water Reclamation District</a> (MWRD) of Greater Chicago sorts through the billions of water particles to extract solid waste, harmful chemicals, and other sediment. Getting every chemical is next to impossible.\r\n\r\n\"What MWRD does each day to protect our waters and public health is incredible,\" Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s (MPAC) Program and Communication Manager Ryan Anderson said. \"But keeping these waters completely safe for humans, pets, and wildlife is a tall, almost insurmountable task. Anything MPAC, businesses, and individuals can do to prevent the release of these harmful chemicals and pollutants at the point of introduction goes a long way in furthering MWRD\'s work.\"\r\n\r\nThe MWRD <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Board\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Board of Commissioners</a> recognized MPAC\'s <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) effort to reduce the introduction of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers into Greater Chicago area waterways by unanimously <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/16_0616_MPAC-resolution.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">passing a resolution</a>. Anderson accepted the resolution from MWRD Chairman of Finance and Commissioner <a href=\"http://apps.mwrd.org/commissioners/avila.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Frank Avila</a> at the Commissioner Board Meeting June 16th.\r\n\r\n\"MPAC has always been a leader in protecting public health, even assisting the MWRD with Integrated Pest Management and herbicide reduction policies,\" Commissioner Avila said. \"I am excited to see what they do next for natural lawn care and water quality improvement with their MGG initiative.\"\r\n\r\nThe American home and garden sector applies more than 90 million pounds of herbicide product to lawns and gardens each year. Studies have linked these chemicals to various nervous, behavioral, endocrine, immune, and reproductive system disorders.\r\n\r\n\"Many do not think about it, but maintaining our nation\'s largest crop, turf grass, requires an extraordinary amount of pesticides, fertilizers, and water,\" Anderson said. \"MGG is all about educating people on the costs and impacts that result from conventional lawn care, and providing individuals, businesses, and park/school districts with the solutions.\"\r\n\r\nLearn more about MGG at its webpage (<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bit.ly/MGGweb</a>) and join the natural lawn care movement by taking the pledge (<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a>). See the resolution <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/16_0616_MPAC-resolution.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here</a>.','MWRD\'s Midwest Grows Green Resolution','','inherit','closed','open','','3217-autosave-v1','','','2017-07-27 18:21:21','2017-07-27 18:21:21','',3217,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3217-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3228,2,'2016-06-17 18:04:08','2016-06-17 18:04:08','[caption id=\"attachment_3223\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Avila_resolution.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3223 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Avila_resolution-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"Avila_resolution\" width=\"300\" height=\"210\" /></a> Ryan Anderson accepting the resolution from MWRD Commissioner Frank Avila[/caption]\r\n<h3>The MWRD Board of Commissioners recognized MPAC\'s natural lawn care efforts by passing a resolution June 16th</h3>\r\nA raindrop falls on your lawn. It trickles through the green, entrenched mass, absorbing whichever chemical, fertilizer, and sediment in its way. Jammed full of matter, the droplet jumps into a storm drain and joins the crowd of 1.4 billion gallons of waste and storm water droplets produced by the Greater Chicago area each day.\r\n\r\nUsing seven wastewater treatment plants, the <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Home\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Water Reclamation District</a> (MWRD) of Greater Chicago sorts through the billions of water particles to extract solid waste, harmful chemicals, and other sediment. Getting every chemical is next to impossible.\r\n\r\n\"What MWRD does each day to protect our waters and public health is incredible,\" Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s (MPAC) Program and Communication Manager Ryan Anderson said. \"But keeping these waters completely safe for humans, pets, and wildlife is a tall, almost insurmountable task. Anything MPAC, businesses, and individuals can do to prevent the release of these harmful chemicals and pollutants at the point of introduction goes a long way in furthering MWRD\'s work.\"\r\n\r\nThe MWRD <a href=\"https://www.mwrd.org/irj/portal/anonymous/Board\" target=\"_blank\">Board of Commissioners</a> recognized MPAC\'s <a href=\"bit.ly/MGGweb\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) effort to reduce the introduction of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers into Greater Chicago area waterways by unanimously <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/16_0616_MPAC-resolution.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">passing a resolution</a>. Anderson accepted the resolution from MWRD Chairman of Finance and Commissioner <a href=\"http://apps.mwrd.org/commissioners/avila.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Frank Avila</a> at the Commissioner Board Meeting June 16th.\r\n\r\n\"MPAC has always been a leader in protecting public health, even assisting the MWRD with Integrated Pest Management and herbicide reduction policies,\" Commissioner Avila said. \"I am excited to see what they do next for natural lawn care and water quality improvement with their MGG initiative.\"\r\n\r\nThe American home and garden sector applies more than 90 million pounds of herbicide product to lawns and gardens each year. Studies have linked these chemicals to various nervous, behavioral, endocrine, immune, and reproductive system disorders.\r\n\r\n\"Many do not think about it, but maintaining our nation\'s largest crop, turf grass, requires an extraordinary amount of pesticides, fertilizers, and water,\" Anderson said. \"MGG is all about educating people on the costs and impacts that result from conventional lawn care, and providing individuals, businesses, and park/school districts with the solutions.\"\r\n\r\nLearn more about MGG at its webpage (<a href=\"bit.ly/MGGweb\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGweb</a>) and join the natural lawn care movement by taking the pledge (<a href=\"bit.ly/MGGpledge\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a>). See the resolution <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/16_0616_MPAC-resolution.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.','MWRD\'s Midwest Grows Green Resolution','','inherit','closed','open','','3217-revision-v1','','','2016-06-17 18:04:08','2016-06-17 18:04:08','',3217,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3217-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3229,2,'2016-07-06 15:38:19','2016-07-06 15:38:19','<h3>Dr. Doug Soldat, turfgrass researcher and extension specialist for the University of Wisconsin, discusses the ins and outs of organic fertilizers and their benefits.</h3>\r\nJuly is a great time to feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer. Not only will it improve the look of your lawn, it may, also, make it more environmentally friendly. As a turfgrass researcher and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin, I study anything and everything related to growing grass to meet aesthetic and functional goals while protecting the environment. My research, and that of many others, has shown that a dense lawn best reduces runoff losses of phosphorus that can pollute fresh water lakes and streams. Phosphorus adheres tightly to soil particles that can detach from a thin lawn as water from snow melts or rainstorms flow over the lawn. Thicker lawns form a barrier between the water and soil and, also, slow the flow of water allowing more to soak into the ground. Typically, one or two annual fertilizer applications achieve the density required to reduce phosphorus losses.\r\n\r\nOrganic fertilizers derive from animal and plant material; <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">common sources</a> include composted poultry or dairy manure, fish bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, biosolids, or corn gluten meal. As nutrient rich by-products that would otherwise need to be landfilled or incinerated, recycling organic fertilizers into your lawn makes a lot of sense. Organic fertilizers often contain a high percentage of slow release nitrogen, which stimulates and utilizes soil microbes that slowly turn the fertilizer into plant available forms of nitrogen--i.e. ammonium and nitrate--at a pace that matches the plants ability to absorb it. This means that very little of the fertilizer will likely leach into the groundwater.\r\n\r\nWhile slow release synthetic fertilizers exist, the less expensive synthetic fertilizers tend to contain mainly soluble forms of nitrogen. One benefit of a fertilizer with high soluble nitrogen content is that you get rapid plant response at colder temperatures (i.e. spring) as seen in the graph below where we compared the leading organic fertilizer to the leading brand of synthetic fertilizer. On the graph, the higher the color index, the greener the lawn. Early in the spring the synthetic fertilizer treated lawn is greener than the lawn treated with the organic fertilizer. However, by mid-summer and for the rest of the season very few differences between the two fertilizers persist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3255 size-large\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic-1024x695.png\" alt=\"synthetic vs organic\" width=\"640\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe’ve studied dozens of different organic lawn fertilizers at the University of Wisconsin and found a wide range in characteristics and responses. Some organic fertilizers contain no soluble nitrogen at all. Others, particularly poultry manure based fertilizers can contain up to 40% soluble nitrogen. We’ve noticed that you can expect a more rapid greening response as the percentage of soluble nitrogen increases. While far too many organic fertilizers exist to list or rank, I suggest finding a few locally (or regionally) produced fertilizers and then choose one from that group that contains some soluble nitrogen. This will give your lawn a quick boost along with a sustained response from the slow release component. Using a local product means a shorter transportation distance and a lower carbon footprint.\r\n<h4>What about phosphorus?</h4>\r\nPhosphorus is a <a href=\"http://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html\" target=\"_blank\">major pollutant of freshwater bodies</a>. Many Midwestern states have passed laws restricting or banning the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. If a <a href=\"https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/\" target=\"_blank\">soil test</a> shows adequate phosphorous levels, then using a phosphorus containing fertilizer is unnecessary and potentially harmful to water quality. Some states exempt organic fertilizers from the phosphorus rules, but not because they are particularly less harmful than their synthetic cousins. Phosphorus-free organic sources include blood meal, feather meal, and corn gluten meal, among others. Regardless of phosphorus content, make sure to sweep up any fertilizer thrown or spilled on the street, sidewalk, or driveway. Fertilizer left on these surfaces quickly makes its way into a body of water.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, an organic fertilizer can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. They contain nutrients that the lawn needs, and release those nutrients slowly at a pace that the lawn can absorb – especially in mid-summer. Keeping your lawn dense will not only look good and provide a nice space to enjoy but will, also, keep the soil in place and the weeds out. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, consider going organic this summer to do the job!','Understanding Organic Fertilizers','','publish','closed','open','','understanding-organic-fertilizers','','','2016-07-06 16:09:08','2016-07-06 16:09:08','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=3229',0,'post','',2),(3230,2,'2016-06-21 21:06:45','2016-06-21 21:06:45','','Organic Fertilizers','','inherit','closed','open','','3229-revision-v1','','','2016-06-21 21:06:45','2016-06-21 21:06:45','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3229-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3232,2,'2016-06-27 17:38:52','2016-06-27 17:38:52','','BiteBack_Summer16 vol. 17','','inherit','closed','open','','biteback_summer16-vol-17','','','2016-06-27 17:38:52','2016-06-27 17:38:52','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BiteBack_Summer16-vol.-17.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(3234,2,'2016-06-27 17:48:46','2016-06-27 17:48:46','<h2>Resources</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of toolkits, guides, and factsheets to help you reduce your exposure to pesticides. Our information empowers renters, homeowners, managers, parents, and decision-makers to make smart decisions that lead to healthier communities.\r\n\r\nContinue reading<a name=\"Features\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Features\">Feature Publications</a>, <a href=\"#Home\">In Your Home</a>, <a href=\"#Community\">In Your Community</a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>Feature Publications</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit: </strong>The basics of natural lawn care, health benefits of switching to natural lawn care, and practical tools and example documents to use during a campaign.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activists Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit:</strong> Information about pesticide reduction as a sustainable cost effective choice for municipal operations.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green: A Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden: </strong>Reduce your contribution to climate change, help your lawn and garden adapt to a changing environment, and produce beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Guide</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Human Health and Pesticides: Glyphosate and 2,4-D:</strong> This white paper discusses the common active ingredients in lawn pesticides of Glyphosate and 2,4-D and their human health impacts.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/MPAC_WhitePaper-final-12.11.15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Human Health and Pesticides White Paper</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Schools/Childcares:</strong> The materials your school needs to put an IPM program in place, including sample policies, forms and protocol.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: </strong>View our bed bug policy, which demonstrates the necessity of taking action on this issue.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/WIH_MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs-2015.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan</a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<a name=\"Home\"></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe following publications are also available for download. Some publications offer downloads in multiple languages. <span class=\"orange\">Click or tap a title to start download.</span>\r\n<h3>In Your Home</h3>\r\n<h4>Indoors</h4>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance Essentials\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Arabic1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Arabic</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Burmese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Burmese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Tenants Rights and Responsibilities English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Spanish1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Tenants-Checklist-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-How-Do-I-Know-Im-Receiving-IPM-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">How Do I Know I\'m Receiving IPM Factsheet</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/WI_MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">10 Steps to Pest Control English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WI_MPAC-Pest-Control-Companies-That-Provide-IPM.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pest Control Companies That Provide IPM</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Ants.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Ants</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Cockroaches.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Cockroaches</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mice-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mice</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a>\r\n<h4>Outdoors</h4>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Products for Your Natural Lawn</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Read-Your-Weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Read Your Weeds</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mosquito-Misters-What-You-Need-to-Know.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquito Misters: What You Need to Know</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquitos and West Nile Virus</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MPAC-Pets-and-Pesticides-TU.pdf\" target=\"blank\">Pets and Pesticides</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Asthma-Pests-and-Pesticides.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Asthma, Pests, and Pesticides</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Truth-About-Head-Lice.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Truth About Head Lice</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Reasonable-Accomodations-for-Renters.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-all-vols-2015.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter All Volumes</a><a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/BiteBack_Spring14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BiteBack_vol14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.14</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 15\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-Vol.-15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.15</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 16\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletter-Vol.16.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.16</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 16\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BiteBack_Summer16-vol.-17.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.17</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Bed Bug Poster English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Landlords English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/WIH_MPAC-How-to-Hire-a-PCO-For-BB.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">How to Hire a Pest Control Operator For Bed Bugs</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a class=\"download\" style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MPAC-Natural-Lawn-Care-for-Homeowners.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care for Homeowners</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bee-Friendly-Garden.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">A Bee-Friendly Garden is a Pesticide-Free Garden</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Brochure</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Talking-to-Your-Neighbors-About-Pesticides1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Talking to Your Neighbors About Pesticides</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-order-form-color.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign Order Form</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/WOY_MPAC-Midwest-Natural-Lawn-Care-Companies3.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Natural Lawn Care Companies</a> <a name=\"Community\"></a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>In Your Community</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activist\'s Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a><strong>\r\n</strong><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Healthy Parks Campaign</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Parents\' Right to Know Notification Guidelines English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Reducing-Pesticides-in-Schools-a-Parents-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reducing Pesticides in Schools: A Parent\'s Guide</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs in Schools and Childcares\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Disposal-The-Right-Way.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Disposal the Right Way</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]','Resources','','inherit','closed','open','','119-revision-v1','','','2016-06-27 17:48:46','2016-06-27 17:48:46','',119,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/119-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3235,2,'2016-06-28 18:15:36','2016-06-28 18:15:36','Neonics, habitat loss, and climate change all contribute to the global decline of bee populations. While many place the blame on agriculture for the proliferation of these factors, our own lawns and gardens can, also, serve as dangerous spaces for bees and other pollinator species. On Thursday June 23rd, MPAC\'s Program and Communications Manager Ryan Anderson discussed bee friendly lawn and garden strategies with representatives from <a href=\"http://www.environmentillinois.org/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Environment Illinois</a> and the Glencoe community. Learn more about his talk through this <a href=\"http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glencoe/news/ct-gln-bees-tl-0630-20160627-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chicago Tribune article</a> and check out our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BeeFriendlyGardenUpdated.pdf\">bee friendly guide</a>.','Environmental Groups tout the importance of bees','','publish','closed','open','','environmental-groups-tout-the-importance-of-bees','','','2017-07-27 18:15:36','2017-07-27 18:15:36','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=3235',0,'post','',0),(3236,2,'2016-06-28 18:09:04','2016-06-28 18:09:04','','bee bash','','inherit','closed','open','','bee-bash','','','2016-06-28 18:09:04','2016-06-28 18:09:04','',3235,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/bee-bash.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3237,2,'2016-06-28 18:15:36','2016-06-28 18:15:36','Neonics, habitat loss, and climate change all contribute to the global decline of bee populations. While many place the blame on agriculture for the proliferation of these factors, our own lawns and gardens can, also, serve as dangerous spaces for bees and other pollinator species. On Thursday June 23rd, MPAC\'s Program and Communications Manager Ryan Anderson discussed bee friendly lawn and garden strategies with representatives from <a href=\"http://www.environmentillinois.org/home\" target=\"_blank\">Environment Illinois</a> and the Glencoe community. Learn more about his talk through this <a href=\"http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glencoe/news/ct-gln-bees-tl-0630-20160627-story.html\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Tribune article</a> and check out our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bee-Friendly-Garden.pdf\">bee friendly guide</a>.','Environmental Groups tout the importance of bees','','inherit','closed','open','','3235-revision-v1','','','2016-06-28 18:15:36','2016-06-28 18:15:36','',3235,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3235-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3238,2,'2016-06-29 14:43:40','2016-06-29 14:43:40','<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mosquitoes-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Mosquitoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Zika Virus dominates the news cycles these days, but how does this mosquito-borne illness impact us in the Midwest? MPAC\'s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee informs you for Mosquito Control Awareness Week.</h3>\r\nAs we move into the dog days of summer, all of us have a lot of outdoor celebrating and vacationing to look forward to-the 4th of July and camping, anyone?  Unfortunately, we face some uninvited guests such as ants or flies.  While most of these pests only annoy and pose few health risks to the average, healthy individual, mosquitoes are a different story.  They ignore the food at our favorite picnic spots, and, instead, seek our blood causing painful bites, itching, and sometimes more. As a vector organism, mosquitoes can move disease causing agents such as viruses from one animal to another causing infection and illness. This year we added Zika virus to our list of mosquito-borne illnesses.\r\n\r\nTransmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Aedes</i><i>albopictus </i>mosquito and widely attributed to the jump in cases of microcephaly in infants, Zika caused many around the world to rethink travel plans, forgo attendance to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, and even fear pregnancy. Since the dawn of the crisis, epidemiologists, public health officials, and other scientists turned their attention to identifying the conditions causing the devastating spike in microcephaly seen in several countries including Brazil.  Despite hearing some frightening facts about this virus, we, also, learned that many options exist to protect ourselves from the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.\r\n\r\n<i>Ae. aegypti </i>and<i> Ae. albopictus </i>mosquitoes, the only mosquito species known to carry Zika, thrive in warm and moist climates, year round. While current <a href=\"https://entomologytoday.org/2016/06/09/scientists-track-mosquitoes-that-transmit-zika-and-dengue-by-county/\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data</a> shows these <i>Aedes </i>species making inroads across the U.S., Midwesterners can take heart in knowing that our long cold winters provide no favors to these mosquitoes.  To date in the U.S., no confirmed cases of microcephaly or persons infected with the Zika virus have been locally acquired. All reported U.S. Zika infections and related microcephaly births were contracted by residents or visitors that traveled abroad.* I stress these facts to stave off the panic that inevitably comes with initial news of a potentially dangerous disease. Regardless, I fear people will respond to this perceived threat by spraying more insecticides causing unintended consequences for human health and the environment.\r\n\r\nA network of Mosquito Abatement Districts, municipal mosquito abatement programs, park districts, and forest preserves already serve, if not over serve, the region in mosquito abatement activities.  Although we may disagree with some of their methods and decisions to use mosquito fogging, a host of professionals regularly monitor mosquito populations and the transmission pathways for the Zika virus to humans. Reports will spread like wildfire at any detection of an <i>Ae. aegypti</i> or <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mosquito carrying the Zika virus. Until then, the current control systems are up and running.\r\n\r\nYou can still take action to protect yourself, loved ones, and your community from mosquitoes. Don’t travel where the Zika virus is prevalent. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your property - if it holds water it can breed mosquitoes.  Wear long sleeves and pants during times of mosquito activity - typically early morning and evening. Apply mosquito repellent - the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group</a> lists the most effective and least toxic types.  Also, keep your bushes trimmed back as mosquitoes love to hide on the underside of leaves.  Combined with the work of professionals, these efforts can have large impacts on mosquito populations without adversely affecting the environment or human health.\r\n\r\nFind more information about proper mosquito control methods at the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization</a>.  Both recommend a comprehensive mosquito control program and indicate that fogging insecticides provides the least effective and most expensive control.  The <a href=\"http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Effective_Mosquito_Management_Guide-web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Xerces Society</a> has comprehensive information on creating a mosquito management plan for communities that’s also pollinator friendly.  And, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> provides some basic control tips you can take yourself.\r\n\r\n*This blog post was originally published on June 29, 2016. Since that date Zika-infected mosquitoes have been found in the US, but not yet in the Midwestern region.','Zika and Panic: Beware the Scare','','publish','closed','open','','zika-and-panic-beware-the-scare','','','2016-09-28 19:37:57','2016-09-28 19:37:57','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=3238',0,'post','',1),(3239,2,'2016-06-29 14:22:59','2016-06-29 14:22:59','As we move into the dog days of summer, all of us have a lot of outdoor celebrating and vacationing to look forward to-the 4th of July and camping, anyone?  Unfortunately, we face some uninvited guests such as ants or flies.  While most of these pests only annoy and pose few health risks to the average, healthy individual, mosquitoes are a different story.  They ignore the food at our favorite picnic spots, and, instead, seek our blood causing painful bites, itching, and sometimes more. As a vector organism, mosquitoes can move disease causing agents such as viruses from one animal to another causing infection and illness. This year we added Zika virus to our list of mosquito-borne illnesses.\r\n\r\nTransmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Aedes</i><i>albopictus </i>mosquito and widely attributed to the jump in cases of microcephaly in infants, Zika caused many around the world to rethink travel plans, forgo attendance to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, and even fear pregnancy. Since the dawn of the crisis, epidemiologists, public health officials, and other scientists turned their attention to identifying the conditions causing the devastating spike in microcephaly seen in several countries including Brazil.  Despite hearing some frightening facts about this virus, we, also, learned that many options exist to protect ourselves from the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.\r\n\r\n<i>Ae. aegypti </i>and<i> Ae. albopictus </i>mosquitoes, the only mosquito species known to carry Zika, thrive in warm and moist climates, year round. <a href=\"https://entomologytoday.org/2016/06/09/scientists-track-mosquitoes-that-transmit-zika-and-dengue-by-county/\">While current Centers for Disease Control</a> (CDC) data shows these <i>Aedes </i>species making inroads across the U.S., Midwesterners can take heart in knowing that our long cold winters provide no favors to these mosquitoes.  In most of the Midwest not a single <i>Ae. aegypti </i>or<i> albopictus</i> mosquito has been found except for four counties in Michigan and Ohio testing positive for the mosquito out of a total of 171 counties . To date in the U.S., no confirmed cases of microcephaly or persons infected with the Zika virus have been locally acquired. All reported U.S. microcephaly births were contracted by residents or visitors that traveled abroad. I stress these facts to stave off the panic that inevitably comes with initial news of a potentially dangerous disease. Regardless, I fear people will respond to this perceived threat by spraying more insecticides causing unintended consequences for human health and the environment.\r\n\r\nA network of Mosquito Abatement Districts, municipal mosquito abatement programs, park districts, and forest preserves already serve, if not over serve, the region in mosquito abatement activities.  Although we may disagree with some of their methods and decisions to use mosquito fogging, a host of professionals regularly monitor mosquito populations and the transmission pathways for the Zika virus to humans. Reports will spread like wildfire at any detection of an <i>Ae. aegypti</i> or <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mosquito carrying the Zika virus. Until then, the current control systems are up and running.\r\n\r\nYou can still take action to protect yourself, loved ones, and your community from mosquitoes. Don’t travel where the Zika virus is prevalent. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your property - if it holds water it can breed mosquitoes.  Wear long sleeves and pants during times of mosquito activity - typically early morning and evening. Apply mosquito repellent - the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents\">Environmental Working Group</a> lists the most effective and least toxic types.  Also, keep your bushes trimmed back as mosquitoes love to hide on the underside of leaves.  Combined with the work of professionals, these efforts can have big impacts on mosquito populations without adverse impact on the environment or human health.\r\n\r\nFind more information about proper mosquito control methods at the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/\">World Health Organization</a>.  Both recommend a comprehensive mosquito control program and indicate that fogging insecticides provides the least effective and most expensive control.  The <a href=\"http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Effective_Mosquito_Management_Guide-web.pdf\">Xerces Society</a> has comprehensive information on creating a mosquito management plan for communities that’s also pollinator friendly.  And, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> provides some basic control tips you can take yourself.','Zika and Panic: Beware the Scare','','inherit','closed','open','','3238-revision-v1','','','2016-06-29 14:22:59','2016-06-29 14:22:59','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3238-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3240,2,'2016-06-29 14:24:24','2016-06-29 14:24:24','As we move into the dog days of summer, all of us have a lot of outdoor celebrating and vacationing to look forward to-the 4th of July and camping, anyone?  Unfortunately, we face some uninvited guests such as ants or flies.  While most of these pests only annoy and pose few health risks to the average, healthy individual, mosquitoes are a different story.  They ignore the food at our favorite picnic spots, and, instead, seek our blood causing painful bites, itching, and sometimes more. As a vector organism, mosquitoes can move disease causing agents such as viruses from one animal to another causing infection and illness. This year we added Zika virus to our list of mosquito-borne illnesses.\r\n\r\nTransmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Aedes</i><i>albopictus </i>mosquito and widely attributed to the jump in cases of microcephaly in infants, Zika caused many around the world to rethink travel plans, forgo attendance to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, and even fear pregnancy. Since the dawn of the crisis, epidemiologists, public health officials, and other scientists turned their attention to identifying the conditions causing the devastating spike in microcephaly seen in several countries including Brazil.  Despite hearing some frightening facts about this virus, we, also, learned that many options exist to protect ourselves from the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.\r\n\r\n<i>Ae. aegypti </i>and<i> Ae. albopictus </i>mosquitoes, the only mosquito species known to carry Zika, thrive in warm and moist climates, year round. While current <a href=\"https://entomologytoday.org/2016/06/09/scientists-track-mosquitoes-that-transmit-zika-and-dengue-by-county/\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data</a> shows these <i>Aedes </i>species making inroads across the U.S., Midwesterners can take heart in knowing that our long cold winters provide no favors to these mosquitoes.  In most of the Midwest not a single <i>Ae. aegypti </i>or<i> albopictus</i> mosquito has been found except for four counties in Michigan and Ohio testing positive for the mosquito out of a total of 171 counties . To date in the U.S., no confirmed cases of microcephaly or persons infected with the Zika virus have been locally acquired. All reported U.S. microcephaly births were contracted by residents or visitors that traveled abroad. I stress these facts to stave off the panic that inevitably comes with initial news of a potentially dangerous disease. Regardless, I fear people will respond to this perceived threat by spraying more insecticides causing unintended consequences for human health and the environment.\r\n\r\nA network of Mosquito Abatement Districts, municipal mosquito abatement programs, park districts, and forest preserves already serve, if not over serve, the region in mosquito abatement activities.  Although we may disagree with some of their methods and decisions to use mosquito fogging, a host of professionals regularly monitor mosquito populations and the transmission pathways for the Zika virus to humans. Reports will spread like wildfire at any detection of an <i>Ae. aegypti</i> or <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mosquito carrying the Zika virus. Until then, the current control systems are up and running.\r\n\r\nYou can still take action to protect yourself, loved ones, and your community from mosquitoes. Don’t travel where the Zika virus is prevalent. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your property - if it holds water it can breed mosquitoes.  Wear long sleeves and pants during times of mosquito activity - typically early morning and evening. Apply mosquito repellent - the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents\">Environmental Working Group</a> lists the most effective and least toxic types.  Also, keep your bushes trimmed back as mosquitoes love to hide on the underside of leaves.  Combined with the work of professionals, these efforts can have big impacts on mosquito populations without adverse impact on the environment or human health.\r\n\r\nFind more information about proper mosquito control methods at the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/\">World Health Organization</a>.  Both recommend a comprehensive mosquito control program and indicate that fogging insecticides provides the least effective and most expensive control.  The <a href=\"http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Effective_Mosquito_Management_Guide-web.pdf\">Xerces Society</a> has comprehensive information on creating a mosquito management plan for communities that’s also pollinator friendly.  And, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> provides some basic control tips you can take yourself.','Zika and Panic: Beware the Scare','','inherit','closed','open','','3238-revision-v1','','','2016-06-29 14:24:24','2016-06-29 14:24:24','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3238-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3241,2,'2016-06-29 14:25:38','2016-06-29 14:25:38','As we move into the dog days of summer, all of us have a lot of outdoor celebrating and vacationing to look forward to-the 4th of July and camping, anyone?  Unfortunately, we face some uninvited guests such as ants or flies.  While most of these pests only annoy and pose few health risks to the average, healthy individual, mosquitoes are a different story.  They ignore the food at our favorite picnic spots, and, instead, seek our blood causing painful bites, itching, and sometimes more. As a vector organism, mosquitoes can move disease causing agents such as viruses from one animal to another causing infection and illness. This year we added Zika virus to our list of mosquito-borne illnesses.\r\n\r\nTransmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Aedes</i><i>albopictus </i>mosquito and widely attributed to the jump in cases of microcephaly in infants, Zika caused many around the world to rethink travel plans, forgo attendance to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, and even fear pregnancy. Since the dawn of the crisis, epidemiologists, public health officials, and other scientists turned their attention to identifying the conditions causing the devastating spike in microcephaly seen in several countries including Brazil.  Despite hearing some frightening facts about this virus, we, also, learned that many options exist to protect ourselves from the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.\r\n\r\n<i>Ae. aegypti </i>and<i> Ae. albopictus </i>mosquitoes, the only mosquito species known to carry Zika, thrive in warm and moist climates, year round. While current <a href=\"https://entomologytoday.org/2016/06/09/scientists-track-mosquitoes-that-transmit-zika-and-dengue-by-county/\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data</a> shows these <i>Aedes </i>species making inroads across the U.S., Midwesterners can take heart in knowing that our long cold winters provide no favors to these mosquitoes.  In most of the Midwest not a single <i>Ae. aegypti </i>or<i> albopictus</i> mosquito has been found except for four counties in Michigan and Ohio testing positive for the mosquito out of a total of 171 counties . To date in the U.S., no confirmed cases of microcephaly or persons infected with the Zika virus have been locally acquired. All reported U.S. microcephaly births were contracted by residents or visitors that traveled abroad. I stress these facts to stave off the panic that inevitably comes with initial news of a potentially dangerous disease. Regardless, I fear people will respond to this perceived threat by spraying more insecticides causing unintended consequences for human health and the environment.\r\n\r\nA network of Mosquito Abatement Districts, municipal mosquito abatement programs, park districts, and forest preserves already serve, if not over serve, the region in mosquito abatement activities.  Although we may disagree with some of their methods and decisions to use mosquito fogging, a host of professionals regularly monitor mosquito populations and the transmission pathways for the Zika virus to humans. Reports will spread like wildfire at any detection of an <i>Ae. aegypti</i> or <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mosquito carrying the Zika virus. Until then, the current control systems are up and running.\r\n\r\nYou can still take action to protect yourself, loved ones, and your community from mosquitoes. Don’t travel where the Zika virus is prevalent. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your property - if it holds water it can breed mosquitoes.  Wear long sleeves and pants during times of mosquito activity - typically early morning and evening. Apply mosquito repellent - the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group</a> lists the most effective and least toxic types.  Also, keep your bushes trimmed back as mosquitoes love to hide on the underside of leaves.  Combined with the work of professionals, these efforts can have big impacts on mosquito populations without adverse impact on the environment or human health.\r\n\r\nFind more information about proper mosquito control methods at the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization</a>.  Both recommend a comprehensive mosquito control program and indicate that fogging insecticides provides the least effective and most expensive control.  The <a href=\"http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Effective_Mosquito_Management_Guide-web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Xerces Society</a> has comprehensive information on creating a mosquito management plan for communities that’s also pollinator friendly.  And, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> provides some basic control tips you can take yourself.','Zika and Panic: Beware the Scare','','inherit','closed','open','','3238-revision-v1','','','2016-06-29 14:25:38','2016-06-29 14:25:38','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3238-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3242,2,'2016-06-29 14:31:09','2016-06-29 14:31:09','<h3>Zika Virus dominates the news cycles these days, but how does this mosquito-borne illness effect our lives in the Midwest? MPAC\'s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee fill you in on Mosquito Control Awareness Week.</h3>\r\nAs we move into the dog days of summer, all of us have a lot of outdoor celebrating and vacationing to look forward to-the 4th of July and camping, anyone?  Unfortunately, we face some uninvited guests such as ants or flies.  While most of these pests only annoy and pose few health risks to the average, healthy individual, mosquitoes are a different story.  They ignore the food at our favorite picnic spots, and, instead, seek our blood causing painful bites, itching, and sometimes more. As a vector organism, mosquitoes can move disease causing agents such as viruses from one animal to another causing infection and illness. This year we added Zika virus to our list of mosquito-borne illnesses.\r\n\r\nTransmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Aedes</i><i>albopictus </i>mosquito and widely attributed to the jump in cases of microcephaly in infants, Zika caused many around the world to rethink travel plans, forgo attendance to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, and even fear pregnancy. Since the dawn of the crisis, epidemiologists, public health officials, and other scientists turned their attention to identifying the conditions causing the devastating spike in microcephaly seen in several countries including Brazil.  Despite hearing some frightening facts about this virus, we, also, learned that many options exist to protect ourselves from the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.\r\n\r\n<i>Ae. aegypti </i>and<i> Ae. albopictus </i>mosquitoes, the only mosquito species known to carry Zika, thrive in warm and moist climates, year round. While current <a href=\"https://entomologytoday.org/2016/06/09/scientists-track-mosquitoes-that-transmit-zika-and-dengue-by-county/\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data</a> shows these <i>Aedes </i>species making inroads across the U.S., Midwesterners can take heart in knowing that our long cold winters provide no favors to these mosquitoes.  In most of the Midwest not a single <i>Ae. aegypti </i>or<i> albopictus</i> mosquito has been found except for four counties in Michigan and Ohio testing positive for the mosquito out of a total of 171 counties . To date in the U.S., no confirmed cases of microcephaly or persons infected with the Zika virus have been locally acquired. All reported U.S. microcephaly births were contracted by residents or visitors that traveled abroad. I stress these facts to stave off the panic that inevitably comes with initial news of a potentially dangerous disease. Regardless, I fear people will respond to this perceived threat by spraying more insecticides causing unintended consequences for human health and the environment.\r\n\r\nA network of Mosquito Abatement Districts, municipal mosquito abatement programs, park districts, and forest preserves already serve, if not over serve, the region in mosquito abatement activities.  Although we may disagree with some of their methods and decisions to use mosquito fogging, a host of professionals regularly monitor mosquito populations and the transmission pathways for the Zika virus to humans. Reports will spread like wildfire at any detection of an <i>Ae. aegypti</i> or <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mosquito carrying the Zika virus. Until then, the current control systems are up and running.\r\n\r\nYou can still take action to protect yourself, loved ones, and your community from mosquitoes. Don’t travel where the Zika virus is prevalent. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your property - if it holds water it can breed mosquitoes.  Wear long sleeves and pants during times of mosquito activity - typically early morning and evening. Apply mosquito repellent - the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group</a> lists the most effective and least toxic types.  Also, keep your bushes trimmed back as mosquitoes love to hide on the underside of leaves.  Combined with the work of professionals, these efforts can have big impacts on mosquito populations without adverse impact on the environment or human health.\r\n\r\nFind more information about proper mosquito control methods at the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization</a>.  Both recommend a comprehensive mosquito control program and indicate that fogging insecticides provides the least effective and most expensive control.  The <a href=\"http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Effective_Mosquito_Management_Guide-web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Xerces Society</a> has comprehensive information on creating a mosquito management plan for communities that’s also pollinator friendly.  And, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> provides some basic control tips you can take yourself.','Zika and Panic: Beware the Scare','','inherit','closed','open','','3238-revision-v1','','','2016-06-29 14:31:09','2016-06-29 14:31:09','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3238-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3243,2,'2016-06-29 14:35:58','2016-06-29 14:35:58','','Mosquito Control Awareness Week','','inherit','closed','open','','mosquito-control-awareness-week','','','2016-06-29 14:35:58','2016-06-29 14:35:58','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mosquito-Control-Awareness-Week.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3244,2,'2016-06-29 14:36:06','2016-06-29 14:36:06','','Mosquitoes','','inherit','closed','open','','mosquitoes','','','2016-06-29 14:36:06','2016-06-29 14:36:06','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mosquitoes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3245,2,'2016-06-29 14:36:32','2016-06-29 14:36:32','<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mosquitoes-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Mosquitoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Zika Virus dominates the news cycles these days, but how does this mosquito-borne illness impact us\r\nin the Midwest? MPAC\'s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee informs you for Mosquito Control Awareness Week.</h3>\r\nAs we move into the dog days of summer, all of us have a lot of outdoor celebrating and vacationing to look forward to-the 4th of July and camping, anyone?  Unfortunately, we face some uninvited guests such as ants or flies.  While most of these pests only annoy and pose few health risks to the average, healthy individual, mosquitoes are a different story.  They ignore the food at our favorite picnic spots, and, instead, seek our blood causing painful bites, itching, and sometimes more. As a vector organism, mosquitoes can move disease causing agents such as viruses from one animal to another causing infection and illness. This year we added Zika virus to our list of mosquito-borne illnesses.\r\n\r\nTransmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Aedes</i><i>albopictus </i>mosquito and widely attributed to the jump in cases of microcephaly in infants, Zika caused many around the world to rethink travel plans, forgo attendance to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, and even fear pregnancy. Since the dawn of the crisis, epidemiologists, public health officials, and other scientists turned their attention to identifying the conditions causing the devastating spike in microcephaly seen in several countries including Brazil.  Despite hearing some frightening facts about this virus, we, also, learned that many options exist to protect ourselves from the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.\r\n\r\n<i>Ae. aegypti </i>and<i> Ae. albopictus </i>mosquitoes, the only mosquito species known to carry Zika, thrive in warm and moist climates, year round. While current <a href=\"https://entomologytoday.org/2016/06/09/scientists-track-mosquitoes-that-transmit-zika-and-dengue-by-county/\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data</a> shows these <i>Aedes </i>species making inroads across the U.S., Midwesterners can take heart in knowing that our long cold winters provide no favors to these mosquitoes.  In most of the Midwest not a single <i>Ae. aegypti </i>or<i> albopictus</i> mosquito has been found except for four counties in Michigan and Ohio testing positive for the mosquito out of a total of 171 counties . To date in the U.S., no confirmed cases of microcephaly or persons infected with the Zika virus have been locally acquired. All reported U.S. microcephaly births were contracted by residents or visitors that traveled abroad. I stress these facts to stave off the panic that inevitably comes with initial news of a potentially dangerous disease. Regardless, I fear people will respond to this perceived threat by spraying more insecticides causing unintended consequences for human health and the environment.\r\n\r\nA network of Mosquito Abatement Districts, municipal mosquito abatement programs, park districts, and forest preserves already serve, if not over serve, the region in mosquito abatement activities.  Although we may disagree with some of their methods and decisions to use mosquito fogging, a host of professionals regularly monitor mosquito populations and the transmission pathways for the Zika virus to humans. Reports will spread like wildfire at any detection of an <i>Ae. aegypti</i> or <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mosquito carrying the Zika virus. Until then, the current control systems are up and running.\r\n\r\nYou can still take action to protect yourself, loved ones, and your community from mosquitoes. Don’t travel where the Zika virus is prevalent. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your property - if it holds water it can breed mosquitoes.  Wear long sleeves and pants during times of mosquito activity - typically early morning and evening. Apply mosquito repellent - the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group</a> lists the most effective and least toxic types.  Also, keep your bushes trimmed back as mosquitoes love to hide on the underside of leaves.  Combined with the work of professionals, these efforts can have big impacts on mosquito populations without adverse impact on the environment or human health.\r\n\r\nFind more information about proper mosquito control methods at the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization</a>.  Both recommend a comprehensive mosquito control program and indicate that fogging insecticides provides the least effective and most expensive control.  The <a href=\"http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Effective_Mosquito_Management_Guide-web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Xerces Society</a> has comprehensive information on creating a mosquito management plan for communities that’s also pollinator friendly.  And, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> provides some basic control tips you can take yourself.','Zika and Panic: Beware the Scare','','inherit','closed','open','','3238-revision-v1','','','2016-06-29 14:36:32','2016-06-29 14:36:32','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3238-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3246,2,'2016-06-29 14:38:34','2016-06-29 14:38:34','<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mosquitoes-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Mosquitoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Zika Virus dominates the news cycles these days, but how does this mosquito-borne illness impact us in the Midwest? MPAC\'s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee informs you for Mosquito Control Awareness Week.</h3>\r\nAs we move into the dog days of summer, all of us have a lot of outdoor celebrating and vacationing to look forward to-the 4th of July and camping, anyone?  Unfortunately, we face some uninvited guests such as ants or flies.  While most of these pests only annoy and pose few health risks to the average, healthy individual, mosquitoes are a different story.  They ignore the food at our favorite picnic spots, and, instead, seek our blood causing painful bites, itching, and sometimes more. As a vector organism, mosquitoes can move disease causing agents such as viruses from one animal to another causing infection and illness. This year we added Zika virus to our list of mosquito-borne illnesses.\r\n\r\nTransmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Aedes</i><i>albopictus </i>mosquito and widely attributed to the jump in cases of microcephaly in infants, Zika caused many around the world to rethink travel plans, forgo attendance to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, and even fear pregnancy. Since the dawn of the crisis, epidemiologists, public health officials, and other scientists turned their attention to identifying the conditions causing the devastating spike in microcephaly seen in several countries including Brazil.  Despite hearing some frightening facts about this virus, we, also, learned that many options exist to protect ourselves from the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.\r\n\r\n<i>Ae. aegypti </i>and<i> Ae. albopictus </i>mosquitoes, the only mosquito species known to carry Zika, thrive in warm and moist climates, year round. While current <a href=\"https://entomologytoday.org/2016/06/09/scientists-track-mosquitoes-that-transmit-zika-and-dengue-by-county/\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data</a> shows these <i>Aedes </i>species making inroads across the U.S., Midwesterners can take heart in knowing that our long cold winters provide no favors to these mosquitoes.  In most of the Midwest not a single <i>Ae. aegypti </i>or<i> albopictus</i> mosquito has been found except for four counties in Michigan and Ohio testing positive for the mosquito out of a total of 171 counties . To date in the U.S., no confirmed cases of microcephaly or persons infected with the Zika virus have been locally acquired. All reported U.S. microcephaly births were contracted by residents or visitors that traveled abroad. I stress these facts to stave off the panic that inevitably comes with initial news of a potentially dangerous disease. Regardless, I fear people will respond to this perceived threat by spraying more insecticides causing unintended consequences for human health and the environment.\r\n\r\nA network of Mosquito Abatement Districts, municipal mosquito abatement programs, park districts, and forest preserves already serve, if not over serve, the region in mosquito abatement activities.  Although we may disagree with some of their methods and decisions to use mosquito fogging, a host of professionals regularly monitor mosquito populations and the transmission pathways for the Zika virus to humans. Reports will spread like wildfire at any detection of an <i>Ae. aegypti</i> or <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mosquito carrying the Zika virus. Until then, the current control systems are up and running.\r\n\r\nYou can still take action to protect yourself, loved ones, and your community from mosquitoes. Don’t travel where the Zika virus is prevalent. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your property - if it holds water it can breed mosquitoes.  Wear long sleeves and pants during times of mosquito activity - typically early morning and evening. Apply mosquito repellent - the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group</a> lists the most effective and least toxic types.  Also, keep your bushes trimmed back as mosquitoes love to hide on the underside of leaves.  Combined with the work of professionals, these efforts can have big impacts on mosquito populations without adverse impact on the environment or human health.\r\n\r\nFind more information about proper mosquito control methods at the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization</a>.  Both recommend a comprehensive mosquito control program and indicate that fogging insecticides provides the least effective and most expensive control.  The <a href=\"http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Effective_Mosquito_Management_Guide-web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Xerces Society</a> has comprehensive information on creating a mosquito management plan for communities that’s also pollinator friendly.  And, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> provides some basic control tips you can take yourself.','Zika and Panic: Beware the Scare','','inherit','closed','open','','3238-revision-v1','','','2016-06-29 14:38:34','2016-06-29 14:38:34','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3238-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3247,2,'2016-06-29 14:43:40','2016-06-29 14:43:40','<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mosquitoes-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Mosquitoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Zika Virus dominates the news cycles these days, but how does this mosquito-borne illness impact us in the Midwest? MPAC\'s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee informs you for Mosquito Control Awareness Week.</h3>\r\nAs we move into the dog days of summer, all of us have a lot of outdoor celebrating and vacationing to look forward to-the 4th of July and camping, anyone?  Unfortunately, we face some uninvited guests such as ants or flies.  While most of these pests only annoy and pose few health risks to the average, healthy individual, mosquitoes are a different story.  They ignore the food at our favorite picnic spots, and, instead, seek our blood causing painful bites, itching, and sometimes more. As a vector organism, mosquitoes can move disease causing agents such as viruses from one animal to another causing infection and illness. This year we added Zika virus to our list of mosquito-borne illnesses.\r\n\r\nTransmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Aedes</i><i>albopictus </i>mosquito and widely attributed to the jump in cases of microcephaly in infants, Zika caused many around the world to rethink travel plans, forgo attendance to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, and even fear pregnancy. Since the dawn of the crisis, epidemiologists, public health officials, and other scientists turned their attention to identifying the conditions causing the devastating spike in microcephaly seen in several countries including Brazil.  Despite hearing some frightening facts about this virus, we, also, learned that many options exist to protect ourselves from the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.\r\n\r\n<i>Ae. aegypti </i>and<i> Ae. albopictus </i>mosquitoes, the only mosquito species known to carry Zika, thrive in warm and moist climates, year round. While current <a href=\"https://entomologytoday.org/2016/06/09/scientists-track-mosquitoes-that-transmit-zika-and-dengue-by-county/\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data</a> shows these <i>Aedes </i>species making inroads across the U.S., Midwesterners can take heart in knowing that our long cold winters provide no favors to these mosquitoes.  In most of the Midwest not a single <i>Ae. aegypti </i>or<i> albopictus</i> mosquito has been found except for four counties in Michigan and Ohio testing positive for the mosquito out of a total of 171 counties . To date in the U.S., no confirmed cases of microcephaly or persons infected with the Zika virus have been locally acquired. All reported U.S. microcephaly births were contracted by residents or visitors that traveled abroad. I stress these facts to stave off the panic that inevitably comes with initial news of a potentially dangerous disease. Regardless, I fear people will respond to this perceived threat by spraying more insecticides causing unintended consequences for human health and the environment.\r\n\r\nA network of Mosquito Abatement Districts, municipal mosquito abatement programs, park districts, and forest preserves already serve, if not over serve, the region in mosquito abatement activities.  Although we may disagree with some of their methods and decisions to use mosquito fogging, a host of professionals regularly monitor mosquito populations and the transmission pathways for the Zika virus to humans. Reports will spread like wildfire at any detection of an <i>Ae. aegypti</i> or <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mosquito carrying the Zika virus. Until then, the current control systems are up and running.\r\n\r\nYou can still take action to protect yourself, loved ones, and your community from mosquitoes. Don’t travel where the Zika virus is prevalent. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your property - if it holds water it can breed mosquitoes.  Wear long sleeves and pants during times of mosquito activity - typically early morning and evening. Apply mosquito repellent - the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group</a> lists the most effective and least toxic types.  Also, keep your bushes trimmed back as mosquitoes love to hide on the underside of leaves.  Combined with the work of professionals, these efforts can have large impacts on mosquito populations without adversely affecting the environment or human health.\r\n\r\nFind more information about proper mosquito control methods at the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization</a>.  Both recommend a comprehensive mosquito control program and indicate that fogging insecticides provides the least effective and most expensive control.  The <a href=\"http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Effective_Mosquito_Management_Guide-web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Xerces Society</a> has comprehensive information on creating a mosquito management plan for communities that’s also pollinator friendly.  And, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> provides some basic control tips you can take yourself.','Zika and Panic: Beware the Scare','','inherit','closed','open','','3238-revision-v1','','','2016-06-29 14:43:40','2016-06-29 14:43:40','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3238-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3248,2,'2016-09-28 19:37:09','2016-09-28 19:37:09','<h3></h3>\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mosquitoes-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Mosquitoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></h3>\n<h3>Zika Virus dominates the news cycles these days, but how does this mosquito-borne illness impact us in the Midwest? MPAC\'s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee informs you for Mosquito Control Awareness Week.</h3>\nAs we move into the dog days of summer, all of us have a lot of outdoor celebrating and vacationing to look forward to-the 4th of July and camping, anyone?  Unfortunately, we face some uninvited guests such as ants or flies.  While most of these pests only annoy and pose few health risks to the average, healthy individual, mosquitoes are a different story.  They ignore the food at our favorite picnic spots, and, instead, seek our blood causing painful bites, itching, and sometimes more. As a vector organism, mosquitoes can move disease causing agents such as viruses from one animal to another causing infection and illness. This year we added Zika virus to our list of mosquito-borne illnesses.\n\nTransmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Aedes</i><i>albopictus </i>mosquito and widely attributed to the jump in cases of microcephaly in infants, Zika caused many around the world to rethink travel plans, forgo attendance to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, and even fear pregnancy. Since the dawn of the crisis, epidemiologists, public health officials, and other scientists turned their attention to identifying the conditions causing the devastating spike in microcephaly seen in several countries including Brazil.  Despite hearing some frightening facts about this virus, we, also, learned that many options exist to protect ourselves from the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.\n\n<i>Ae. aegypti </i>and<i> Ae. albopictus </i>mosquitoes, the only mosquito species known to carry Zika, thrive in warm and moist climates, year round. While current <a href=\"https://entomologytoday.org/2016/06/09/scientists-track-mosquitoes-that-transmit-zika-and-dengue-by-county/\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data</a> shows these <i>Aedes </i>species making inroads across the U.S., Midwesterners can take heart in knowing that our long cold winters provide no favors to these mosquitoes.  To date in the U.S., no confirmed cases of microcephaly or persons infected with the Zika virus have been locally acquired. All reported U.S. Zika infections and related microcephaly births were contracted by residents or visitors that traveled abroad.* I stress these facts to stave off the panic that inevitably comes with initial news of a potentially dangerous disease. Regardless, I fear people will respond to this perceived threat by spraying more insecticides causing unintended consequences for human health and the environment.\n\nA network of Mosquito Abatement Districts, municipal mosquito abatement programs, park districts, and forest preserves already serve, if not over serve, the region in mosquito abatement activities.  Although we may disagree with some of their methods and decisions to use mosquito fogging, a host of professionals regularly monitor mosquito populations and the transmission pathways for the Zika virus to humans. Reports will spread like wildfire at any detection of an <i>Ae. aegypti</i> or <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mosquito carrying the Zika virus. Until then, the current control systems are up and running.\n\nYou can still take action to protect yourself, loved ones, and your community from mosquitoes. Don’t travel where the Zika virus is prevalent. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your property - if it holds water it can breed mosquitoes.  Wear long sleeves and pants during times of mosquito activity - typically early morning and evening. Apply mosquito repellent - the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group</a> lists the most effective and least toxic types.  Also, keep your bushes trimmed back as mosquitoes love to hide on the underside of leaves.  Combined with the work of professionals, these efforts can have large impacts on mosquito populations without adversely affecting the environment or human health.\n\nFind more information about proper mosquito control methods at the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization</a>.  Both recommend a comprehensive mosquito control program and indicate that fogging insecticides provides the least effective and most expensive control.  The <a href=\"http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Effective_Mosquito_Management_Guide-web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Xerces Society</a> has comprehensive information on creating a mosquito management plan for communities that’s also pollinator friendly.  And, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> provides some basic control tips you can take yourself.\n\n*This blog post was originally published on June 29, 2016. Since that date','Zika and Panic: Beware the Scare','','inherit','closed','open','','3238-autosave-v1','','','2016-09-28 19:37:09','2016-09-28 19:37:09','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3238-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3249,2,'2016-06-29 15:45:31','2016-06-29 15:45:31','<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mosquitoes-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Mosquitoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Zika Virus dominates the news cycles these days, but how does this mosquito-borne illness impact us in the Midwest? MPAC\'s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee informs you for Mosquito Control Awareness Week.</h3>\r\nAs we move into the dog days of summer, all of us have a lot of outdoor celebrating and vacationing to look forward to-the 4th of July and camping, anyone?  Unfortunately, we face some uninvited guests such as ants or flies.  While most of these pests only annoy and pose few health risks to the average, healthy individual, mosquitoes are a different story.  They ignore the food at our favorite picnic spots, and, instead, seek our blood causing painful bites, itching, and sometimes more. As a vector organism, mosquitoes can move disease causing agents such as viruses from one animal to another causing infection and illness. This year we added Zika virus to our list of mosquito-borne illnesses.\r\n\r\nTransmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Aedes</i><i>albopictus </i>mosquito and widely attributed to the jump in cases of microcephaly in infants, Zika caused many around the world to rethink travel plans, forgo attendance to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, and even fear pregnancy. Since the dawn of the crisis, epidemiologists, public health officials, and other scientists turned their attention to identifying the conditions causing the devastating spike in microcephaly seen in several countries including Brazil.  Despite hearing some frightening facts about this virus, we, also, learned that many options exist to protect ourselves from the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.\r\n\r\n<i>Ae. aegypti </i>and<i> Ae. albopictus </i>mosquitoes, the only mosquito species known to carry Zika, thrive in warm and moist climates, year round. While current <a href=\"https://entomologytoday.org/2016/06/09/scientists-track-mosquitoes-that-transmit-zika-and-dengue-by-county/\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data</a> shows these <i>Aedes </i>species making inroads across the U.S., Midwesterners can take heart in knowing that our long cold winters provide no favors to these mosquitoes.  In most of the Midwest not a single <i>Ae. aegypti </i>or<i> albopictus</i> mosquito has been found except in four Michigan and Ohio counties from a total 171 Midwestern state counties. To date in the U.S., no confirmed cases of microcephaly or persons infected with the Zika virus have been locally acquired. All reported U.S. Zika infections and related microcephaly births were contracted by residents or visitors that traveled abroad. I stress these facts to stave off the panic that inevitably comes with initial news of a potentially dangerous disease. Regardless, I fear people will respond to this perceived threat by spraying more insecticides causing unintended consequences for human health and the environment.\r\n\r\nA network of Mosquito Abatement Districts, municipal mosquito abatement programs, park districts, and forest preserves already serve, if not over serve, the region in mosquito abatement activities.  Although we may disagree with some of their methods and decisions to use mosquito fogging, a host of professionals regularly monitor mosquito populations and the transmission pathways for the Zika virus to humans. Reports will spread like wildfire at any detection of an <i>Ae. aegypti</i> or <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mosquito carrying the Zika virus. Until then, the current control systems are up and running.\r\n\r\nYou can still take action to protect yourself, loved ones, and your community from mosquitoes. Don’t travel where the Zika virus is prevalent. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your property - if it holds water it can breed mosquitoes.  Wear long sleeves and pants during times of mosquito activity - typically early morning and evening. Apply mosquito repellent - the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group</a> lists the most effective and least toxic types.  Also, keep your bushes trimmed back as mosquitoes love to hide on the underside of leaves.  Combined with the work of professionals, these efforts can have large impacts on mosquito populations without adversely affecting the environment or human health.\r\n\r\nFind more information about proper mosquito control methods at the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization</a>.  Both recommend a comprehensive mosquito control program and indicate that fogging insecticides provides the least effective and most expensive control.  The <a href=\"http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Effective_Mosquito_Management_Guide-web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Xerces Society</a> has comprehensive information on creating a mosquito management plan for communities that’s also pollinator friendly.  And, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> provides some basic control tips you can take yourself.','Zika and Panic: Beware the Scare','','inherit','closed','open','','3238-revision-v1','','','2016-06-29 15:45:31','2016-06-29 15:45:31','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3238-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3250,2,'2016-06-29 15:46:10','2016-06-29 15:46:10','<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Mosquitoes-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Mosquitoes\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>Zika Virus dominates the news cycles these days, but how does this mosquito-borne illness impact us in the Midwest? MPAC\'s Executive Director Ruth Kerzee informs you for Mosquito Control Awareness Week.</h3>\r\nAs we move into the dog days of summer, all of us have a lot of outdoor celebrating and vacationing to look forward to-the 4th of July and camping, anyone?  Unfortunately, we face some uninvited guests such as ants or flies.  While most of these pests only annoy and pose few health risks to the average, healthy individual, mosquitoes are a different story.  They ignore the food at our favorite picnic spots, and, instead, seek our blood causing painful bites, itching, and sometimes more. As a vector organism, mosquitoes can move disease causing agents such as viruses from one animal to another causing infection and illness. This year we added Zika virus to our list of mosquito-borne illnesses.\r\n\r\nTransmitted by the <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Aedes</i><i>albopictus </i>mosquito and widely attributed to the jump in cases of microcephaly in infants, Zika caused many around the world to rethink travel plans, forgo attendance to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, and even fear pregnancy. Since the dawn of the crisis, epidemiologists, public health officials, and other scientists turned their attention to identifying the conditions causing the devastating spike in microcephaly seen in several countries including Brazil.  Despite hearing some frightening facts about this virus, we, also, learned that many options exist to protect ourselves from the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.\r\n\r\n<i>Ae. aegypti </i>and<i> Ae. albopictus </i>mosquitoes, the only mosquito species known to carry Zika, thrive in warm and moist climates, year round. While current <a href=\"https://entomologytoday.org/2016/06/09/scientists-track-mosquitoes-that-transmit-zika-and-dengue-by-county/\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data</a> shows these <i>Aedes </i>species making inroads across the U.S., Midwesterners can take heart in knowing that our long cold winters provide no favors to these mosquitoes.  In most of the Midwest not a single <i>Ae. aegypti </i>or<i> albopictus</i> mosquito has been found except in four Michigan and Ohio counties from a total of 171 Midwestern state counties. To date in the U.S., no confirmed cases of microcephaly or persons infected with the Zika virus have been locally acquired. All reported U.S. Zika infections and related microcephaly births were contracted by residents or visitors that traveled abroad. I stress these facts to stave off the panic that inevitably comes with initial news of a potentially dangerous disease. Regardless, I fear people will respond to this perceived threat by spraying more insecticides causing unintended consequences for human health and the environment.\r\n\r\nA network of Mosquito Abatement Districts, municipal mosquito abatement programs, park districts, and forest preserves already serve, if not over serve, the region in mosquito abatement activities.  Although we may disagree with some of their methods and decisions to use mosquito fogging, a host of professionals regularly monitor mosquito populations and the transmission pathways for the Zika virus to humans. Reports will spread like wildfire at any detection of an <i>Ae. aegypti</i> or <i>Ae. albopictus</i> mosquito carrying the Zika virus. Until then, the current control systems are up and running.\r\n\r\nYou can still take action to protect yourself, loved ones, and your community from mosquitoes. Don’t travel where the Zika virus is prevalent. Make sure to eliminate any standing water in and around your property - if it holds water it can breed mosquitoes.  Wear long sleeves and pants during times of mosquito activity - typically early morning and evening. Apply mosquito repellent - the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-guide-bug-repellents\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group</a> lists the most effective and least toxic types.  Also, keep your bushes trimmed back as mosquitoes love to hide on the underside of leaves.  Combined with the work of professionals, these efforts can have large impacts on mosquito populations without adversely affecting the environment or human health.\r\n\r\nFind more information about proper mosquito control methods at the <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> and <a href=\"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization</a>.  Both recommend a comprehensive mosquito control program and indicate that fogging insecticides provides the least effective and most expensive control.  The <a href=\"http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Effective_Mosquito_Management_Guide-web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Xerces Society</a> has comprehensive information on creating a mosquito management plan for communities that’s also pollinator friendly.  And, <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Pesticide Action Center</a> provides some basic control tips you can take yourself.','Zika and Panic: Beware the Scare','','inherit','closed','open','','3238-revision-v1','','','2016-06-29 15:46:10','2016-06-29 15:46:10','',3238,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3238-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3252,2,'2016-07-01 15:38:21','2016-07-01 15:38:21','<h2>Resources</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of toolkits, guides, and factsheets to help you reduce your exposure to pesticides. Our information empowers renters, homeowners, managers, parents, and decision-makers to make smart decisions that lead to healthier communities.\r\n\r\nContinue reading<a name=\"Features\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Features\">Feature Publications</a>, <a href=\"#Home\">In Your Home</a>, <a href=\"#Community\">In Your Community</a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>Feature Publications</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit: </strong>The basics of natural lawn care, health benefits of switching to natural lawn care, and practical tools and example documents to use during a campaign.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activists Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit:</strong> Information about pesticide reduction as a sustainable cost effective choice for municipal operations.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green: A Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden: </strong>Reduce your contribution to climate change, help your lawn and garden adapt to a changing environment, and produce beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Guide</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Human Health and Pesticides: Glyphosate and 2,4-D:</strong> This white paper discusses the common active ingredients in lawn pesticides of Glyphosate and 2,4-D and their human health impacts.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/MPAC_WhitePaper-final-12.11.15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Human Health and Pesticides White Paper</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Schools/Childcares:</strong> The materials your school needs to put an IPM program in place, including sample policies, forms and protocol.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: </strong>View our bed bug policy, which demonstrates the necessity of taking action on this issue.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/WIH_MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs-2015.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan</a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<a name=\"Home\"></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe following publications are also available for download. Some publications offer downloads in multiple languages. <span class=\"orange\">Click or tap a title to start download.</span>\r\n<h3>In Your Home</h3>\r\n<h4>Indoors</h4>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance Essentials\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Arabic1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Arabic</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Burmese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Burmese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Tenants Rights and Responsibilities English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Spanish1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Tenants-Checklist-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-How-Do-I-Know-Im-Receiving-IPM-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">How Do I Know I\'m Receiving IPM Factsheet</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/WI_MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">10 Steps to Pest Control English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WI_MPAC-Pest-Control-Companies-That-Provide-IPM.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pest Control Companies That Provide IPM</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Ants.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Ants</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Cockroaches.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Cockroaches</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mice-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mice</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a>\r\n<h4>Outdoors</h4>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Products for Your Natural Lawn</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MPAC-Natural-Lawn-Care-for-Homeowners.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care for Homeowners</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Read-Your-Weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Read Your Weeds</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mosquito-Misters-What-You-Need-to-Know.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquito Misters: What You Need to Know</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquitos and West Nile Virus</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MPAC-Pets-and-Pesticides-TU.pdf\" target=\"blank\">Pets and Pesticides</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Asthma-Pests-and-Pesticides.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Asthma, Pests, and Pesticides</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Truth-About-Head-Lice.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Truth About Head Lice</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Reasonable-Accomodations-for-Renters.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-all-vols-2015.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter All Volumes</a><a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/BiteBack_Spring14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BiteBack_vol14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.14</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 15\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-Vol.-15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.15</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 16\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletter-Vol.16.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.16</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 16\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BiteBack_Summer16-vol.-17.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.17</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Bed Bug Poster English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Landlords English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/WIH_MPAC-How-to-Hire-a-PCO-For-BB.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">How to Hire a Pest Control Operator For Bed Bugs</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bee-Friendly-Garden.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">A Bee-Friendly Garden is a Pesticide-Free Garden</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Brochure</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Talking-to-Your-Neighbors-About-Pesticides1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Talking to Your Neighbors About Pesticides</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-order-form-color.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign Order Form</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/WOY_MPAC-Midwest-Natural-Lawn-Care-Companies3.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Natural Lawn Care Companies</a> <a name=\"Community\"></a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>In Your Community</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activist\'s Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a><strong>\r\n</strong><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Healthy Parks Campaign</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Parents\' Right to Know Notification Guidelines English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Reducing-Pesticides-in-Schools-a-Parents-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reducing Pesticides in Schools: A Parent\'s Guide</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs in Schools and Childcares\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Disposal-The-Right-Way.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Disposal the Right Way</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]','Resources','','inherit','closed','open','','119-revision-v1','','','2016-07-01 15:38:21','2016-07-01 15:38:21','',119,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/119-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3254,2,'2016-07-06 15:03:15','2016-07-06 15:03:15','Understanding Organic Fertilizers\r\nDoug Soldat, Ph.D.\r\nDept. of Soil Science\r\nUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison\r\n\r\nJuly is a great time to feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer. Not only will it improve the look of your lawn, it may, also, make it more environmentally friendly. As a turfgrass researcher and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin, I study anything and everything related to growing grass to meet aesthetic and functional goals while protecting the environment. My research, and that of many others, has shown that a dense lawn best reduces runoff losses of phosphorus that can pollute fresh water lakes and streams. Phosphorus adheres tightly to soil particles and a soil can be detached from a thin lawn as water from snow melt or rainstorms flows over the lawn. Thicker lawns form a barrier between the water and soil and also slow the flow of water allowing more of it to soak into the ground. Typically, one or two annual fertilizer applications achieve the density required to reduce phosphorus losses.\r\n\r\nOrganic fertilizers derive from animal and plant material; <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">common sources</a> include composted poultry or dairy manure, fish bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, biosolids, or corn gluten meal. As nutrient rich by-products that would otherwise need to be landfilled or incinerated, recycling organic fertilizers into your lawn makes a lot of sense. Organic fertilizers often contain a high percentage of slow release nitrogen, which stimulates and utilizes soil microbes that slowly turn the fertilizer into plant available forms of nitrogen--i.e. ammonium and nitrate--at a pace that matches the plants ability to absorb it. This means that very little of the fertilizer will likely leach into the groundwater. \r\n\r\nWhile slow release synthetic fertilizers exist, the less expensive synthetic fertilizers tend to contain mainly soluble forms of nitrogen. One benefit of a fertilizer with high soluble nitrogen content is that you get rapid plant response at colder temperatures (i.e. spring) as seen in the graph below where we compared the leading organic fertilizer to the leading brand of synthetic fertilizer. On the graph, the higher the color index, the greener the lawn. Early in the spring the synthetic fertilizer treated lawn is greener than the lawn treated with the organic fertilizer. However, by mid-summer and for the rest of the season very few differences between the two fertilizers persist.\r\n\r\n\r\nWe’ve studied dozens of different organic lawn fertilizers at the University of Wisconsin and found a wide range in characteristics and responses. Some organic fertilizers contain no soluble nitrogen at all. Others, particularly poultry manure based fertilizers can contain up to 40% soluble nitrogen. We’ve noticed that you can expect a more rapid greening response as the percentage of soluble nitrogen increases. While far too many organic fertilizers exist to list or rank, I suggest finding a few locally (or regionally) produced fertilizers and then choose one from that group that contains some soluble nitrogen. This will give your lawn a quick boost along with a sustained response from the slow release component. Using a local product means a shorter transportation distance and a lower carbon footprint. \r\n\r\nWhat about phosphorus? \r\n\r\nPhosphorus is a <a href=\"http://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html\">major pollutant of freshwater bodies</a>. Many Midwestern states have passed laws restricting or banning the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. If a <a href=\"https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/\">soil test</a> shows adequate phosphorous levels, then using a phosphorus containing fertilizer is unnecessary and potentially harmful to water quality. Some states exempt organic fertilizers from the phosphorus rules, but not because they are particularly less harmful than their synthetic cousins. Phosphorus-free organic sources include blood meal, feather meal, and corn gluten meal, among others. Regardless of phosphorus content, be sure to sweep up any fertilizer thrown or spilled on the street, sidewalk, or driveway. Fertilizer left on these surfaces quickly makes its way into a body of water.\r\nIn conclusion, an organic fertilizer can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. They contain nutrients that the lawn needs, and release those nutrients slowly at a pace that the lawn can absorb – especially in mid-summer. Keeping your lawn dense will not only look good and provide a nice space to enjoy but will, also, keep the soil in place and the weeds out. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, consider going organic this summer to do the job!\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n','Understanding Organic Fertilizers','','inherit','closed','open','','3229-revision-v1','','','2016-07-06 15:03:15','2016-07-06 15:03:15','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3229-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3255,2,'2016-07-06 15:04:22','2016-07-06 15:04:22','','synthetic vs organic','','inherit','closed','open','','synthetic-vs-organic','','','2016-07-06 15:04:22','2016-07-06 15:04:22','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(3256,2,'2016-07-06 15:04:32','2016-07-06 15:04:32','Doug Soldat, Ph.D.\r\nDept. of Soil Science\r\nUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison\r\n\r\nJuly is a great time to feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer. Not only will it improve the look of your lawn, it may, also, make it more environmentally friendly. As a turfgrass researcher and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin, I study anything and everything related to growing grass to meet aesthetic and functional goals while protecting the environment. My research, and that of many others, has shown that a dense lawn best reduces runoff losses of phosphorus that can pollute fresh water lakes and streams. Phosphorus adheres tightly to soil particles and a soil can be detached from a thin lawn as water from snow melt or rainstorms flows over the lawn. Thicker lawns form a barrier between the water and soil and also slow the flow of water allowing more of it to soak into the ground. Typically, one or two annual fertilizer applications achieve the density required to reduce phosphorus losses.\r\n\r\nOrganic fertilizers derive from animal and plant material; <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">common sources</a> include composted poultry or dairy manure, fish bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, biosolids, or corn gluten meal. As nutrient rich by-products that would otherwise need to be landfilled or incinerated, recycling organic fertilizers into your lawn makes a lot of sense. Organic fertilizers often contain a high percentage of slow release nitrogen, which stimulates and utilizes soil microbes that slowly turn the fertilizer into plant available forms of nitrogen--i.e. ammonium and nitrate--at a pace that matches the plants ability to absorb it. This means that very little of the fertilizer will likely leach into the groundwater. \r\n\r\nWhile slow release synthetic fertilizers exist, the less expensive synthetic fertilizers tend to contain mainly soluble forms of nitrogen. One benefit of a fertilizer with high soluble nitrogen content is that you get rapid plant response at colder temperatures (i.e. spring) as seen in the graph below where we compared the leading organic fertilizer to the leading brand of synthetic fertilizer. On the graph, the higher the color index, the greener the lawn. Early in the spring the synthetic fertilizer treated lawn is greener than the lawn treated with the organic fertilizer. However, by mid-summer and for the rest of the season very few differences between the two fertilizers persist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic.png\"><img src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic-300x203.png\" alt=\"synthetic vs organic\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3255\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe’ve studied dozens of different organic lawn fertilizers at the University of Wisconsin and found a wide range in characteristics and responses. Some organic fertilizers contain no soluble nitrogen at all. Others, particularly poultry manure based fertilizers can contain up to 40% soluble nitrogen. We’ve noticed that you can expect a more rapid greening response as the percentage of soluble nitrogen increases. While far too many organic fertilizers exist to list or rank, I suggest finding a few locally (or regionally) produced fertilizers and then choose one from that group that contains some soluble nitrogen. This will give your lawn a quick boost along with a sustained response from the slow release component. Using a local product means a shorter transportation distance and a lower carbon footprint. \r\n\r\nWhat about phosphorus? \r\n\r\nPhosphorus is a <a href=\"http://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html\">major pollutant of freshwater bodies</a>. Many Midwestern states have passed laws restricting or banning the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. If a <a href=\"https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/\">soil test</a> shows adequate phosphorous levels, then using a phosphorus containing fertilizer is unnecessary and potentially harmful to water quality. Some states exempt organic fertilizers from the phosphorus rules, but not because they are particularly less harmful than their synthetic cousins. Phosphorus-free organic sources include blood meal, feather meal, and corn gluten meal, among others. Regardless of phosphorus content, be sure to sweep up any fertilizer thrown or spilled on the street, sidewalk, or driveway. Fertilizer left on these surfaces quickly makes its way into a body of water.\r\nIn conclusion, an organic fertilizer can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. They contain nutrients that the lawn needs, and release those nutrients slowly at a pace that the lawn can absorb – especially in mid-summer. Keeping your lawn dense will not only look good and provide a nice space to enjoy but will, also, keep the soil in place and the weeds out. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, consider going organic this summer to do the job!\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n','Understanding Organic Fertilizers','','inherit','closed','open','','3229-revision-v1','','','2016-07-06 15:04:32','2016-07-06 15:04:32','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3229-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3257,2,'2016-07-06 15:07:42','2016-07-06 15:07:42','Doug Soldat, Ph.D.\r\nDept. of Soil Science\r\nUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison\r\n\r\nJuly is a great time to feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer. Not only will it improve the look of your lawn, it may, also, make it more environmentally friendly. As a turfgrass researcher and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin, I study anything and everything related to growing grass to meet aesthetic and functional goals while protecting the environment. My research, and that of many others, has shown that a dense lawn best reduces runoff losses of phosphorus that can pollute fresh water lakes and streams. Phosphorus adheres tightly to soil particles and a soil can be detached from a thin lawn as water from snow melt or rainstorms flows over the lawn. Thicker lawns form a barrier between the water and soil and also slow the flow of water allowing more of it to soak into the ground. Typically, one or two annual fertilizer applications achieve the density required to reduce phosphorus losses.\r\n\r\nOrganic fertilizers derive from animal and plant material; <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">common sources</a> include composted poultry or dairy manure, fish bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, biosolids, or corn gluten meal. As nutrient rich by-products that would otherwise need to be landfilled or incinerated, recycling organic fertilizers into your lawn makes a lot of sense. Organic fertilizers often contain a high percentage of slow release nitrogen, which stimulates and utilizes soil microbes that slowly turn the fertilizer into plant available forms of nitrogen--i.e. ammonium and nitrate--at a pace that matches the plants ability to absorb it. This means that very little of the fertilizer will likely leach into the groundwater.\r\n\r\nWhile slow release synthetic fertilizers exist, the less expensive synthetic fertilizers tend to contain mainly soluble forms of nitrogen. One benefit of a fertilizer with high soluble nitrogen content is that you get rapid plant response at colder temperatures (i.e. spring) as seen in the graph below where we compared the leading organic fertilizer to the leading brand of synthetic fertilizer. On the graph, the higher the color index, the greener the lawn. Early in the spring the synthetic fertilizer treated lawn is greener than the lawn treated with the organic fertilizer. However, by mid-summer and for the rest of the season very few differences between the two fertilizers persist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3255 \" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic-300x203.png\" alt=\"synthetic vs organic\" width=\"356\" height=\"241\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe’ve studied dozens of different organic lawn fertilizers at the University of Wisconsin and found a wide range in characteristics and responses. Some organic fertilizers contain no soluble nitrogen at all. Others, particularly poultry manure based fertilizers can contain up to 40% soluble nitrogen. We’ve noticed that you can expect a more rapid greening response as the percentage of soluble nitrogen increases. While far too many organic fertilizers exist to list or rank, I suggest finding a few locally (or regionally) produced fertilizers and then choose one from that group that contains some soluble nitrogen. This will give your lawn a quick boost along with a sustained response from the slow release component. Using a local product means a shorter transportation distance and a lower carbon footprint.\r\n\r\nWhat about phosphorus?\r\n\r\nPhosphorus is a <a href=\"http://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html\">major pollutant of freshwater bodies</a>. Many Midwestern states have passed laws restricting or banning the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. If a <a href=\"https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/\">soil test</a> shows adequate phosphorous levels, then using a phosphorus containing fertilizer is unnecessary and potentially harmful to water quality. Some states exempt organic fertilizers from the phosphorus rules, but not because they are particularly less harmful than their synthetic cousins. Phosphorus-free organic sources include blood meal, feather meal, and corn gluten meal, among others. Regardless of phosphorus content, be sure to sweep up any fertilizer thrown or spilled on the street, sidewalk, or driveway. Fertilizer left on these surfaces quickly makes its way into a body of water.\r\nIn conclusion, an organic fertilizer can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. They contain nutrients that the lawn needs, and release those nutrients slowly at a pace that the lawn can absorb – especially in mid-summer. Keeping your lawn dense will not only look good and provide a nice space to enjoy but will, also, keep the soil in place and the weeds out. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, consider going organic this summer to do the job!','Understanding Organic Fertilizers','','inherit','closed','open','','3229-revision-v1','','','2016-07-06 15:07:42','2016-07-06 15:07:42','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3229-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3258,2,'2016-07-06 15:08:00','2016-07-06 15:08:00','Doug Soldat, Ph.D.\r\nDept. of Soil Science\r\nUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison\r\n\r\nJuly is a great time to feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer. Not only will it improve the look of your lawn, it may, also, make it more environmentally friendly. As a turfgrass researcher and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin, I study anything and everything related to growing grass to meet aesthetic and functional goals while protecting the environment. My research, and that of many others, has shown that a dense lawn best reduces runoff losses of phosphorus that can pollute fresh water lakes and streams. Phosphorus adheres tightly to soil particles and a soil can be detached from a thin lawn as water from snow melt or rainstorms flows over the lawn. Thicker lawns form a barrier between the water and soil and also slow the flow of water allowing more of it to soak into the ground. Typically, one or two annual fertilizer applications achieve the density required to reduce phosphorus losses.\r\n\r\nOrganic fertilizers derive from animal and plant material; <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">common sources</a> include composted poultry or dairy manure, fish bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, biosolids, or corn gluten meal. As nutrient rich by-products that would otherwise need to be landfilled or incinerated, recycling organic fertilizers into your lawn makes a lot of sense. Organic fertilizers often contain a high percentage of slow release nitrogen, which stimulates and utilizes soil microbes that slowly turn the fertilizer into plant available forms of nitrogen--i.e. ammonium and nitrate--at a pace that matches the plants ability to absorb it. This means that very little of the fertilizer will likely leach into the groundwater.\r\n\r\nWhile slow release synthetic fertilizers exist, the less expensive synthetic fertilizers tend to contain mainly soluble forms of nitrogen. One benefit of a fertilizer with high soluble nitrogen content is that you get rapid plant response at colder temperatures (i.e. spring) as seen in the graph below where we compared the leading organic fertilizer to the leading brand of synthetic fertilizer. On the graph, the higher the color index, the greener the lawn. Early in the spring the synthetic fertilizer treated lawn is greener than the lawn treated with the organic fertilizer. However, by mid-summer and for the rest of the season very few differences between the two fertilizers persist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3255 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic-300x203.png\" alt=\"synthetic vs organic\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe’ve studied dozens of different organic lawn fertilizers at the University of Wisconsin and found a wide range in characteristics and responses. Some organic fertilizers contain no soluble nitrogen at all. Others, particularly poultry manure based fertilizers can contain up to 40% soluble nitrogen. We’ve noticed that you can expect a more rapid greening response as the percentage of soluble nitrogen increases. While far too many organic fertilizers exist to list or rank, I suggest finding a few locally (or regionally) produced fertilizers and then choose one from that group that contains some soluble nitrogen. This will give your lawn a quick boost along with a sustained response from the slow release component. Using a local product means a shorter transportation distance and a lower carbon footprint.\r\n\r\nWhat about phosphorus?\r\n\r\nPhosphorus is a <a href=\"http://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html\">major pollutant of freshwater bodies</a>. Many Midwestern states have passed laws restricting or banning the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. If a <a href=\"https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/\">soil test</a> shows adequate phosphorous levels, then using a phosphorus containing fertilizer is unnecessary and potentially harmful to water quality. Some states exempt organic fertilizers from the phosphorus rules, but not because they are particularly less harmful than their synthetic cousins. Phosphorus-free organic sources include blood meal, feather meal, and corn gluten meal, among others. Regardless of phosphorus content, be sure to sweep up any fertilizer thrown or spilled on the street, sidewalk, or driveway. Fertilizer left on these surfaces quickly makes its way into a body of water.\r\nIn conclusion, an organic fertilizer can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. They contain nutrients that the lawn needs, and release those nutrients slowly at a pace that the lawn can absorb – especially in mid-summer. Keeping your lawn dense will not only look good and provide a nice space to enjoy but will, also, keep the soil in place and the weeds out. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, consider going organic this summer to do the job!','Understanding Organic Fertilizers','','inherit','closed','open','','3229-revision-v1','','','2016-07-06 15:08:00','2016-07-06 15:08:00','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3229-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3259,2,'2016-07-06 15:11:14','2016-07-06 15:11:14','Doug Soldat, Ph.D.\r\nDept. of Soil Science\r\nUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison\r\n\r\nJuly is a great time to feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer. Not only will it improve the look of your lawn, it may, also, make it more environmentally friendly. As a turfgrass researcher and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin, I study anything and everything related to growing grass to meet aesthetic and functional goals while protecting the environment. My research, and that of many others, has shown that a dense lawn best reduces runoff losses of phosphorus that can pollute fresh water lakes and streams. Phosphorus adheres tightly to soil particles and a soil can be detached from a thin lawn as water from snow melt or rainstorms flows over the lawn. Thicker lawns form a barrier between the water and soil and also slow the flow of water allowing more of it to soak into the ground. Typically, one or two annual fertilizer applications achieve the density required to reduce phosphorus losses.\r\n\r\nOrganic fertilizers derive from animal and plant material; <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">common sources</a> include composted poultry or dairy manure, fish bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, biosolids, or corn gluten meal. As nutrient rich by-products that would otherwise need to be landfilled or incinerated, recycling organic fertilizers into your lawn makes a lot of sense. Organic fertilizers often contain a high percentage of slow release nitrogen, which stimulates and utilizes soil microbes that slowly turn the fertilizer into plant available forms of nitrogen--i.e. ammonium and nitrate--at a pace that matches the plants ability to absorb it. This means that very little of the fertilizer will likely leach into the groundwater.\r\n\r\nWhile slow release synthetic fertilizers exist, the less expensive synthetic fertilizers tend to contain mainly soluble forms of nitrogen. One benefit of a fertilizer with high soluble nitrogen content is that you get rapid plant response at colder temperatures (i.e. spring) as seen in the graph below where we compared the leading organic fertilizer to the leading brand of synthetic fertilizer. On the graph, the higher the color index, the greener the lawn. Early in the spring the synthetic fertilizer treated lawn is greener than the lawn treated with the organic fertilizer. However, by mid-summer and for the rest of the season very few differences between the two fertilizers persist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic.png\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-3255 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic-300x203.png\" alt=\"synthetic vs organic\" width=\"300\" height=\"203\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe’ve studied dozens of different organic lawn fertilizers at the University of Wisconsin and found a wide range in characteristics and responses. Some organic fertilizers contain no soluble nitrogen at all. Others, particularly poultry manure based fertilizers can contain up to 40% soluble nitrogen. We’ve noticed that you can expect a more rapid greening response as the percentage of soluble nitrogen increases. While far too many organic fertilizers exist to list or rank, I suggest finding a few locally (or regionally) produced fertilizers and then choose one from that group that contains some soluble nitrogen. This will give your lawn a quick boost along with a sustained response from the slow release component. Using a local product means a shorter transportation distance and a lower carbon footprint.\r\n\r\nWhat about phosphorus?\r\n\r\nPhosphorus is a <a href=\"http://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html\">major pollutant of freshwater bodies</a>. Many Midwestern states have passed laws restricting or banning the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. If a <a href=\"https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/\">soil test</a> shows adequate phosphorous levels, then using a phosphorus containing fertilizer is unnecessary and potentially harmful to water quality. Some states exempt organic fertilizers from the phosphorus rules, but not because they are particularly less harmful than their synthetic cousins. Phosphorus-free organic sources include blood meal, feather meal, and corn gluten meal, among others. Regardless of phosphorus content, be sure to sweep up any fertilizer thrown or spilled on the street, sidewalk, or driveway. Fertilizer left on these surfaces quickly makes its way into a body of water.\r\nIn conclusion, an organic fertilizer can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. They contain nutrients that the lawn needs, and release those nutrients slowly at a pace that the lawn can absorb – especially in mid-summer. Keeping your lawn dense will not only look good and provide a nice space to enjoy but will, also, keep the soil in place and the weeds out. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, consider going organic this summer to do the job!','Understanding Organic Fertilizers','','inherit','closed','open','','3229-revision-v1','','','2016-07-06 15:11:14','2016-07-06 15:11:14','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3229-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3260,2,'2016-07-06 15:12:04','2016-07-06 15:12:04','Doug Soldat, Ph.D.\r\nDept. of Soil Science\r\nUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison\r\n\r\nJuly is a great time to feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer. Not only will it improve the look of your lawn, it may, also, make it more environmentally friendly. As a turfgrass researcher and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin, I study anything and everything related to growing grass to meet aesthetic and functional goals while protecting the environment. My research, and that of many others, has shown that a dense lawn best reduces runoff losses of phosphorus that can pollute fresh water lakes and streams. Phosphorus adheres tightly to soil particles and a soil can be detached from a thin lawn as water from snow melt or rainstorms flows over the lawn. Thicker lawns form a barrier between the water and soil and also slow the flow of water allowing more of it to soak into the ground. Typically, one or two annual fertilizer applications achieve the density required to reduce phosphorus losses.\r\n\r\nOrganic fertilizers derive from animal and plant material; <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">common sources</a> include composted poultry or dairy manure, fish bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, biosolids, or corn gluten meal. As nutrient rich by-products that would otherwise need to be landfilled or incinerated, recycling organic fertilizers into your lawn makes a lot of sense. Organic fertilizers often contain a high percentage of slow release nitrogen, which stimulates and utilizes soil microbes that slowly turn the fertilizer into plant available forms of nitrogen--i.e. ammonium and nitrate--at a pace that matches the plants ability to absorb it. This means that very little of the fertilizer will likely leach into the groundwater.\r\n\r\nWhile slow release synthetic fertilizers exist, the less expensive synthetic fertilizers tend to contain mainly soluble forms of nitrogen. One benefit of a fertilizer with high soluble nitrogen content is that you get rapid plant response at colder temperatures (i.e. spring) as seen in the graph below where we compared the leading organic fertilizer to the leading brand of synthetic fertilizer. On the graph, the higher the color index, the greener the lawn. Early in the spring the synthetic fertilizer treated lawn is greener than the lawn treated with the organic fertilizer. However, by mid-summer and for the rest of the season very few differences between the two fertilizers persist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3255 size-large\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic-1024x695.png\" alt=\"synthetic vs organic\" width=\"640\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe’ve studied dozens of different organic lawn fertilizers at the University of Wisconsin and found a wide range in characteristics and responses. Some organic fertilizers contain no soluble nitrogen at all. Others, particularly poultry manure based fertilizers can contain up to 40% soluble nitrogen. We’ve noticed that you can expect a more rapid greening response as the percentage of soluble nitrogen increases. While far too many organic fertilizers exist to list or rank, I suggest finding a few locally (or regionally) produced fertilizers and then choose one from that group that contains some soluble nitrogen. This will give your lawn a quick boost along with a sustained response from the slow release component. Using a local product means a shorter transportation distance and a lower carbon footprint.\r\n\r\nWhat about phosphorus?\r\n\r\nPhosphorus is a <a href=\"http://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html\">major pollutant of freshwater bodies</a>. Many Midwestern states have passed laws restricting or banning the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. If a <a href=\"https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/\">soil test</a> shows adequate phosphorous levels, then using a phosphorus containing fertilizer is unnecessary and potentially harmful to water quality. Some states exempt organic fertilizers from the phosphorus rules, but not because they are particularly less harmful than their synthetic cousins. Phosphorus-free organic sources include blood meal, feather meal, and corn gluten meal, among others. Regardless of phosphorus content, be sure to sweep up any fertilizer thrown or spilled on the street, sidewalk, or driveway. Fertilizer left on these surfaces quickly makes its way into a body of water.\r\nIn conclusion, an organic fertilizer can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. They contain nutrients that the lawn needs, and release those nutrients slowly at a pace that the lawn can absorb – especially in mid-summer. Keeping your lawn dense will not only look good and provide a nice space to enjoy but will, also, keep the soil in place and the weeds out. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, consider going organic this summer to do the job!','Understanding Organic Fertilizers','','inherit','closed','open','','3229-revision-v1','','','2016-07-06 15:12:04','2016-07-06 15:12:04','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3229-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3262,2,'2016-07-06 15:18:49','2016-07-06 15:18:49','','Organic Fertilizer ','','inherit','closed','open','','organic-fertilizer-1-from-google-2','','','2016-07-06 15:18:49','2016-07-06 15:18:49','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Organic-Fertilizer-1-from-Google1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3263,2,'2016-07-06 15:26:53','2016-07-06 15:26:53','<h3>Dr. Doug Soldat, turfgrass researcher and extension specialist for the University of Wisconsin, discusses the ins and outs of organic fertilizers and their benefits.</h3>\r\nJuly is a great time to feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer. Not only will it improve the look of your lawn, it may, also, make it more environmentally friendly. As a turfgrass researcher and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin, I study anything and everything related to growing grass to meet aesthetic and functional goals while protecting the environment. My research, and that of many others, has shown that a dense lawn best reduces runoff losses of phosphorus that can pollute fresh water lakes and streams. Phosphorus adheres tightly to soil particles and a soil can be detached from a thin lawn as water from snow melt or rainstorms flows over the lawn. Thicker lawns form a barrier between the water and soil and also slow the flow of water allowing more of it to soak into the ground. Typically, one or two annual fertilizer applications achieve the density required to reduce phosphorus losses.\r\n\r\nOrganic fertilizers derive from animal and plant material; <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">common sources</a> include composted poultry or dairy manure, fish bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, biosolids, or corn gluten meal. As nutrient rich by-products that would otherwise need to be landfilled or incinerated, recycling organic fertilizers into your lawn makes a lot of sense. Organic fertilizers often contain a high percentage of slow release nitrogen, which stimulates and utilizes soil microbes that slowly turn the fertilizer into plant available forms of nitrogen--i.e. ammonium and nitrate--at a pace that matches the plants ability to absorb it. This means that very little of the fertilizer will likely leach into the groundwater.\r\n\r\nWhile slow release synthetic fertilizers exist, the less expensive synthetic fertilizers tend to contain mainly soluble forms of nitrogen. One benefit of a fertilizer with high soluble nitrogen content is that you get rapid plant response at colder temperatures (i.e. spring) as seen in the graph below where we compared the leading organic fertilizer to the leading brand of synthetic fertilizer. On the graph, the higher the color index, the greener the lawn. Early in the spring the synthetic fertilizer treated lawn is greener than the lawn treated with the organic fertilizer. However, by mid-summer and for the rest of the season very few differences between the two fertilizers persist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3255 size-large\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic-1024x695.png\" alt=\"synthetic vs organic\" width=\"640\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe’ve studied dozens of different organic lawn fertilizers at the University of Wisconsin and found a wide range in characteristics and responses. Some organic fertilizers contain no soluble nitrogen at all. Others, particularly poultry manure based fertilizers can contain up to 40% soluble nitrogen. We’ve noticed that you can expect a more rapid greening response as the percentage of soluble nitrogen increases. While far too many organic fertilizers exist to list or rank, I suggest finding a few locally (or regionally) produced fertilizers and then choose one from that group that contains some soluble nitrogen. This will give your lawn a quick boost along with a sustained response from the slow release component. Using a local product means a shorter transportation distance and a lower carbon footprint.\r\n\r\nWhat about phosphorus?\r\n\r\nPhosphorus is a <a href=\"http://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html\">major pollutant of freshwater bodies</a>. Many Midwestern states have passed laws restricting or banning the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. If a <a href=\"https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/\">soil test</a> shows adequate phosphorous levels, then using a phosphorus containing fertilizer is unnecessary and potentially harmful to water quality. Some states exempt organic fertilizers from the phosphorus rules, but not because they are particularly less harmful than their synthetic cousins. Phosphorus-free organic sources include blood meal, feather meal, and corn gluten meal, among others. Regardless of phosphorus content, be sure to sweep up any fertilizer thrown or spilled on the street, sidewalk, or driveway. Fertilizer left on these surfaces quickly makes its way into a body of water.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, an organic fertilizer can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. They contain nutrients that the lawn needs, and release those nutrients slowly at a pace that the lawn can absorb – especially in mid-summer. Keeping your lawn dense will not only look good and provide a nice space to enjoy but will, also, keep the soil in place and the weeds out. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, consider going organic this summer to do the job!','Understanding Organic Fertilizers','','inherit','closed','open','','3229-revision-v1','','','2016-07-06 15:26:53','2016-07-06 15:26:53','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3229-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3264,2,'2016-07-06 15:33:49','2016-07-06 15:33:49','<h3>Dr. Doug Soldat, turfgrass researcher and extension specialist for the University of Wisconsin, discusses the ins and outs of organic fertilizers and their benefits.</h3>\r\nJuly is a great time to feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer. Not only will it improve the look of your lawn, it may, also, make it more environmentally friendly. As a turfgrass researcher and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin, I study anything and everything related to growing grass to meet aesthetic and functional goals while protecting the environment. My research, and that of many others, has shown that a dense lawn best reduces runoff losses of phosphorus that can pollute fresh water lakes and streams. Phosphorus adheres tightly to soil particles that can detach from a thin lawn as water from snow melts or rainstorms flow over the lawn. Thicker lawns form a barrier between the water and soil and, also, slow the flow of water allowing more to soak into the ground. Typically, one or two annual fertilizer applications achieve the density required to reduce phosphorus losses.\r\n\r\nOrganic fertilizers derive from animal and plant material; <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">common sources</a> include composted poultry or dairy manure, fish bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, biosolids, or corn gluten meal. As nutrient rich by-products that would otherwise need to be landfilled or incinerated, recycling organic fertilizers into your lawn makes a lot of sense. Organic fertilizers often contain a high percentage of slow release nitrogen, which stimulates and utilizes soil microbes that slowly turn the fertilizer into plant available forms of nitrogen--i.e. ammonium and nitrate--at a pace that matches the plants ability to absorb it. This means that very little of the fertilizer will likely leach into the groundwater.\r\n\r\nWhile slow release synthetic fertilizers exist, the less expensive synthetic fertilizers tend to contain mainly soluble forms of nitrogen. One benefit of a fertilizer with high soluble nitrogen content is that you get rapid plant response at colder temperatures (i.e. spring) as seen in the graph below where we compared the leading organic fertilizer to the leading brand of synthetic fertilizer. On the graph, the higher the color index, the greener the lawn. Early in the spring the synthetic fertilizer treated lawn is greener than the lawn treated with the organic fertilizer. However, by mid-summer and for the rest of the season very few differences between the two fertilizers persist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3255 size-large\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic-1024x695.png\" alt=\"synthetic vs organic\" width=\"640\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe’ve studied dozens of different organic lawn fertilizers at the University of Wisconsin and found a wide range in characteristics and responses. Some organic fertilizers contain no soluble nitrogen at all. Others, particularly poultry manure based fertilizers can contain up to 40% soluble nitrogen. We’ve noticed that you can expect a more rapid greening response as the percentage of soluble nitrogen increases. While far too many organic fertilizers exist to list or rank, I suggest finding a few locally (or regionally) produced fertilizers and then choose one from that group that contains some soluble nitrogen. This will give your lawn a quick boost along with a sustained response from the slow release component. Using a local product means a shorter transportation distance and a lower carbon footprint.\r\n<h4>What about phosphorus?</h4>\r\nPhosphorus is a <a href=\"http://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html\">major pollutant of freshwater bodies</a>. Many Midwestern states have passed laws restricting or banning the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. If a <a href=\"https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/\">soil test</a> shows adequate phosphorous levels, then using a phosphorus containing fertilizer is unnecessary and potentially harmful to water quality. Some states exempt organic fertilizers from the phosphorus rules, but not because they are particularly less harmful than their synthetic cousins. Phosphorus-free organic sources include blood meal, feather meal, and corn gluten meal, among others. Regardless of phosphorus content, be sure to sweep up any fertilizer thrown or spilled on the street, sidewalk, or driveway. Fertilizer left on these surfaces quickly makes its way into a body of water.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, an organic fertilizer can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. They contain nutrients that the lawn needs, and release those nutrients slowly at a pace that the lawn can absorb – especially in mid-summer. Keeping your lawn dense will not only look good and provide a nice space to enjoy but will, also, keep the soil in place and the weeds out. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, consider going organic this summer to do the job!','Understanding Organic Fertilizers','','inherit','closed','open','','3229-revision-v1','','','2016-07-06 15:33:49','2016-07-06 15:33:49','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3229-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3265,2,'2016-07-06 15:38:19','2016-07-06 15:38:19','<h3>Dr. Doug Soldat, turfgrass researcher and extension specialist for the University of Wisconsin, discusses the ins and outs of organic fertilizers and their benefits.</h3>\r\nJuly is a great time to feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer. Not only will it improve the look of your lawn, it may, also, make it more environmentally friendly. As a turfgrass researcher and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin, I study anything and everything related to growing grass to meet aesthetic and functional goals while protecting the environment. My research, and that of many others, has shown that a dense lawn best reduces runoff losses of phosphorus that can pollute fresh water lakes and streams. Phosphorus adheres tightly to soil particles that can detach from a thin lawn as water from snow melts or rainstorms flow over the lawn. Thicker lawns form a barrier between the water and soil and, also, slow the flow of water allowing more to soak into the ground. Typically, one or two annual fertilizer applications achieve the density required to reduce phosphorus losses.\r\n\r\nOrganic fertilizers derive from animal and plant material; <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\">common sources</a> include composted poultry or dairy manure, fish bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, biosolids, or corn gluten meal. As nutrient rich by-products that would otherwise need to be landfilled or incinerated, recycling organic fertilizers into your lawn makes a lot of sense. Organic fertilizers often contain a high percentage of slow release nitrogen, which stimulates and utilizes soil microbes that slowly turn the fertilizer into plant available forms of nitrogen--i.e. ammonium and nitrate--at a pace that matches the plants ability to absorb it. This means that very little of the fertilizer will likely leach into the groundwater.\r\n\r\nWhile slow release synthetic fertilizers exist, the less expensive synthetic fertilizers tend to contain mainly soluble forms of nitrogen. One benefit of a fertilizer with high soluble nitrogen content is that you get rapid plant response at colder temperatures (i.e. spring) as seen in the graph below where we compared the leading organic fertilizer to the leading brand of synthetic fertilizer. On the graph, the higher the color index, the greener the lawn. Early in the spring the synthetic fertilizer treated lawn is greener than the lawn treated with the organic fertilizer. However, by mid-summer and for the rest of the season very few differences between the two fertilizers persist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3255 size-large\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic-1024x695.png\" alt=\"synthetic vs organic\" width=\"640\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe’ve studied dozens of different organic lawn fertilizers at the University of Wisconsin and found a wide range in characteristics and responses. Some organic fertilizers contain no soluble nitrogen at all. Others, particularly poultry manure based fertilizers can contain up to 40% soluble nitrogen. We’ve noticed that you can expect a more rapid greening response as the percentage of soluble nitrogen increases. While far too many organic fertilizers exist to list or rank, I suggest finding a few locally (or regionally) produced fertilizers and then choose one from that group that contains some soluble nitrogen. This will give your lawn a quick boost along with a sustained response from the slow release component. Using a local product means a shorter transportation distance and a lower carbon footprint.\r\n<h4>What about phosphorus?</h4>\r\nPhosphorus is a <a href=\"http://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html\">major pollutant of freshwater bodies</a>. Many Midwestern states have passed laws restricting or banning the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. If a <a href=\"https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/\">soil test</a> shows adequate phosphorous levels, then using a phosphorus containing fertilizer is unnecessary and potentially harmful to water quality. Some states exempt organic fertilizers from the phosphorus rules, but not because they are particularly less harmful than their synthetic cousins. Phosphorus-free organic sources include blood meal, feather meal, and corn gluten meal, among others. Regardless of phosphorus content, make sure to sweep up any fertilizer thrown or spilled on the street, sidewalk, or driveway. Fertilizer left on these surfaces quickly makes its way into a body of water.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, an organic fertilizer can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. They contain nutrients that the lawn needs, and release those nutrients slowly at a pace that the lawn can absorb – especially in mid-summer. Keeping your lawn dense will not only look good and provide a nice space to enjoy but will, also, keep the soil in place and the weeds out. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, consider going organic this summer to do the job!','Understanding Organic Fertilizers','','inherit','closed','open','','3229-revision-v1','','','2016-07-06 15:38:19','2016-07-06 15:38:19','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3229-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3267,2,'2016-07-06 16:09:08','2016-07-06 16:09:08','<h3>Dr. Doug Soldat, turfgrass researcher and extension specialist for the University of Wisconsin, discusses the ins and outs of organic fertilizers and their benefits.</h3>\r\nJuly is a great time to feed your lawn with an organic fertilizer. Not only will it improve the look of your lawn, it may, also, make it more environmentally friendly. As a turfgrass researcher and extension specialist at the University of Wisconsin, I study anything and everything related to growing grass to meet aesthetic and functional goals while protecting the environment. My research, and that of many others, has shown that a dense lawn best reduces runoff losses of phosphorus that can pollute fresh water lakes and streams. Phosphorus adheres tightly to soil particles that can detach from a thin lawn as water from snow melts or rainstorms flow over the lawn. Thicker lawns form a barrier between the water and soil and, also, slow the flow of water allowing more to soak into the ground. Typically, one or two annual fertilizer applications achieve the density required to reduce phosphorus losses.\r\n\r\nOrganic fertilizers derive from animal and plant material; <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">common sources</a> include composted poultry or dairy manure, fish bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, biosolids, or corn gluten meal. As nutrient rich by-products that would otherwise need to be landfilled or incinerated, recycling organic fertilizers into your lawn makes a lot of sense. Organic fertilizers often contain a high percentage of slow release nitrogen, which stimulates and utilizes soil microbes that slowly turn the fertilizer into plant available forms of nitrogen--i.e. ammonium and nitrate--at a pace that matches the plants ability to absorb it. This means that very little of the fertilizer will likely leach into the groundwater.\r\n\r\nWhile slow release synthetic fertilizers exist, the less expensive synthetic fertilizers tend to contain mainly soluble forms of nitrogen. One benefit of a fertilizer with high soluble nitrogen content is that you get rapid plant response at colder temperatures (i.e. spring) as seen in the graph below where we compared the leading organic fertilizer to the leading brand of synthetic fertilizer. On the graph, the higher the color index, the greener the lawn. Early in the spring the synthetic fertilizer treated lawn is greener than the lawn treated with the organic fertilizer. However, by mid-summer and for the rest of the season very few differences between the two fertilizers persist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3255 size-large\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/synthetic-vs-organic-1024x695.png\" alt=\"synthetic vs organic\" width=\"640\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe’ve studied dozens of different organic lawn fertilizers at the University of Wisconsin and found a wide range in characteristics and responses. Some organic fertilizers contain no soluble nitrogen at all. Others, particularly poultry manure based fertilizers can contain up to 40% soluble nitrogen. We’ve noticed that you can expect a more rapid greening response as the percentage of soluble nitrogen increases. While far too many organic fertilizers exist to list or rank, I suggest finding a few locally (or regionally) produced fertilizers and then choose one from that group that contains some soluble nitrogen. This will give your lawn a quick boost along with a sustained response from the slow release component. Using a local product means a shorter transportation distance and a lower carbon footprint.\r\n<h4>What about phosphorus?</h4>\r\nPhosphorus is a <a href=\"http://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html\" target=\"_blank\">major pollutant of freshwater bodies</a>. Many Midwestern states have passed laws restricting or banning the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. If a <a href=\"https://extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/\" target=\"_blank\">soil test</a> shows adequate phosphorous levels, then using a phosphorus containing fertilizer is unnecessary and potentially harmful to water quality. Some states exempt organic fertilizers from the phosphorus rules, but not because they are particularly less harmful than their synthetic cousins. Phosphorus-free organic sources include blood meal, feather meal, and corn gluten meal, among others. Regardless of phosphorus content, make sure to sweep up any fertilizer thrown or spilled on the street, sidewalk, or driveway. Fertilizer left on these surfaces quickly makes its way into a body of water.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, an organic fertilizer can be an excellent tool for maintaining a healthy lawn. They contain nutrients that the lawn needs, and release those nutrients slowly at a pace that the lawn can absorb – especially in mid-summer. Keeping your lawn dense will not only look good and provide a nice space to enjoy but will, also, keep the soil in place and the weeds out. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn in a while, consider going organic this summer to do the job!','Understanding Organic Fertilizers','','inherit','closed','open','','3229-revision-v1','','','2016-07-06 16:09:08','2016-07-06 16:09:08','',3229,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3229-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3268,2,'2016-07-13 19:50:15','2016-07-13 19:50:15','In cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></a> (EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\n“As a result of discussions with Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition (ECCC) and the Midwest Pesticide Action Center, and our desire to be responsive to resident ideas and concerns, the Elmhurst Park District has selected Van Voorst Park as a pesticide free park site,” states Jim Rogers, Executive Director for the Elmhurst Park District.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls. MPAC recommended natural lawn care controls include mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition Chair. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">committed to eliminating synthetic chemical</a> use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n“In many of the communities MPAC works with, we know there is community interest in pesticide-free outdoor spaces, they just lack a microphone to express that interest,” said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. “The MGG pledge campaign provides that microphone and each new pesticide free park and MGG pledge increases that microphone’s spread and impact in our communities.”\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens MPAC\'s partnerships and collaborations with park districts, local community outreach organizations, and individuals as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','MGG\'s 7th Pesticide-free Park','','publish','closed','open','','pesticide-free-park-7-in-elmhurst','','http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\nhttp://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/','2016-07-14 17:24:42','2016-07-14 17:24:42','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=3268',0,'post','',2),(3269,2,'2016-07-13 18:52:37','2016-07-13 18:52:37','In cooperation with the Elmhurst Park District (EPD) and Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its Midwest Grows Green (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the 2.9 acre Van Voorst Park.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls including mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, President of Cool Cities. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"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.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents committed to eliminating synthetic chemical use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n\"Now, if the Park District wishes to demonstrate proper turf grass watering techniques at the Van Voorst Park site, they can use our network of committed community members to spread the message,\" said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. \"In return, each new MGG pledge signals interest in pesticide reduction at Elmhurst parks and encourages the EPD to grow their pesticide-free park program.\"\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at bit.ly/MGGpledge strengthens the partnership between the EPD, Cool Cities, and MPAC as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','Pesticide-Free Park no. 7 in Elmhurst','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 18:52:37','2016-07-13 18:52:37','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3270,2,'2016-07-13 19:07:02','2016-07-13 19:07:02','In cooperation with the Elmhurst Park District (EPD) and Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its Midwest Grows Green (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the 2.9 acre Van Voorst Park.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls including mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, President of Cool Cities. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"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.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents committed to eliminating synthetic chemical use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n\"Now, if the Park District wishes to demonstrate proper turf grass watering techniques at the Van Voorst Park site, they can use our network of committed community members to spread the message,\" said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. \"In return, each new MGG pledge signals interest in pesticide reduction at Elmhurst parks and encourages the EPD to grow their pesticide-free park program.\"\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at bit.ly/MGGpledge strengthens the partnership between the EPD, Cool Cities, and MPAC as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','Pesticide-Free Park #7 in Elmhurst','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 19:07:02','2016-07-13 19:07:02','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3271,2,'2016-07-13 19:07:32','2016-07-13 19:07:32','','Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4','','inherit','closed','open','','elmhurst-pesticide-free-park-4','','','2016-07-13 19:07:32','2016-07-13 19:07:32','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3272,2,'2016-07-13 19:35:44','2016-07-13 19:35:44','In cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></a> (EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"bit.ly/MGGweb\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls including mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, President of Cool Cities. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"bit.ly/MGGpledge\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents committed to eliminating synthetic chemical use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n\"Now, if the Park District wishes to demonstrate proper turf grass watering techniques at the Van Voorst Park site, they can use our network of committed community members to spread the message,\" said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. \"In return, each new MGG pledge signals interest in pesticide reduction at Elmhurst parks and encourages the EPD to grow their pesticide-free park program.\"\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"bit.ly/MGGpledge\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens the partnership between the EPD, Cool Cities, and MPAC as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','Pesticide-Free Park #7 in Elmhurst','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 19:35:44','2016-07-13 19:35:44','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3273,2,'2016-07-13 19:43:02','2016-07-13 19:43:02','In cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></a> (EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls including mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, President of Cool Cities. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"bit.ly/MGGpledge\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents committed to eliminating synthetic chemical use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n\"Now, if the Park District wishes to demonstrate proper turf grass watering techniques at the Van Voorst Park site, they can use our network of committed community members to spread the message,\" said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. \"In return, each new MGG pledge signals interest in pesticide reduction at Elmhurst parks and encourages the EPD to grow their pesticide-free park program.\"\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"bit.ly/MGGpledge\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens the partnership between the EPD, Cool Cities, and MPAC as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','Pesticide-Free Park #7 in Elmhurst','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 19:43:02','2016-07-13 19:43:02','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3274,2,'2016-07-13 19:44:39','2016-07-13 19:44:39','In cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></a> (EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls including mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, President of Cool Cities. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">committed to eliminating synthetic chemical</a> use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n\"Now, if the Park District wishes to demonstrate proper turf grass watering techniques at the Van Voorst Park site, they can use our network of committed community members to spread the message,\" said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. \"In return, each new MGG pledge signals interest in pesticide reduction at Elmhurst parks and encourages the EPD to grow their pesticide-free park program.\"\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens the partnership between the EPD, Cool Cities, and MPAC as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','Pesticide-Free Park #7 in Elmhurst','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 19:44:39','2016-07-13 19:44:39','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3275,2,'2016-07-13 19:47:54','2016-07-13 19:47:54','<h2>The Elmhurst Park District designates 2.9 acres of turf at Van Voorst Park for pesticide-free tre<img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" />atment</h2>\r\nIn cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a>\r\n(EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls including mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, President of Cool Cities. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">committed to eliminating synthetic chemical</a> use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n\"Now, if the Park District wishes to demonstrate proper turf grass watering techniques at the Van Voorst Park site, they can use our network of committed community members to spread the message,\" said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. \"In return, each new MGG pledge signals interest in pesticide reduction at Elmhurst parks and encourages the EPD to grow their pesticide-free park program.\"\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens the partnership between the EPD, Cool Cities, and MPAC as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','Pesticide-Free Park #7 in Elmhurst','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 19:47:54','2016-07-13 19:47:54','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3276,2,'2016-07-13 19:48:17','2016-07-13 19:48:17','<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>The Elmhurst Park District designates 2.9 acres\r\nof turf at Van Voorst Park for pesticide-free tre\r\natment</h3>\r\nIn cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a>\r\n(EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls including mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, President of Cool Cities. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">committed to eliminating synthetic chemical</a> use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n\"Now, if the Park District wishes to demonstrate proper turf grass watering techniques at the Van Voorst Park site, they can use our network of committed community members to spread the message,\" said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. \"In return, each new MGG pledge signals interest in pesticide reduction at Elmhurst parks and encourages the EPD to grow their pesticide-free park program.\"\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens the partnership between the EPD, Cool Cities, and MPAC as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','Pesticide-Free Park #7 in Elmhurst','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 19:48:17','2016-07-13 19:48:17','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3277,2,'2016-07-13 19:48:32','2016-07-13 19:48:32','<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></h3>\r\n<h3>The Elmhurst Park District designates 2.9 acres of turf at Van Voorst Park for pesticide-free treatment</h3>\r\nIn cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a>\r\n(EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls including mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, President of Cool Cities. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">committed to eliminating synthetic chemical</a> use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n\"Now, if the Park District wishes to demonstrate proper turf grass watering techniques at the Van Voorst Park site, they can use our network of committed community members to spread the message,\" said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. \"In return, each new MGG pledge signals interest in pesticide reduction at Elmhurst parks and encourages the EPD to grow their pesticide-free park program.\"\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens the partnership between the EPD, Cool Cities, and MPAC as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','Pesticide-Free Park #7 in Elmhurst','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 19:48:32','2016-07-13 19:48:32','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3278,2,'2016-07-13 19:49:28','2016-07-13 19:49:28','In cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></a> (EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls including mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, President of Cool Cities. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">committed to eliminating synthetic chemical</a> use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n\"Now, if the Park District wishes to demonstrate proper turf grass watering techniques at the Van Voorst Park site, they can use our network of committed community members to spread the message,\" said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. \"In return, each new MGG pledge signals interest in pesticide reduction at Elmhurst parks and encourages the EPD to grow their pesticide-free park program.\"\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens the partnership between the EPD, Cool Cities, and MPAC as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','Pesticide-Free Park #7 in Elmhurst','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 19:49:28','2016-07-13 19:49:28','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3279,2,'2016-07-14 17:24:39','2016-07-14 17:24:39','In cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></a> (EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\n\n“As a result of discussions with Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition (ECCC) and the Midwest Pesticide Action Center, and our desire to be responsive to resident ideas and concerns, the Elmhurst Park District has selected Van Voorst Park as a pesticide free park site,” states Jim Rogers, Executive Director for the Elmhurst Park District.\n\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls. MPAC recommended natural lawn care controls include mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\n\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition Chair. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\n\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\n\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\n\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">committed to eliminating synthetic chemical</a> use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\n\n“In many of the communities MPAC works with, we know there is community interest in pesticide-free outdoor spaces, they just lack a microphone to express that interest,” said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. “The MGG pledge campaign provides that microphone and each new pesticide free park and MGG pledge increases that microphone’s spread and impact in our communities.”\n\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens MPAC\'s partnerships and collaborations with park districts, local community outreach organizations, and individuals as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','MGG\'s 7th Pesticide-free Park','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-autosave-v1','','','2016-07-14 17:24:39','2016-07-14 17:24:39','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3280,2,'2016-07-13 20:45:43','2016-07-13 20:45:43','In cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></a> (EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls. MPAC recommended natural lawn care controls include mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, President of Cool Cities. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">committed to eliminating synthetic chemical</a> use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n\"Now, if the Park District wishes to demonstrate proper turf grass watering techniques at the Van Voorst Park site, they can use our network of committed community members to spread the message,\" said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. \"In return, each new MGG pledge signals interest in pesticide reduction at Elmhurst parks and encourages the EPD to grow their pesticide-free park program.\"\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens the partnership between the EPD, Cool Cities, and MPAC as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','Pesticide-Free Park #7 in Elmhurst','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 20:45:43','2016-07-13 20:45:43','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3281,2,'2016-07-13 21:23:57','2016-07-13 21:23:57','In cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></a> (EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\n“As a result of discussions with Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition (ECCC) and the Midwest Pesticide Action Center, and our desire to be responsive to resident ideas and concerns, the Elmhurst Park District has selected Van Voorst Park as a pesticide free park site,” states Jim Rogers, Executive Director for the Elmhurst Park District.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls. MPAC recommended natural lawn care controls include mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, President of Cool Cities. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">committed to eliminating synthetic chemical</a> use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n“In many of the communities MPAC works with we know there is community interest in moving towards pesticide-free outdoor spaces, they just lack a microphone to express that interest,” said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. “The MGG pledge campaign provides that microphone and each new pesticide free park and MGG pledge increases that microphone’s spread and impact in our communities.”\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens MPAC\'s partnerships and collaborations with park districts, local community outreach organizations, and individuals as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','Pesticide-Free Park #7 in Elmhurst','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 21:23:57','2016-07-13 21:23:57','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3282,2,'2016-07-13 21:31:44','2016-07-13 21:31:44','In cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></a> (EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\n“As a result of discussions with Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition (ECCC) and the Midwest Pesticide Action Center, and our desire to be responsive to resident ideas and concerns, the Elmhurst Park District has selected Van Voorst Park as a pesticide free park site,” states Jim Rogers, Executive Director for the Elmhurst Park District.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls. MPAC recommended natural lawn care controls include mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition Chair. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">committed to eliminating synthetic chemical</a> use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n“In many of the communities MPAC works with we know there is community interest in moving towards pesticide-free outdoor spaces, they just lack a microphone to express that interest,” said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. “The MGG pledge campaign provides that microphone and each new pesticide free park and MGG pledge increases that microphone’s spread and impact in our communities.”\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens MPAC\'s partnerships and collaborations with park districts, local community outreach organizations, and individuals as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','MGG\'s 7th Pesticide-free Park','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-13 21:31:44','2016-07-13 21:31:44','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3284,2,'2016-07-14 17:24:42','2016-07-14 17:24:42','In cooperation with the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Park District</a><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3271\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Elmhurst-Pesticide-free-Park-4-300x150.jpg\" alt=\"Elmhurst Pesticide-free Park 4\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" /></a> (EPD) and <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition</a>, Midwest Pesticide Action Center (MPAC) and its <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> (MGG) initiative succeeded again in creating safer and healthier outdoor spaces for children, pets, and wildlife, this time by establishing a test site for pesticide-free lawn maintenance at the <a href=\"http://www.epd.org/parks/van-voorst-park\" target=\"_blank\">2.9 acre Van Voorst Park</a>.\r\n\r\n“As a result of discussions with Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition (ECCC) and the Midwest Pesticide Action Center, and our desire to be responsive to resident ideas and concerns, the Elmhurst Park District has selected Van Voorst Park as a pesticide free park site,” states Jim Rogers, Executive Director for the Elmhurst Park District.\r\n\r\nThe EPD will move away from all pesticide applications at the site, which is adjacent to Jefferson Elementary School, and manage weed and pest problems with cultural and mechanical controls. MPAC recommended natural lawn care controls include mowing at higher heights (3 inches), aerating, overseeding, and physical weed removal.\r\n\r\n\"Testing a pesticide-free surface near Jefferson Elementary Schools should bring piece-of-mind to parents and caregivers who worry about the health hazards linked to lawn pesticides and herbicides,\" said Lisa Gerhold, Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition Chair. \"Our children are the most vulnerable to the potential dangers of toxic pesticide exposure as their bodies and immune systems develop.\"\r\n\r\nElmhurst Cool Cities has pursued a pesticide-free park since November of last year and partnered with MPAC on the <a href=\"http://www.elmhurstcoolcities.org/pesticide-free-lawns/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green \"Keep ON the Grass\" pledge campaign</a> to educated the Elmhurst community about natural lawn care practices.\r\n\r\n\"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,\" said Gerhold. \"It only takes a minute to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">sign the pledge</a> and by doing so, you are committing to reduce the negative health effects pesticides have on humans, pets, and wildlife.\"\r\n\r\nSince the middle of March, Cool Cities and MPAC have built strong community support with residents <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">committed to eliminating synthetic chemical</a> use on their own lawns and gardens and at all locations where we live, learn, and play. Adding this pesticide-free park elevates the importance of the MGG movement in Elmhurst, and assists Cool Cities as it strives to educate citizens on the health and environmental importance of natural lawn care practices and achieve more pesticide-free outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\n“In many of the communities MPAC works with, we know there is community interest in pesticide-free outdoor spaces, they just lack a microphone to express that interest,” said Ryan Anderson, program and communications manager at MPAC. “The MGG pledge campaign provides that microphone and each new pesticide free park and MGG pledge increases that microphone’s spread and impact in our communities.”\r\n\r\nThe movement in Elmhurst (and the greater Midwest) needs your support. Taking the pledge at <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/community-engagement/take-the-pledge/\" target=\"_blank\">bit.ly/MGGpledge</a> strengthens MPAC\'s partnerships and collaborations with park districts, local community outreach organizations, and individuals as we work to achieve full-scale lawn maintenance behavior change in Elmhurst and Midwest-wide.','MGG\'s 7th Pesticide-free Park','','inherit','closed','open','','3268-revision-v1','','','2016-07-14 17:24:42','2016-07-14 17:24:42','',3268,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3268-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3285,2,'2016-07-15 14:46:45','2016-07-15 14:46:45','<h2>Resources</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of toolkits, guides, and factsheets to help you reduce your exposure to pesticides. Our information empowers renters, homeowners, managers, parents, and decision-makers to make smart decisions that lead to healthier communities.\r\n\r\nContinue reading<a name=\"Features\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Features\">Feature Publications</a>, <a href=\"#Home\">In Your Home</a>, <a href=\"#Community\">In Your Community</a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>Feature Publications</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit: </strong>The basics of natural lawn care, health benefits of switching to natural lawn care, and practical tools and example documents to use during a campaign.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activists Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit:</strong> Information about pesticide reduction as a sustainable cost effective choice for municipal operations.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green: A Guide to Growing an Environmentally-Friendly Lawn &amp; Garden: </strong>Reduce your contribution to climate change, help your lawn and garden adapt to a changing environment, and produce beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Guide</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<strong>Human Health and Pesticides: Glyphosate and 2,4-D:</strong> This white paper discusses the common active ingredients in lawn pesticides of Glyphosate and 2,4-D and their human health impacts.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/MPAC_WhitePaper-final-12.11.15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Human Health and Pesticides White Paper</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Schools/Childcares:</strong> The materials your school needs to put an IPM program in place, including sample policies, forms and protocol.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: </strong>View our bed bug policy, which demonstrates the necessity of taking action on this issue.\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/WIH_MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs-2015.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan</a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n<a name=\"Home\"></a>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\nThe following publications are also available for download. Some publications offer downloads in multiple languages. <span class=\"orange\">Click or tap a title to start download.</span>\r\n<h3>In Your Home</h3>\r\n<h4>Indoors</h4>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance Essentials\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Ordinance for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Arabic1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Arabic</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/MPAC-BedBugOrdTen_FS_Burmese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Burmese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Tenants Rights and Responsibilities English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Tenants-Rights-and-Responsibilities-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Tenants English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Spanish1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Tenants-Checklist-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Tenants-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-How-Do-I-Know-Im-Receiving-IPM-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">How Do I Know I\'m Receiving IPM Factsheet</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/WI_MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">10 Steps to Pest Control English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WI_MPAC-Pest-Control-Companies-That-Provide-IPM.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pest Control Companies That Provide IPM</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Ants.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Ants</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Cockroaches.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Cockroaches</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mice-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mice</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bed-Bug-Ordinance-Essentials.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a>\r\n<h4>Outdoors</h4>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Products-for-Your-Natural-Lawn1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Products for Your Natural Lawn</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/MPAC-Natural-Lawn-Care-for-Homeowners.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care for Homeowners</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Read-Your-Weeds.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Read Your Weeds</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Mosquito-Misters-What-You-Need-to-Know.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquito Misters: What You Need to Know</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Complete-Mosquito-Factsheet-Update.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Mosquitos and West Nile Virus</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/MPAC-Pets-and-Pesticides-TU.pdf\" target=\"blank\">Pets and Pesticides</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Asthma-Pests-and-Pesticides.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Asthma, Pests, and Pesticides</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Truth-About-Head-Lice.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Truth About Head Lice</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Reasonable-Accomodations-for-Renters.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reasonable Accommodations for Renters with Pest Problems</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Chinese.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Chinese</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-Polish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Polish</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-French.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">French</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-all-vols-2015.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter All Volumes</a><a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/BiteBack_Spring14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 13\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BiteBack_vol14.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.14</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 15\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-Vol.-15.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.15</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 16\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WIH_MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletter-Vol.16.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.16</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" title=\"B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol. 16\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BiteBack_Summer16-vol.-17.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter vol.17</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Bed Bug Poster English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bedbugs-Poster-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-English.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bug Checklist for Landlords English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bed-Bug-Checklist-for-Landlords-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/WIH_MPAC-How-to-Hire-a-PCO-For-BB.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">How to Hire a Pest Control Operator For Bed Bugs</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Bee-Friendly-Garden.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">A Bee-Friendly Garden is a Pesticide-Free Garden</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MWGG_Brochure_final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green Brochure</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Talking-to-Your-Neighbors-About-Pesticides1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Talking to Your Neighbors About Pesticides</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-Factsheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Free-Zone-Sign-order-form-color.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Free Zone Sign Order Form</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/WOY_MPAC-Midwest-Natural-Lawn-Care-Companies3.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Natural Lawn Care Companies</a> <a name=\"Community\"></a>\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<h3>In Your Community</h3>\r\n[one_half]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Activist\'s Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Resource Guide for IPM in Schools and Childcares</a><strong>\r\n</strong><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Healthy Parks Campaign</a>\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Parents\' Right to Know Notification Guidelines English</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines-Spanish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Spanish</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Reducing-Pesticides-in-Schools-a-Parents-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Reducing Pesticides in Schools: A Parent\'s Guide</a>\r\n<a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MPAC-Bed-Bugs-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Bed Bugs in Schools and Childcares\r\n</a><a class=\"download\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WOY_MPAC-Pesticide-Disposal-The-Right-Way.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Disposal the Right Way</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]','Resources','','inherit','closed','open','','119-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:46:45','2016-07-15 14:46:45','',119,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/119-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3286,2,'2016-07-15 14:48:13','2016-07-15 14:48:13','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-359\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2100-x-1400-DandelionHeadband-e1380813500621.jpg\" alt=\"Dandelion Headband\" width=\"719\" height=\"320\" />\r\n<h2>What We Do</h2>\r\nFor the past 20 years, Midwest Pesticide Action Center has been working at the local, state, and regional levels to protect people and the environment from the dangers of pesticides through advocacy, education, and outreach. Learn more about our programs below:\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a title=\"Keeping Kids Healthy\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/keeping-kids-healthy/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-186\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KeepingKidsHealthy-Feature-e1380813731780.jpg\" alt=\"KeepingKidsHealthy small\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Keeping Kids Healthy</h3>\r\nWe work with school administration and parents to reduce pesticide use where our children live, learn, and play.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Keeping Kids Healthy\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/keeping-kids-healthy/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a title=\"Maintaining Healthy Parks\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/maintaining-healthy-parks/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-206\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/HealthyParks-Feature-e1384186332571.jpg\" alt=\"HealthyParks-Feature\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Maintaining Healthy Parks</h3>\r\nWe engage communities and park districts to cultivate sustainable, healthy spaces.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Maintaining Healthy Parks\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/maintaining-healthy-parks/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third_last]\r\n<a style=\"font-size: 13px;\" title=\"Reducing Climate Impact\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/reducing-climate-impact/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380920002738.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Reducing Climate Impact</h3>\r\nGrows Green educates retailers in order to help customers make climate-friendly lawn and garden choices.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Reducing Climate Impact\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/reducing-climate-impact/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third_last]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a title=\"Preserving Water Quality\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/preserving-water-quality/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-386\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/water-e1380920131967.jpg\" alt=\"water\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Preserving Water Quality</h3>\r\nWe promote healthy lawn and landscape practices to protect water resources throughout the Midwest.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Preserving Water Quality\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/preserving-water-quality/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a title=\"Managing Healthy Homes\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/managing-healthy-homes/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-362\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3184-x-2120-DSC_7272_00201767-e1380814093111.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_7272_00201767\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Managing Healthy Homes</h3>\r\nWe advocate for safe and healthy living spaces by educating residents and building managers on integrated pest management.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Managing Healthy Homes\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/managing-healthy-homes/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third_last]\r\n<a title=\"Beating Back Bed Bugs\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/beating-back-bed-bugs/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-375\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000001262286Large-Bedroom-e1380814154698.jpg\" alt=\"Bedroom\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Beating Back Bed Bugs</h3>\r\nWe inform individuals and institutions on safe, effective ways to control bed bugs that minimize exposure to toxic chemicals.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Beating Back Bed Bugs\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/beating-back-bed-bugs/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third_last]\r\n\r\n[one_third]\r\n<a title=\"Advancing Toxic-Free Policies\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000015557555Large-Pillars-e1380814216162.jpg\" alt=\"Pillars of Law and Information at the United States Supreme Cour\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Advancing Toxic-Free Policies</h3>\r\nWe partner with governments on the local and state levels and empower the public to guard against pesticide exposure.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Advancing Toxic-Free Policies\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">Learn More</a>\r\n[/one_third]\r\n\r\n[one_third_last]\r\n<a title=\"Working Toward Environmental Justice\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/working-toward-environmental-justice/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-395\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/coal-plant-bus524-e1380814261197.jpg\" alt=\"coal plant bus\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Working Toward Environmental Justice</h3>\r\nWe help protect low-income and minority communities from the effects associated with disproportionate exposure to toxic chemicals.\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"Working Toward Environmental Justice\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/working-toward-environmental-justice/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_third_last]','What We Do','','inherit','closed','open','','6-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:48:13','2016-07-15 14:48:13','',6,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/6-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3287,2,'2016-07-15 14:48:25','2016-07-15 14:48:25','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-359\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2100-x-1400-DandelionHeadband-e1380813500621.jpg\" alt=\"Dandelion Headband\" width=\"719\" height=\"320\" />\r\n<h2>What We Do</h2>\r\nFor the past 20 years, Midwest Pesticide Action Center has been working at the local, state, and regional levels to protect people and the environment from the dangers of pesticides through advocacy, education, and outreach. Learn more about our programs below: [one_third] <a title=\"Keeping Kids Healthy\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/keeping-kids-healthy/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-186\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KeepingKidsHealthy-Feature-e1380813731780.jpg\" alt=\"KeepingKidsHealthy small\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Keeping Kids Healthy</h3>\r\nWe work with school administration and parents to reduce pesticide use where our children live, learn, and play. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Keeping Kids Healthy\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/keeping-kids-healthy/\">Learn More</a> [/one_third] [one_third] <a title=\"Maintaining Healthy Parks\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/maintaining-healthy-parks/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-206\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/HealthyParks-Feature-e1384186332571.jpg\" alt=\"HealthyParks-Feature\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Maintaining Healthy Parks</h3>\r\nWe engage communities and park districts to cultivate sustainable, healthy spaces. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Maintaining Healthy Parks\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/maintaining-healthy-parks/\">Learn More</a> [/one_third] [one_third_last] <a style=\"font-size: 13px;\" title=\"Reducing Climate Impact\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/reducing-climate-impact/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380920002738.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Reducing Climate Impact</h3>\r\nGrows Green educates retailers in order to help customers make climate-friendly lawn and garden choices. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Reducing Climate Impact\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/reducing-climate-impact/\">Learn More</a> [/one_third_last] [one_third] <a title=\"Preserving Water Quality\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/preserving-water-quality/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-386\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/water-e1380920131967.jpg\" alt=\"water\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Preserving Water Quality</h3>\r\nWe promote healthy lawn and landscape practices to protect water resources throughout the Midwest. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Preserving Water Quality\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/preserving-water-quality/\">Learn More</a> [/one_third] [one_third] <a title=\"Managing Healthy Homes\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/managing-healthy-homes/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-362\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3184-x-2120-DSC_7272_00201767-e1380814093111.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_7272_00201767\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Managing Healthy Homes</h3>\r\nWe advocate for safe and healthy living spaces by educating residents and building managers on integrated pest management. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Managing Healthy Homes\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/managing-healthy-homes/\">Learn More</a> [/one_third] [one_third_last] <a title=\"Beating Back Bed Bugs\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/beating-back-bed-bugs/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-375\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000001262286Large-Bedroom-e1380814154698.jpg\" alt=\"Bedroom\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Beating Back Bed Bugs</h3>\r\nWe inform individuals and institutions on safe, effective ways to control bed bugs that minimize exposure to toxic chemicals. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Beating Back Bed Bugs\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/beating-back-bed-bugs/\">Learn More</a> [/one_third_last] [one_third] <a title=\"Advancing Toxic-Free Policies\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000015557555Large-Pillars-e1380814216162.jpg\" alt=\"Pillars of Law and Information at the United States Supreme Cour\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Advancing Toxic-Free Policies</h3>\r\nWe partner with governments on the local and state levels and empower the public to guard against pesticide exposure. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Advancing Toxic-Free Policies\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">Learn More</a> [/one_third] [one_third_last] <a title=\"Working Toward Environmental Justice\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/working-toward-environmental-justice/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-395\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/coal-plant-bus524-e1380814261197.jpg\" alt=\"coal plant bus\" width=\"220\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Working Toward Environmental Justice</h3>\r\nWe help protect low-income and minority communities from the effects associated with disproportionate exposure to toxic chemicals. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Working Toward Environmental Justice\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/working-toward-environmental-justice/\">Learn More</a> [/one_third_last]','What We Do','','inherit','closed','open','','6-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:48:25','2016-07-15 14:48:25','',6,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/6-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3288,2,'2016-07-15 14:48:59','2016-07-15 14:48:59','<img class=\"alignnone  wp-image-244\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000015557555Large-Pillars.jpg\" alt=\"Pillars of Law and Information at the United States Supreme Court\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" />\r\n<h1>Advancing Toxic-Free Policies</h1>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center protects communities’ air, water, and wildlife from the dangerous health and environmental impacts of pesticides. To achieve this goal, we work with local and regional governments to limit pesticide use and empower the public to protect themselves through education about these toxic chemicals.\r\n\r\nTogether, we work to make pesticide reduction an essential element on legislative agendas. Midwest Pesticide Action Center played an instrumental role in the success of the following policies:\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Schools\">State of Illinois Integrated Pest Management in Schools Law</a>, <a href=\"#Lawn\">State of Illinois Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act</a>, <a href=\"#Parents\">State of Illinois Parents Right-to-Know Law</a>, <a href=\"#Ordinance\">City of Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</a>, <a href=\"#Evanston\">The City of Evanston Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide-Reduction Resolution</a>,<a name=\"Schools\"></a> <a href=\"#FP\">The Village of Franklin Park Sustainable Pest-Control Resolution</a>\r\n<h2>State of Illinois Integrated Pest Management in Schools Law</h2>\r\nIllinois requires schools and licensed childcare facilities to adopt an Integrated Pest Management program. Illinois law, also, requires public schools and licensed childcare centers to stop routine pesticide spraying and to notify parents and staff before applying indoor pesticides.<a name=\"Lawn\"></a>\r\n<a class=\"more\" href=\"http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/pubact91/acts/91-0525.html\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n<h2>State of Illinois Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act</h2>\r\nThe Illinois Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act requires pesticide companies to place markers on lawns at the time of application and provide the customer with information on the product used. In addition, any adjacent neighbor has a legal right to be notified in advance of neighbors’ pesticide applications. If you request a notification, the company hired by your neighbor must contact you one day ahead in person or by telephone to let you know what they will apply, and the date and approximate time of application.<a name=\"Parents\"></a> <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/pubact91/acts/91-0099.html\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n<h2>State of Illinois Parents Right-to-Know Law</h2>\r\nThe Parents Right-to-Know Law amends the Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act, administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, by requiring schools and childcare facilities to provide notification prior to the application of pesticides on school grounds. Parents must receive a written notification via a newsletter, bulletin, calendar, or other correspondence published by the school district.<a name=\"Ordinance\"></a> <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=096-0424\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n<h2>City of Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h2>\r\nOn June 5th, 2013, Chicago became one of the first U.S. cities to pass a comprehensive bed bug ordinance.  Midwest Pesticide Action Center has long advocated for the ordinance, which began with our report,  <em><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs.pdf\">Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago: Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan</a></em><i>,</i> submitted to the mayor\'s office in 2011. Sponsored by Ray Suarez of the 31st Ward, Harry Osterman of the 48th Ward, and Debra Silverstein of the 50th Ward, this ordinance requires property owners to provide pest-control management utilizing proven best practices.\r\n\r\nThe ordinance also outlines responsibilities for tenants and business owners and directs the Department of Public Health to develop an educational campaign with the most current information on bed bug control on its website. Non-compliance will result in fines for property owners of up to $2,000 a day for failing to take steps to eradicate bed bug infestations.<a name=\"Evanston\"></a> <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://chicago.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=1255501&amp;GUID=CED19AF3-ADD2-4771-BDDB-04923461D3AC&amp;Options=Advanced&amp;Search=\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a><i><span style=\"color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\">\r\n</span></span></span></i>\r\n<h2>The City of Evanston Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide-Reduction Resolution</h2>\r\nThe City of Evanston serves as a model on the use of sustainable pest control and natural lawn care practices and illustrates how to increase awareness. In 2010, the city created the Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide Reduction Resolution. This resolution reduces the use of pesticides through the use of sustainable pest-control practices on city-owned or leased property and educates the public and private sectors. Midwest Pesticide Action Center played an instrumental role in authoring the policy, working with city staff and the environment board for nearly two years on this initiative.<a name=\"FP\"></a> <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://www.cityofevanston.org/pdf/20-R-10IntegratedPestManagement3-16-2010.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a> <a title=\"Learn More\" href=\"http://www.cityofevanston.org/pdf/20-R-10IntegratedPestManagement3-16-2010.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\">\r\n</span></span></span></span></a>\r\n<h2>The Village of Franklin Park Sustainable Pest-Control Resolution</h2>\r\nThe Village of Franklin Park’s resolution put in place a sustainable pest control and pesticide policy, which requires the reduction of pesticide applications on village-owned or leased property to the maximum extent feasible with the least toxic Integrated Pest Management techniques. The village used the Evanston Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide Reduction Resolution as inspiration. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://www.spcpweb.org/attachments/FranklinParkFullResolutionText.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a> <a title=\"Learn More\" href=\"http://www.spcpweb.org/attachments/FranklinParkFullResolutionText.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\">\r\n</span></span></span></span></a>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Laws to Protect you from Outdoor Pesticides:</strong> For information about the laws in place to protect you from outdoor pesticides in Illinois. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Laws to Protect You\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Laws-to-Protect-you-from-Outdoor-Pesticides.pdf\">\r\nLearn More </a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Notification Guidelines – Parents Rights to Know:</strong> For information on your rights to protect your children where they learn and play. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ParentsRight-to-Know-NotificationGuidelines.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Advancing Toxic-Free Policies','','inherit','closed','open','','221-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:48:59','2016-07-15 14:48:59','',221,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/221-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3289,2,'2016-07-15 14:49:20','2016-07-15 14:49:20','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000001262286Large-Bedroom-e1380746954290.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-375\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000001262286Large-Bedroom-e1380746954290.jpg\" alt=\"Bedroom\" width=\"500\" height=\"289\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Beating Back Bed Bugs</h1>\r\nOne out of every five Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their home or knows someone who has. Bed bugs can live everywhere—from single-family homes, apartment buildings, and shelters, to office buildings and hotels. Residents, building managers, and businesses take desperate measures to control these tenacious pests, often leading to dangerous use and misuse of pesticides that aggravate asthma and cause unnecessary exposure to high levels of chemicals. Minimal use of pesticides can safely and effectively control Bed bugs. Midwest Pesticide Action Center holds training events, workshops, and has developed outreach materials to educate residents and institutions on how to spot early signs of bed bug infestations, response strategies, and effective treatment options. Continue reading<a name=\"Events\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Events\">Bed Bugs and Chicago Training Events</a>, <a href=\"#Outreach\">Outreach that Informs and Empowers</a>, <a href=\"#Policy\">Policy Making</a>, <a href=\"#Change\">Making Institutional Change</a>\r\n<h2>Bed Bugs and Chicago Training Events</h2>\r\nBeing informed and aware is the best way of controlling bed bugs. We hold training events throughout Chicago and provide a basic knowledge of bed bug behavior and control.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We offer sessions to residents, landlords, and business owners.</li>\r\n	<li>Designed in a “Train the Trainer” format, we provide attendees with materials and tools to share what they learn with their own organizations and residents.</li>\r\n	<li>Bed Bugs in Chicago has trained over 3,100 individuals and impacted an estimated 144,000 households.</li>\r\n	<li>Visit the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\">Upcoming Events Page</a> to sign up for the next training.</li>\r\n	<li>Subscribe to our e-newsletter to be alerted when new events are<a name=\"Outreach\"></a> scheduled.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2013-Regional-Bedbug-Flyer-Banner-2.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-911 aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2013-Regional-Bedbug-Flyer-Banner-2-1024x411.jpg\" alt=\"2013 Regional Bedbug Flyer Banner 2\" width=\"410\" height=\"164\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Outreach That Informs and Empowers</h2>\r\nWe provide a number of resources that inform landlords and residents on their rights and responsibilities when it comes to bed bug treatment.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BITE-Back-Volume-12-Page-1.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-913 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BITE-Back-Volume-12-Page-1-791x1024.jpg\" alt=\"BITE Back Volume 12 Page 1\" width=\"230\" height=\"298\" /></a>The <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.1-11.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">B.I.T.E. Back! Newsletter</a> explores new options on controlling bed bugs and how to make informed decisions when paying for services and products.</li>\r\n	<li>We have many materials in Spanish, and some in Polish, French, and Mandarin.</li>\r\n	<li>Participating in and hosting information sessions on the Chicago Bed Bug<a name=\"Policy\"></a> Ordinance.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Policy Making</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center works to impact the greatest number of people for the greatest good.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>As part of our appointment duties to the Structural Pest Control Task Force,<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs-page-0-e1385066657229.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1094 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs-page-0-e1385066657229.jpg\" alt=\"MPAC Battling Bed Bugs-page-0\" width=\"245\" height=\"317\" /></a> we worked with the state on the <a href=\"http://spcpweb.org/attachments/SOBBREPORT_10_14_11Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">State of Bed Bugs in Illinois report</a>, which makes recommendations regarding next steps for the state’s response to the bed bug problem.</li>\r\n	<li>Midwest Pesticide Action Center helped the City of Chicago’s City Council to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">pass the public health-protection ordinance</a> on bed bugs, which classifies bed bugs as a public nuisance.</li>\r\n	<li>The ordinance passed in 2013 and was based on the 2011 Midwest Pesticide Action Center Report: Bed Bugs: Making the Case for a Comprehensive<a name=\"Change\"></a> Approach.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Making Institutional Change</h2>\r\nThrough customized training, workshops, and one-on-one education, Midwest Pesticide Action Center works with institutions and building managers to develop strategies for structural and mechanical methods, monitoring, sanitation, and non-chemical and least-toxic treatments for the control of bed bugs and helps ensures the health of thousands of people. A short list of institutions we have worked with includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Chicago Housing Authority</li>\r\n	<li>Heartland Alliance</li>\r\n	<li>Chicago Department of Family Support Services</li>\r\n	<li>Mercy Housing</li>\r\n	<li>LUCHA</li>\r\n	<li>The University of Arizona</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote>“We provide homes for the most vulnerable populations of society and have been greatly affected by the resurgence of bedbugs in the area. Our experience with this ‘new normal’ has really affected us and [Midwest Pesticide Action Center] has been an excellent ally in advising us on early detection and providing training resources for both our staff and participants. The training and informative resources [Midwest Pesticide Action Center] has provided to our organization are priceless.” - Director of Property Management, Heartland Housing</blockquote>\r\nContact Ruth Kerzee at rkerzee@pesticideaction.org if your organization is interested in working with Midwest Pesticide Action Center. The<a title=\"Polk Bros. Foundation\" href=\"http://www.polkbrosfdn.org/\" target=\"_blank\"> Polk Bros. Foundation</a> and the <a title=\"City of Chicago Bed Bug Information\" href=\"http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/bed_bug_information.html\" target=\"_blank\">City of Chicago</a> funds most of our Beating Back Bed Bugs program.\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>University of Arizona Bed Bug Survey: </strong>Learn more about the study and take the survey to help researchers understand the factors behind bed bug infestations. <a class=\"more\" title=\"University of Arizona Bed Bug Survey\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/university-of-arizona-bed-bug-survey/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Battling Bed Bugs in Chicago- Making the Case for a Comprehensive Plan: </strong>Policy paper produced by Midwest Pesticide Action Center. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Battling-Bed-Bugs.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance:</strong> The City of Chicago passes a comprehensive public health-protection ordinance on bed bug control. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">Learn More </a>\r\n\r\n<strong>B.I.T.E. Back!</strong> We have 11 previous issues of the BITE Back! newsletter, which provides timely information on bed bug treatment and control. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/MPAC-BITE-Back-newsletters-vol.1-11.pdf\">Download All Issues </a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on controlling the spread of bed bugs by making smart decisions. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>View Resources</strong> in multiple languages for efficient and safe ways to control bed bugs.  <a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">Learn More</a>','Beating Back Bed Bugs','','inherit','closed','open','','216-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:49:20','2016-07-15 14:49:20','',216,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/216-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3290,2,'2016-07-15 14:49:43','2016-07-15 14:49:43','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/water-e1380748048293.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-386\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/water-e1380748048293.jpg\" alt=\"water\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Preserving Water Quality</h1>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center protects water resources by promoting healthy lawn and landscape practices. Maintaining healthy rivers, streams, brooks, and lakes is vitally important to the health and wellbeing of the areas we inhabit, protecting wildlife, and securing safe, clean drinking water.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"L2L\"></a> for: <a href=\"#L2L\">Lawn to Lake</a>, <a href=\"#LS\">Lawn to Lake Successes</a>, <a href=\"#Training\">Training</a>\r\n<h3>Lawn to Lake</h3>\r\nThe Great Lakes are a vital natural resource. They represent approximately 20 percent of the world’s fresh surface water and provide habitat for more than 100 species of rare plants and animals. Additionally, 42 million people depend on the Great Lakes for their drinking water. Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with Lawn to Lake, a regional collaboration, to protect water resources in the Lake Michigan basin.\r\n\r\nOur outreach and training program promotes healthier landscape practices to reduce pollution. With funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center and its partners in the Lawn to Lake Program help professional landscapers, municipalities, and homeowners make better decisions in how they maintain their outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nThe Lawn to Lake Program, lead by the <a href=\"http://www.iiseagrant.org/\">Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant</a> and supported by the <a title=\"Great Lakes Restoration Initiative\" href=\"http://greatlakesrestoration.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Great Lakes Restorations Initiative</a>, is comprised of the following organizations:\r\n\r\n<a name=\"LS\"></a>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.uvm.edu/seagrant/\">Lake Champlain Sea Grant</a>,</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/\">University of Illinois Extension</a>,</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.nirpc.org/\">Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission</a>, and</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/\">Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Lawn to Lake Successes</h3>\r\nSince its inception, the Lawn to Lake Program has made significant progress toward making the Great Lakes waters less polluted and safer. To date, we have:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Helped 318,066 residents move to natural lawn care through outreach and education;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Reduced weed and feed use by an estimated 1,021,453 pounds; and</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Reduced pesticide use by an estimated 7,864<a name=\"Training\"></a> pounds</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Training</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center holds collaborative workshops in the Midwest so that landscape professionals, municipal leaders, grounds keepers, master gardeners, and residents can learn about the connection between lawn care and water quality and how to create naturally beautiful lawns and landscapes.\r\n\r\nOur most recent event, held in April of 2013,  targeted landscapers. The Lawn to Lake Sustainable Lawn and Landscape Care Workshop successfully trained over 50 professionals in sustainable lawn and landscape care practices and how to communicate the benefits to their clients. The workshop impacted an estimated 13,780 homeowners.\r\n\r\nFor future events, visit our <a title=\"Events\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\">Training and Events</a> page. If you would like to host training with Midwest Pesticide Action Center, contact Ryan Anderson at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\">randerson@pesticideaction.org</a>.\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Activist\'s Toolkit</strong>: For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Activist\'s Toolkit\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Midwest Grows Green: </strong>For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Activist\'s Toolkit\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your impact on water quality by making smart decisions in your home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View All Resources</a>','Preserving Water Quality','','inherit','closed','open','','250-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:49:43','2016-07-15 14:49:43','',250,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/250-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3291,2,'2016-07-15 14:50:09','2016-07-15 14:50:09','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-439\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1500-x-1835-MowingLawn-e1380812811339.jpg\" alt=\"Push Mower\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Reducing Climate Impact</h1>\r\nHere in the Midwest, climate change causes warmer temperatures, heavier rainstorms, more frequent and severe droughts, and earlier plant blooms.  These changes make it increasingly difficult to maintain and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces.\r\n\r\nHowever, our lawns and gardens are not just victims of climate change: the practices and products we use to maintain our outdoor spaces such as over-watering, fertilizer use, and weed killer applications, all contribute to the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Midwest Pesticide Action Center seeks to engage the community in efforts to have the least possible impact on climate change.\r\n\r\nEach of us can do something about climate change right now, starting in our own backyards.\r\n<h2>Midwest Grows Green<img class=\"alignright wp-image-2568 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Guide-for-Participating-Retailers-Cover-233x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"300\" /></h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center created the Midwest Grows Green initiative to help educate residents on maintaining their lawns and gardens in a climate friendly and toxic-free way.\r\n\r\nChicago contributes roughly 34.6 million metric tons of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to the atmosphere each year. Add the six surrounding counties and this number increases to 103 million metric tons. To put it in perspective, the Chicago area accounts for nearly half the total emissions of Illinois.\r\n\r\nSummer of 2015 marked the launch of the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> initiative in Chicago and surrounding communities with four participating retail stores.\r\n\r\nThrough the Midwest Grows Green initiative, Midwest Pesticide Action Center partners with hardware stores and home and garden centers in Cook County to provide:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Useful information to customers and staff on how to reduce emissions through safe lawn-care practices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Workshops, videos, and printed materials to retailers in order to help customers make environmentally friendly lawn and garden choices.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The knowledge that customers need to make informed decisions on buying tools and products that solve the problem at hand but also promote a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z0NpuST4PjXo.kc1Y1GG5_2jI\"><img class=\" wp-image-2818 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204.jpg\" alt=\"Map-of-Participating-Retailers-Pilot-300x204\" width=\"234\" height=\"204\" /></a>\r\n\r\nClick on the image on the right to view the map of participating retailers.\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Home:</strong> For tips on reducing your contribution to climate change by making smart decisions in your yard. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Reducing Climate Impact','','inherit','closed','open','','237-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:50:09','2016-07-15 14:50:09','',237,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/237-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3292,2,'2016-07-15 14:50:27','2016-07-15 14:50:27','<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/coal-plant-bus524-e1380810665847.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-395\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/coal-plant-bus524-e1380810665847.jpg\" alt=\"coal plant bus\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" /></a></h1>\r\n<h1>Working Toward Environmental Justice</h1>\r\nIt is a statistical fact that most people who live, work, and play in America’s most polluted environments reside in marginalized communities with few resources. These groups inherit deteriorating schools and substandard housing (containing lead paint, asbestos, and mold).  Industrial facilities and polluting infrastructures such as highways located near their neighborhoods lead to higher rates of exposure to toxic pollutants such as lead, arsenic, pesticides, and other poisons in schoolyards, parks and playgrounds.\r\n\r\nAs a result, low-income communities and individuals experience increased exposure to environmental hazards and suffer disproportionately from environmentally related diseases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that African-American children are three times more likely than white children to be hospitalized for asthma and asthma-related conditions and are four to six times more likely to die from asthma.\r\n\r\nFrom its inception in 1994, Midwest Pesticide Action Center has been addressed environmental justice issues as they relate to pesticide exposure and the negative impacts on children.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"Success\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Success\">A History of Success</a>, <a href=\"#CC\">Pesticide-Free Childcare Coalition in Illinois</a>\r\n<h2>A History of Success</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center won a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2008 Environmental Justice Achievement Award for our groundbreaking work with childcare facilities. Our work leading up to this award included:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Coalition building with organizations and agencies charged with licensing and inspecting childcare facilities for compliance as well as licensed childcare providers.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Free training to caregivers on how to provide safer, more effective pest control while providing a more healthful learning environment.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Additional awareness training and policy development for inspectors, licensing agents, and continuing education providers in order to ensure the enforcement of applicable Integrated Pest Management laws.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nOur efforts have resulted in great success. As of June 2013, 82% of childcare facilities have indicated they comply with state law requiring licensed childcare centers and public schools to implement Integrated Pest Management for least-toxic pest control and to notify parents and staff prior to sprayed or dusted pesticide applications in facilities or on their<a name=\"CC\"></a> grounds.\r\n<h2>Pesticide-Free Childcare Coalition in Illinois</h2>\r\nHowever,  a large number of licensed childcare centers in Illinois violate the law. Additionally, many childcare centers and public schools may be compliant on paper, but remain in clear violation of the law in practice.\r\n\r\nFor example, four students were sent to the hospital last year after their “compliant” school sprayed herbicides in an interior courtyard during school hours.\r\n\r\nTo address these problems, Midwest Pesticide Action Center, with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, established the Pesticide-Free Childcares Coalition that will work to:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Help childcare facilities understand the health risks of pesticide exposure and to find solutions to increase compliance with Illinois Integrated Pest Management law.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Target childcare centers in at-risk communities, which serve approximately 7,500 infants and children, to reduce the use of toxic chemicals.<span style=\"font-size: 1.17em;\"> </span><span style=\"font-size: 1.17em;\"> </span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in School and Childcares:</strong> For information on implementing an Integrated Pest Management program at your school or childcare facility. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist’s Toolkit:</strong> For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Children’s Health</b>: For understanding the risks pesticides pose to children’s health. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Children’s Health\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/childrens-health/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>In Your Community:</strong> For tips on how to make positive change in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Community\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-community/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Photo courtesy of Paul Dailing</em>','Working Toward Environmental Justice','','inherit','closed','open','','225-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:50:27','2016-07-15 14:50:27','',225,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/225-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3293,2,'2016-07-15 14:50:43','2016-07-15 14:50:43','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-186\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/KeepingKidsHealthy-Feature.jpg\" alt=\"KeepingKidsHealthy-Feature\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" />\r\n<h1>Keeping Kids Healthy</h1>\r\nChildren are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides. Midwest Pesticide Action Center works with building managers, schools, childcares, and parks to protect children from exposure to pesticides where they live, learn, and play.\r\n\r\nContinue reading<a name=\"Live\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Live\">Where They Live</a>, <a href=\"#Learn\">Where They Learn</a>, <a href=\"#Play\">Where They Play</a>\r\n<h2>Where They Live</h2>\r\nCultivating a healthy home is essential to protecting children’s health. Midwest Pesticide Action Center provides thousands of families with easy to use<a title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\"> information</a> and guidance on how to manage pest problems in the home in the safest and most effective ways.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We translated many of our documents into Spanish, Polish, French, and Mandarin—the most commonly spoken languages other than English in the Midwest.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The information and resources provided help protect children from being unnecessarily exposed to the toxins in pesticides linked to health problems like asthma, leukemia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>In collaboration with the Respiratory Health Association, we trained hundreds of asthma education professionals on the risks pests and pesticides pose to children in order to improve the health outcomes of those with asthma.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nVisit<a name=\"Learn\"></a> our <a title=\"Managing Healthy Homes\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/managing-healthy-homes/\">Managing Healthy Homes</a> page to see what we do to educate families on safe, effective pest control.\r\n<h2>Where They Learn</h2>\r\n<h3>Affecting Policy and Policymakers</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center made it a priority to work with policy makers and school administrators to make the indoor and outdoor environments of these facilities as safe as possible by eliminating the use of toxic chemicals. Our successes include:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Developing the training video “Integrated Pest Management in Illinois Schools: A Better Method” to inform the school and childcare community about the new laws, which is now free and available to everyone on YouTube.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<iframe src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/_Fal0PepQOQ\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Working to amend the Structural Pest Control Act in Illinois to require schools and childcare facilities to adopt an Integrated Pest Management program for pest control.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Amending the Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act that requires schools and childcare facilities to notify parents before applying pesticides and other lawn care treatments.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Educating parents on their right to know when pesticides are applied to their children’s school and childcare facilities.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLearn more about these laws that relate to schools and childcare facilities on our <a title=\"Advancing Toxic-Free Policies\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">Policy page</a>.\r\n<h3>Assisting Schools and Childcare Facilities</h3>\r\nOur children spend a considerable amount of their days at schools and childcare facilities; some spend more than 60 hours a week in these facilities. Midwest Pesticide Action Center works to protect our children in these environments.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized our school programs in 2008 with the Environmental Justice Achievement Award. Our success includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Helping the third-largest school district in the nation, Chicago Public Schools, to adopt Integrated Pest Management as a district-wide policy by:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Developing the criteria for contracting with pest control providers qualified to conduct Integrated Pest Management activities;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Training more than 1,000 building engineers, custodial, and food service staff in Integrated Pest Management;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Reducing the reliance on pesticide applications for pest control in 681 schools, servicing 401,000 students.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Engaging and educating the childcares community in activities designed to reduce pesticide exposure for our children by:</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Amending the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers to reflect new state Integrated Pest Management laws, including the notification requirement;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Providing workshops for day care inspectors on an Integrated Pest Management requirements for licensure;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Developing continuing education resources for childcare staff and management reaching more than 2,500 individuals and 650 childcare centers and homes resulting  in reduced pesticide exposure for more than 45,000 young children in Illinois.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Establishing the Pesticide-Free Childcares Coalition to work in low-income and minority communities to help childcare facilities comply with Illinois state laws. Learn more on our <a title=\"Working Toward Environmental Justice\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/working-toward-environmental-justice/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Justice Page</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Assisting other schools and childcare facilities in adopting an Integrated Pest Management program with the use of our Resource Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Schools and Childcares.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>More than 1,000 school and childcare personnel representing 200+ school districts and 388 childcare facilities across Illinois received technical assistance and training on use of the guide.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Helping to develop the Chicago Asthma Consortium, School Task Force’s “Asthma Friendly School Award.”</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>This award recognizes schools that promote a healthful environment for all students. The award requires schools to maintain an integrated pest-management plan to receive recognition. Since 2010, 30 schools received the award.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf your facility would like to adopt a program with specialized training from Midwest Pesticide Action Center, email Executive Director Ruth<a name=\"Play\"></a> Kerzee at <a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\">rkerzee@pesticideaction.org</a>.\r\n<h2>Where They Play</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center cultivates public parks, school grounds, and backyards that provide healthy spaces for children. Our multiple sustainable landscape and water quality campaigns and toolkits encourage limited use of lawn pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that compromise water quality, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and our overall exposure to toxic chemicals.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Chicago Grown Green\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Chicago-Grows-Green-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Grows Green</a></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Maintaining Healthy Parks\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/maintaining-healthy-parks/\" target=\"_blank\">Maintaining Healthy Parks</a></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Preserving Water Quality\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/preserving-water-quality/\" target=\"_blank\">Preserving Water Quality</a></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Activist\'s Toolkit\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Activist’s Toolkit</a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<strong>Resource Guide for Schools and Childcares</strong>: For information on implementing an Integrated Pest Management Program in your school or childcare. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Resource Guide\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Activist\'s Toolkit</strong>: For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Activist\'s Toolkit\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Video</strong>: Integrated Pest Management in Illinois Schools: A Better Method. <a class=\"more\" title=\"IPM in Illinois Schools: A Better Method\" href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fal0PepQOQ\" target=\"_blank\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Keeping Kids Healthy','','inherit','closed','open','','24-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:50:43','2016-07-15 14:50:43','',24,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/24-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3294,2,'2016-07-15 14:51:15','2016-07-15 14:51:15','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-206\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/HealthyParks-Feature.jpg\" alt=\"HealthyParks-Feature\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" />\r\n<h1>Maintaining Healthy Parks</h1>\r\nAs green refuges in urban landscapes, parks provide necessary places for children to play, athletic facilities for sports teams, spaces for bicyclists and runners, and gathering places for families. Parks should provide safe, healthy places; however, many parks use pesticides on playgrounds and sports fields, along fence lines, and even to create grass-free zones around trees.\r\n\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center works to ensure safe and healthy parks for everyone. We engage with communities and park districts across the Midwest to reduce pesticide use and models in demonstrating how to manage green spaces in a healthy way for both people and the environment.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"Healthy\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Healthy\">A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</a>\r\n<h2>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park<span class=\"mceMediaCredit\"><span id=\"4\" class=\"media-credit-mce alignnone\" style=\"width: 255px;\"><span class=\"media-credit-dd\">\r\n</span></span></span></h2>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-725 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1-245x300.jpg\" alt=\"Healthy Parks Campaign Chicago\" width=\"245\" height=\"300\" /></a>Midwest Pesticide Action Center created the <i>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</i> campaign, an outreach initiative designed to help communities adopt sustainable landscape maintenance practices that do not rely on the use of toxic chemicals.\r\n\r\nThe campaign helps address aesthetic concerns by emphasizing that the presence of dandelions in a park does not mean neglect, but a healthier park and safer place to play.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>The first <i>A Healthy Park is a Natural Park</i> campaign launched in Chicago during the spring of 2009 through a partnership with the largest municipal park manager in the country, the Chicago Park District.</li>\r\n	<li>The Chicago Park District refined their landscape-maintenance practices to prevent the use of chemicals in 90 percent of Chicago’s 570 parks, raise awareness about the dangers of pesticide use in public spaces, increase the demand from residents for sustainably maintained parks, and save money.</li>\r\n	<li>Over the last four years, the campaign prevented the use of 66,125 pounds of pesticide-active ingredients.</li>\r\n	<li>By not spraying weed killer, the City saves $1.4 million per application.</li>\r\n	<li>The campaign helped reduce community complaints about dandelions by 90 percent.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote>“The Park District strives to keep our Chicago parks a healthy place for everyone to enjoy. We are encouraging all Chicago residents to follow the Park District’s example and use more natural lawn care techniques that keeps your lawn safe and healthy.\"\r\n\r\n- Mike Kelly, Superintendent and CEO, Chicago Park District</blockquote>\r\nIn spring of 2012, the campaign expanded when Boulder, Colorado, adopted it to eliminate the use of synthetic chemicals on park property. In the last two years, the ongoing campaign, renamed as <i>Healthy Parks = Healthy People</i> continues to grow. View a video released in 2013 by the City of Boulder for details on the program, and <a title=\"Boulder\" href=\"https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/HealthyParks-1-201307051347.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">download Boulder\'s Healthy Park Flier</a>.\r\n\r\n<iframe class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"//www.youtube.com/embed/7vCjbthgZsk?rel=0\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe>\r\n<blockquote>“We all really love this idea for addressing complaints about dandelions. You can take your child to the park and let your baby crawl around on the grass and let your dog roll around on the grass and know that they are not going to be exposed to synthetic pesticides which studies have now shown are linked to cancer in children and dogs.”\r\n\r\n- Rella Abernathy, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, Community Planning &amp; Sustainability, City of Boulder</blockquote>\r\n<h3>For More Information</h3>\r\n<b>Contact:</b> If interested in introducing the <em>A Natural Park is a Healthy Park</em> campaign to your community, contact us at <a class=\"more\" href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\">general@pesticideaction.org</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Activist\'s Toolkit</b>: For information on advocating for healthy spaces in your community. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Midwest Grows Green</b>: For information on reducing the climate impacts associated with lawn and garden care. <a class=\"more\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/midwest-grows-green/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>What You Can Do:</strong> For tips on what you can do to promote healthy spaces in your community and home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"What You Can Do\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>','Maintaining Healthy Parks','','inherit','closed','open','','26-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:51:15','2016-07-15 14:51:15','',26,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/26-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3295,2,'2016-07-15 14:51:38','2016-07-15 14:51:38','<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3184-x-2120-DSC_7272_00201767-e1380814390450.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-362\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3184-x-2120-DSC_7272_00201767-e1380814390450.jpg\" alt=\"Row of Buildings PC\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\" /></a>\r\n<h1>Managing Healthy Homes</h1>\r\nWe spend about 90 percent of our time indoors and much of that time in our homes. Most of us do not realize that pollution occurs more often in indoor environments than outdoor. In fact, Americans spend billions of dollars every year in housing-related healthcare costs such as asthma, lead-based paint poisoning, and allergies.\r\n\r\nA healthy home is dry, clean, ventilated, free from pests and contaminants, well maintained, and safe. Integrated Pest Management yields an effective, safe way to control pests.\r\n\r\nIntegrated Pest Management acts as an effective, common-sense approach to pest control that provides information on the habits and traits of pests and how they interact with our environment. This approach encourages a well-maintained home, free of water damage and other structural issues, and the use of the least toxic methods for control of pests to limit the impacts of pesticides on health issues like asthma and cancer.\r\n\r\nSince 2009, Midwest Pesticide Action Center has:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Held 65 housing related training events in IPM</li>\r\n	<li>Trained over 3,000 individuals</li>\r\n	<li>Impacted over 200,000 households</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nContinue reading for <a name=\"Empower\"></a> for: <a href=\"#Empower\">Empowering Residents</a>, <a href=\"#Educate\">Educating Housing Managers</a>, <a href=\"#Green\">Green and Healthy Homes</a>\r\n<h2>Empowering Residents</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center educates residents on reducing the misuse and overuse of pesticides while still effectively controlling pests by advocating for Integrated Pest Management.\r\n\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center develops many helpful resources that explain Integrated Pest Management to both renters and homeowners in an understandable way. We deliver this information by:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Talking to residents on a one-on-one basis at housing fairs;</li>\r\n	<li>Organizing informative workshops that are targeted to residents;</li>\r\n	<li>Collaborating with other organizations to inform renters and other residents on their right to healthy living conditions; and</li>\r\n	<li>Providing technical assistance over the phone to hundreds of<a name=\"Educate\"></a> residents</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Educating Housing Managers</h2>\r\nWe have trained thousands of landlords and housing managers on safe, cost-effective, pest-control methods.  Low-income residents and public housing are often particularly affected by unhealthy homes.\r\n\r\nIn 1996, Midwest Pesticide Action Center worked with Chicago’s Henry Horner Public Housing Development to launch a landmark IPM program. Highlights of the program include:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Targeted improvements in building maintenance, resident involvement and education on pest-management practices;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Regular pest inspection with minimal treatment by an operator with Integrated Pest Management expertise;</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>In the first year, 90 percent of the development’s 500 residents reported satisfaction with the program; and</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>An 83 percent drop in the amount of insecticidal gel bait used on the property.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<blockquote>“You folks are unique in so many ways and so very important to landlords, tenants, the City of Chicago and, last but not least, the American way of life.\"\r\n\r\n- Paul Bernstein, Attorney at<a name=\"Green\"></a> Law</blockquote>\r\n<h2>Green and Healthy Homes</h2>\r\nThe <a href=\"http://www.greenandhealthyhomes.org/\">Green and Healthy Homes Initiative</a> is a national partnership of public, private, and philanthropic efforts that delivers a cost-effective and integrated approach to housing interventions through weatherization, energy efficiency, health, and safety. In Chicago, over 20 organizations work together to deliver services and provide education on healthy homes to residents, service providers, building owners, and the community.\r\n\r\nAs a member of the Chicago Green and Healthy Homes Initiative and with the support of the National Center for Healthy Housing and the City of Chicago, Midwest Pesticide Action Center works to support the initiative by offering information and training on Integrated Pest Management to promote best practices for maintaining a healthy home.\r\n\r\nOur Healthy Homes program is supported by the <a title=\"Illinois Department of Public Health\" href=\"http://www.idph.state.il.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Illinois Department of Public Health</a>, <a title=\"Polk Bros. Foundation\" href=\"http://www.polkbrosfdn.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Polk Bros. Foundation</a>, and the <a title=\"City of Chicago Housing and Economic Development\" href=\"http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd.html\" target=\"_blank\">City of Chicago</a>.\r\n<h3>For Further Reading</h3>\r\n<b>What You Can Do</b>: For tips on making healthy decisions in your home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ten Steps to Pest Control:</strong> For information on Integrated Pest Management factsheets provides easy tips for a pest-free home. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Ten Steps to Pest Control\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-10-Steps-to-Pest-Control.pdf\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<b>Training</b>: Sign up for upcoming training events happening in the Midwest. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Events\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/mpac-events/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">View all resources</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Photo courtesy of John Booz</em>','Managing Healthy Homes','','inherit','closed','open','','76-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:51:38','2016-07-15 14:51:38','',76,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/76-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3296,2,'2016-07-15 14:51:54','2016-07-15 14:51:54','<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-781\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Watering-Flowers-e1384204457770.jpg\" alt=\"Watering Can\" width=\"720\" height=\"319\" />\r\n<h1>What You Can Do</h1>\r\nPesticides are applied where we work, live, and play. Although the problem may seem too large for one person to tackle, you can take action to reduce your exposure to and use of these toxic chemicals. Midwest Pesticide Action Center has developed the resources you need to create healthier spaces in your home, garden, and community. To view a full list of all of our free resources <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">click here.</a>\r\n\r\n[one_half]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1087\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Neighborhood-Street-small.jpg\" alt=\"Neighborhood Street small\" width=\"230\" height=\"96\" /></a><strong>In Your Home:</strong> Reduce pesticide use at home and grow healthy, resilient yards by choosing safer products for pest control and lawn care. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Home\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-home/\">Learn More </a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-community/\"><img src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000018320281Medium-Hands-Raised-e1384204811248.jpg\" alt=\"Hands Raised\" width=\"230\" height=\"96\" /></a>\r\n<strong>In Your Community:</strong> Advocate for change in the way pesticides are used in your community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"In Your Community\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/in-your-community/\">Learn More </a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]\r\n\r\n[one_half]<strong>Support</strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s work to create healthier communities. <a class=\"more\" title=\"Support Us\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/support-us/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half]\r\n\r\n[one_half_last]\r\n\r\n<strong>View All Resources</strong> Find all of our materials to help you reduce your pesticide exposure in your home and community. <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n[/one_half_last]','What You Can Do','','inherit','closed','open','','8-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:51:54','2016-07-15 14:51:54','',8,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/8-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3297,2,'2016-07-15 14:52:12','2016-07-15 14:52:12','<h1><img class=\"wp-image-247 aligncenter\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Neighborhood-Street.bmp\" alt=\"Neighborhood Street\" width=\"500\" height=\"608\" /></h1>\r\n<h1>Making Healthy Decisions in Your Home</h1>\r\nYou can limit the pesticide exposure of you, your family, and the environment by making healthy decisions in your yard and home. Pesticides can enter our homes on our shoes and clothes when we walk through chemically treated lawns, when we use chemicals to control pests like ants and cockroaches, and when we purchase certain foods. Reducing exposure to these toxic chemicals begins at home and you can start by following these simple tips. To view a full list of all of our resources <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">click here.</a>\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Stewardship\">Stewardship Begins in Your Backyard</a>, <a href=\"#IndoorPests\">Control Indoor Pests in a Smart Way</a>, <a href=\"#HirePestControl\">Hiring a Pest Control Provider</a>, <a href=\"#BedBugs\">Beat Back Bed Bugs</a>,<a name=\"Stewardship\"></a> <a href=\"#SmartFood\">Make Smart Food Choices</a>\r\n<h3>Stewardship Begins in Your Backyard</h3>\r\nLawns comprise nearly one-quarter of urban and suburban landscapes. Caring for them responsibly by limiting the amount of water, fertilizers, and pesticides we apply can have a huge impact on our health and environment. For in-depth information, please see our <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">resources page</a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Start with a soil test. </strong>Test your soil every three to five years to help determine exactly what you need to keep it healthy.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Fertilize organically.</strong> Switch to an organic fertilizer made from plant or animal materials. These fertilizers allow the grass to absorb nutrients gradually because excess nutrients bind to soil rather than running off into our sewers, lakes, and rivers.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Diversify your lawn.</strong> Turf grass requires lots of maintenance because it is not native to our region. Plant other ground cover, bushes, and trees  more suitable for our climate and light conditions.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Water properly.</strong> Water deeply and infrequently early in the morning to minimize evaporation and safeguard against fungus. Ideally, you want one inch of water delivered once a week.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Mow correctly.</strong> Mow your lawn to at least three inches high. Correct mowing will increase the strength of the root system and naturally shade out weeds.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Banish weeds naturally.</strong> All of these proper lawn care tips will help banish weeds naturally. Other products such as corn meal gluten applied in early spring can also help.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Hire a natural lawn care provider.</strong> Midwest Pesticide Action Center works with landscape contractors across the Midwest to provide training and<a name=\"IndoorPests\"></a> resources.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Control Indoor Pests in a Smart Way</h3>\r\nOver the years, many Americans have relied on synthetic pesticides to control pests. Integrated Pest Management is a smarter, safer way to deal with pests. By blocking a pest’s access to food, water, and shelter, you will have fewer pests in your home and need fewer pesticides. For in-depth information, please see our <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">resources page</a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Keep pests out.</strong> Caulk, cement, or otherwise seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home, install door sweeps and avoid propping doors open. Make sure window screens are free of tears.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Remove access </strong>to food and water. Practice good sanitation, especially in areas where food is cooked, stored, or eaten. Clean behind appliances often, and seal food in pest-proof containers. Make sure all garbage cans have tight-fitting lids. Repair leaky pipes and remove standing water. Keep drains clean and unclogged.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Reduce shelter.</strong> Get rid of clutter. A messy room provides many hiding places for pests. Seal holes in the walls including intentional ones for plumbing or electrical cords.  Seal gaps along baseboards or backsplashes around sinks. Use open shelving that is easy to clean under.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Routinely monitor</strong> for pests so you can you spot a problem early. Place sticky traps in the pest prone areas of kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, closets, or problem areas and check them often.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Treat </strong>existing problems. Stop routine pesticide spraying. Only use pesticides after completing the above items. Choose least-toxic approaches first, like traps and bait stations, over sprayed or dusted pesticides.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Hire</strong> a qualified pest control operator. You may need more than these recommendations. A qualified pest control operator can be a great asset in controlling pests safely and <a name=\"HirePestControl\"></a> effectively.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Hiring a Pest Control Provider</h3>\r\nIf you have consistent pest problems, or manage a multi-unit building, we recommend you contract with a licensed pest control provider. They can help identify problem areas in your home and coordinate a monitoring and treatment plan that utilizes the practices of Integrated Pest Management. Midwest Pesticide Action Center has developed the following factsheet to help you make an informed decision when selecting a pest control operator. <a name=\"BedBugs\"></a> <em><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-How-Do-I-Know-Im-Receiving-IPM-Factsheet.pdf\"> How Do I Know I\'m Receiving Integrated Pest Management?</a></em>\r\n<h3>Beat Back Bed Bugs</h3>\r\nBed bugs are one of the most persistent problems to plague our homes. Bed bugs are small, flat insects that feed on us as food. Spotting bed bugs early is the key to preventing their spread. Below are some practices to help catch a bed bug problem early. The smaller the infestation, the easier to control. For in-depth information, please see our <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">resources page</a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Be on the lookout</strong> for signs of infestations especially around sleeping areas. Signs include: live bugs, dark brown or black spots on bedding, carpets, walls and furniture.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Launder</strong> bedding often. A hot clothes dryer will kill bed bugs in all stages of development. Use it for pillows, stuffed animals, and even “dry clean only” items.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Paint and caulk</strong> around sleeping areas such as baseboards, windows, and bed frames to seal hiding spots.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Inspect used furniture</strong> or other items closely before bringing them into your home. Look for signs of infestations in cushions, zippers, seams, and underneath including springs and frames.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Take extra care when traveling</strong> or staying in a new place. Bed bugs can hitch a ride home on your clothing or luggage.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Hire a professional</strong> if you think you have an infestation. These pests are tenacious and are best left to<a name=\"SmartFood\"></a> the professionals</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Make Smart Food Choices</h3>\r\nMuch of our pesticide exposure comes from the food we eat. Conventionally grown produce is treated with insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other pesticides. These pesticides can accumulate up the food chain into foods we eat like milk, butter and meat. They also negatively affect the honeybee and other pollinator populations.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Buy organic</strong> produce when possible.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Thoroughly wash and peel</strong> conventionally grown produce before cooking or eating it to remove any pesticides that may be on its surface.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Trim</strong> fat and skin off conventionally fed meat and poultry to reduce your consumption of pesticides that accumulate in animal fat.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Be especially mindful</strong> of what you feed children. Pound for pound, they eat more food and drink more water than adults. Their bodies are still developing and are especially vulnerable to the effects of pesticide exposure.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Consult</strong> the Environmental Working Group’s “<a title=\"Shopper\'s Guide to Pesticides in Produce\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/\" target=\"_blank\">Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce</a>” to help you make the best food choices for limiting the ingestion of pesticides.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Resources</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of resources to help you make smart decisions about controlling pests at home, including resources just for renters, building managers, and homeowners on our resources page. <a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">Learn More</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Photo courtesy of Biodiversity Project</em>','In Your Home','','inherit','closed','open','','135-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:52:12','2016-07-15 14:52:12','',135,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/135-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3298,2,'2016-07-15 14:52:38','2016-07-15 14:52:38','<h1><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-904\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Feet_Legs_Grass-e1384289475330.jpg\" alt=\"Kids Legs in Grass\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></h1>\r\n<h1>Support Us</h1>\r\n<a title=\"Donate to Midwest Pesticide Action Center\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/donate/\"><b>Donate now</b></a> to support Midwest Pesticide Action Center! Your contribution helps us to:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Minimize pesticide use in schools, childcares, yards, and parks;</li>\r\n	<li>Decrease runoff of/exposure to toxic lawn and garden chemicals;</li>\r\n	<li>Reduce pesticide exposure and pest problems in low-income communities;</li>\r\n	<li>Inform people about pesticide risks and the availability of safer alternatives;</li>\r\n	<li>Advance policies that provide greater protections against pesticide exposure.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"button\" title=\"Donate to Midwest Pesticide Action Center\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/donate/\">Donate now</a></p>\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Sponsor\">Sponsor an Event or Workshop</a>, <a href=\"#Host\">Host a Fundraising Event</a>, <a href=\"#Sign\">Buy a Pesticide-Free Zone Sign</a>, <a href=\"#Mannual\">Buy a Copy of \"The Organic Lawn Care Mannual: A Natural, Low-Maintenace System for a Beautiful, Safe Lawn\"</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Earn money for Midwest Pesticide Action Center </strong><strong>by simply shopping online.</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-894 alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/igive120x60.gif\" alt=\"iGive\" width=\"120\" height=\"60\" />\r\n\r\nTry the<a title=\"iGive\" href=\"http://www.iGive.com/SPCP\" target=\"_blank\"> iGive Button</a> – a tiny addition to your browser that automatically tells stores you want your shopping to support us. Giving is easy, free, and automatic with over 1,300 retailers.\r\n\r\nYou can also support us through your workplace giving and while you buy your favorite products. We are a member of <a title=\"Earthshare Illinois\" href=\"http://www.earthshare-illinois.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Earthshare Illinois</a> and <a name=\"Sponsor\"></a> <a title=\"One Percent for the Planet\" href=\"http://onepercentfortheplanet.org/\" target=\"_blank\">1% for the Planet</a>.\r\n\r\n<b>Sponsor an Event or Workshop</b>. For more information about recognition opportunities, email <a href=\"destewart@pesticideaction.org\">dstewart@pesticideaction.org</a> or call (773) 878-7378<a name=\"Host\"></a> ext.208.\r\n\r\n<b>Host a Fundraising Event. </b>Hosting a fundraiser for Midwest Pesticide Action Center is a great excuse to get your friends and colleagues together! Whether it’s a house party, happy hour, documentary film screening, yard sale, or yoga class, Midwest Pesticide Action Center can help you host a successful event. Contact  <a href=\"destewart@pesticideaction.org\">dstewart@pesticideaction.org</a> to learn<a name=\"Sign\"></a> more!\r\n\r\n<b>Buy a Pesticide-Free Zone sign</b> for $12 and display it in your yard.\r\n<h1><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PFZ-sign.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/PFZ-sign-291x300.jpg\" alt=\"PFZ sign\" width=\"175\" height=\"180\" /></a></h1>\r\nBe a model for your community and show your neighbors that pesticide-free lawns and gardens are important for the health of children, families, pets, the environment and the community. At eight inches (8\") in diameter, these aluminum enameled signs will not rust and will retain their bright colors for years!\r\n\r\nEach sign you purchase comes with our own Natural Lawn Care fact sheets on how to maintain your pesticide-free landscape and spread the word about the benefits of pesticide-free<a name=\"Mannual\"></a> spaces.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buy a copy of \"The Organic Lawn Care Manual: A Natural, Low-Maintenance System for a Beautiful, Safe Lawn\"</strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\" wp-image-896 alignright\" title=\"The Organic Lawn Care Manual\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Tukey-Book-237x300.jpg\" alt=\"The Organic Lawn Care Manual\" width=\"190\" height=\"240\" />\r\n\r\nby Paul Tukey for $15. In this easy-to-read and visually appealing manual, Tukey explains how to evaluate lawn-care needs, how grass grows, how to create healthy soil, and how  to select grass that is drought tolerant and disease resistant.\r\n\r\nThere are chapters on starting a lawn from scratch or refurbishing an existing lawn, making the transition from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, watering, weeding, dealing with pests and diseases, and mowing and maintenance.\r\n\r\n<strong>Purchase a sign or book (or both for $25!) by calling (773) 878-7378 ext.208.</strong>','Support Us','','inherit','closed','open','','148-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:52:38','2016-07-15 14:52:38','',148,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/148-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3299,2,'2016-07-15 14:52:52','2016-07-15 14:52:52','<h3><a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000018320281Medium-Hands-Raised-e1380815404656.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-365\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iStock_000018320281Medium-Hands-Raised-e1380815404656.jpg\" alt=\"Hands Raised\" width=\"499\" height=\"290\" /></a></h3>\r\n<h2>Catalyze Change in Your Community</h2>\r\nYou can catalyze change that will make your community a safer place.  Affecting community-wide policies in schools and parks can have a huge impact on limiting the use of toxic pesticides. Take a look at the steps below to learn how you can help reduce pesticide use in your neighborhoods and public spaces.\r\n\r\nContinue reading for: <a href=\"#Blog\">Connect to Our Blog</a>, <a href=\"#Campaign\">Start a Campaign to Promote Sustainable Lawn and Landscape Care in Your Community</a>, <a href=\"#Engage\">Engage Politically</a>, <a href=\"#SC\">Promote Healthy Schools and Childcares</a>, <a href=\"#Park\">Bring \"A Natural Park is a Healthy Park\" to Your Community</a>, <a name=\"Blog\"></a> <a href=\"#Public\">Ensure Public Buildings and Properties are Healthy Places for the Community</a>\r\n<h3>Connect to Our Blog</h3>\r\nCommunity activists are working across the nation to reduce the health and environmental effects of pesticide use and making a real impact. Stay informed by connecting <a name=\"Campaign\"></a> to <span style=\"font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;\"><a title=\"Blog\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/blog/\">our blog</a>.</span>\r\n<h3>Start a Campaign to Promote Sustainable Lawn and Landscape Care in Your Community</h3>\r\nWe’ve created the <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\">Activist’s Toolkit</a>, with support from <a title=\"Patagonia Becoming a Responsible Company\" href=\"http://www.patagonia.com/us/patagonia.go?assetid=2329\" target=\"_blank\">Patagonia</a>, an easy-to-use resource to help inspire you, the local activist, to catalyze change in your own community. The guide covers many of the basic tools for building a campaign that can influence decision makers, generate media coverage, and reach out to community members through social media. Help your community minimize the harmful environmental effects of conventional lawncare:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Nationwide, turf grass is estimated to cover over 40 million acres, an area three times larger than the amount dedicated to corn.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Conventionally maintained lawns and landscapes use many of our precious resources, as large amounts of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and water are necessary for maintenance.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>These practices degrade local waterways, pollute the air, harm pets and wildlife, contribute to climate change, and threaten human health.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a name=\"Engage\"></a>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-The-Activists-Toolkit.pdf\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-93\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Activists_Toolkit_Webheader.jpg\" alt=\"Activists_Toolkit_Webheader\" width=\"860\" height=\"215\" /></a>\r\n<h3>Engage Politically</h3>\r\nOrganizations and coalitions across the country are working to pass laws and policies to protect us from exposure to pesticides and other toxic chemicals. To learn more about these campaigns and how you can contribute, click the links below.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Midwest Pesticide Action Center works to <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\">advance toxic-free policies</a> in Chicago and the Midwest.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Sign up to receive action alerts from <a href=\"http://action.beyondpesticides.org/signup_page/actionalerts\" target=\"_blank\">Beyond Pesticides</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Take action with <a href=\"http://www.panna.org/get-involved/action-center\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Action Network of North America</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a name=\"SC\"></a>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Take action with the <a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/take-action\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Promote Healthy Schools and Childcares</h3>\r\nChildren face higher risks from exposure to pesticides than adults exposed at the same level. It is important to ensure your child’s school or childcare is following best practices and state laws which limit the use of pesticides.\r\n\r\nFor in-depth information, please see our <a class=\"more\" title=\"All Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">resources page</a>.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Midwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a comprehensive guide to help administration in to implement <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Resource-Guide-for-IPM-in-Schools-and-Childcares.pdf\">Integrated Pest Management</a>. Contact us at <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org </a>for information on how to use this resource.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>In Illinois, Integrated Pest Management is required by law in public schools and licensed childcare facilities. Schools must either report an Integrated Pest Management  plan to the Illinois Department of Public Health or send a representative to receive Integrated Pest Management training.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>As a parent or guardian, you can be notified when pesticides are to be applied on school grounds. School districts can either notify you by adding you to a registry of parents who have signed up for notifications, or provide written notification through correspondence regularly published by the school district.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We encourage you to ask your school if they maintain a registry and if they are in compliance with the state law requiring Integrated Pest Management. Visit our<a name=\"Park\"></a> <a title=\"Advancing Toxic-Free Policies\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/advancing-toxic-free-policies/\" target=\"_blank\">policy page</a> to learn more.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Bring \"A Natural Park is a Healthy Park\" to Your Community</h3>\r\n<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign-1-245x300.jpg\" alt=\"Healthy Parks Campaign Chicago\" width=\"245\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center launched the “<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-Healthy-Parks-Campaign.pdf\">A Natural Park is a Healthy Park</a>” campaign to alter park management practices and to promote sustainably managed parks as a healthy place for children and pets without exposure to toxic chemicals.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>If you would like to learn how to incorporate sustainable practices into your parks, feel free to contact us via <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a>.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>If your park district already sustainably manages its parks and you would like community members to know about these healthy practices, consider working with Midwest Pesticide Action Center to bring this campaign to your community</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nVisit our<a name=\"Public\"></a> “<a title=\"Maintaining Healthy Parks\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-we-do/maintaining-healthy-parks/\">A Natural Park is a Healthy Park</a>” page for more information.\r\n<h3>Ensure Public Buildings and Properties are Healthy Places for the Community.</h3>\r\nMunicipalities play a large role in our lives and the spaces in which we interact, managing large facilities and parks that the public uses every day. As a municipal official, you can use our “<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Final-Toolkit-4-21-2014-NY.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Municipal Pesticide Reduction Toolkit</a>” to make your buildings and property healthy places for the community.\r\n\r\nThe guide provides sample Integrated Pest Management contracts, monitoring plans, and tips for reducing pesticide use in a cost-effective way.\r\n\r\nContact us for a copy today: <a href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a>\r\n<h3>Resources</h3>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center has developed a number of resources to help you make real change in your community, including promoting natural landscape care, talking to decision-makers about policy decisions, and encouraging school administration to adopt responsible procedures to protect the health of our children. <a class=\"more\" title=\"View all Resources\" href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/what-you-can-do/all-resources/\">Learn More</a>','In Your Community','','inherit','closed','open','','97-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:52:52','2016-07-15 14:52:52','',97,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/97-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3300,2,'2016-07-15 14:53:55','2016-07-15 14:53:55','<h1>About Us<img class=\"alignright  wp-image-1097\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Midwest_stacked-e1386625125966-300x186.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Pesticide Action Center\" width=\"240\" height=\"149\" /></h1>\r\n<h2>Our Mission</h2>\r\nMidwest Pesticide Action Center is dedicated to reducing the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides by promoting safer alternatives. Continue reading for <a name=\"History\"></a> for: <a href=\"#History\">History</a>, <a href=\"#Staff\">Staff</a>, <a href=\"#Board\">Board of Directors</a>, <a href=\"#Advisory\">Advisory Council</a>, <a href=\"#Partners\">Partners and Supporters</a>\r\n<h2>History</h2>\r\nThe Sierra Club, Illinois Environmental Council, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and Business and Professional People for the Public Interest founded the organization in 1994 to address widespread concerns over pesticide use. We work at the local, state, and regional levels to implement long-term policy changes and develop replicable programs for pesticide-use reduction. We are the only organization in the Midwest dedicated to protecting people and the environment from the serious impacts of pesticides. Recognition for our successful programs includes an Environmental Protection Agency Children’s Environmental Health Award, an Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Justice Award, and a Governor\'s Pollution Prevention Award. In 2013, after a thoughtful evaluation that included input from our staff, board, and stakeholders, we changed our name from Safer Pest Control Project to Midwest Pesticide Action Center. This new incarnation reinforces our core commitment and mission: to reduce the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides by promoting safer alternatives. As Midwest Pesticide Action Center, we will continue to address issues related to pesticide use, while expanding our reach throughout the<a name=\"Staff\"></a> Midwest.\r\n<h2>Staff</h2>\r\n<h3>Ruth Kerzee, Executive Director</h3>\r\nRuth Kerzee, Executive Director, has been on Midwest Pesticide Action Center’s staff since 2005. During her tenure, Ms. Kerzee has been responsible for Midwest Pesticide Action Center’s work related to promoting Integrated Pest Management in schools and childcare facilities, and primary responsibility for developing the Integrated Pest Management in housing program. Ms. Kerzee is also responsible for all executive duties such as generating evaluative programs and strategizing on the growth and development of the organization. She has a Master’s of Science degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois Chicago, more than 15 years of experience working on occupational and environmental health issues, and is a licensed pest control technician. <strong>(773) 878-7378 </strong><b><a href=\"mailto:rkerzee@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">rkerzee@pesticideaction.org</a></b>\r\n<h3>Ryan Anderson, Program and Communications Manager</h3>\r\nRyan Anderson leads and implements Midwest Pesticide Action Center\'s integrated marketing campaign and outdoors program. Before joining MPAC in 2015, Ryan led carbon mitigation strategic planning in Indianapolis, provided communication support to the Delta Institute, and served as editor in chief for the online, video-format journal <em>the Sustainability Review</em>. Ryan has a Masters of Sustainable Solutions from Arizona State University and holds a dual bachelor\'s degree in Biology and Electronic Journalism from Butler University.  <strong>(773) 878-8245 <a href=\"mailto:%20randerson@pesticideaction.org\"> randerson@pesticideaction.org</a></strong>\r\n<h3 style=\"color: #222222;\">Deborah Stewart, Development Director</h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #222222;\">Deborah Stewart is a seasoned development professional and nonprofit manager. Before coming to Midwest Pesticide Action Center she spent nine years as a development officer at Steppenwolf Theatre Company where she was is the Director of Foundation and Government Relations. Prior to that she was Development Director for Chicago Dramatists from 2001 – 2005. She was Managing Director for Illinois’ oldest professional outdoor theater, Festival Theatre in Oak Park from 1997 – 2001; and free lanced as a grant writer specializing in fundraising for the arts and arts education for some years before </span><span style=\"color: #222222;\">that.</span><span style=\"color: #222222;\">  </span><span style=\"color: #222222;\">She served as a board member for the 16<span style=\"font-size: 10.8333px;\">th</span></span><span style=\"color: #222222;\"> Street Theater NFP in Berwyn from 2009 - 2014. She holds an M.A. from the University of Chicago and B.A. from the University of California-Santa Cruz. </span><strong style=\"color: #222222;\">(773) 878-7378 ext.208 </strong><strong style=\"color: #222222;\"><a style=\"color: #1155cc;\" href=\"mailto:dstewart@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\"><b>dstewart@pesticideaction.org</b></a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3>Board of Directors</h3>\r\n<strong>Meleah A. Geertsma, President</strong> Staff Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council\r\n<strong>Pamela Brookstein, Vice Presiden</strong>t Market Transformation Specialist, Elevate Energy\r\n<strong>Kevin Dick, Treasurer</strong> LEED AP + O&amp;M Project Manager, Delta Institute\r\n<strong>Jonathan Higgins, Secretary</strong> Director of Conservation, Great Rivers Partnership, The Nature Conservancy\r\n<strong>Susan Besson, Chair</strong>, Evanston Environment Board\r\n<strong>Peggy McGrath</strong>, Community Activist, Oak Park &amp; River Forest, IL\r\n<strong>Pallavi Phartiyal</strong>, Senior Analyst &amp; Program Manager, Union of Concerned Scientists\r\n<strong>Julie Samuels</strong>, Community Organizer, Chicago Community Gardeners Association and Oak Park Edible Gardeners Cooperative.\r\n<strong>Marc Wise</strong>, Founder and Owner, Greenwise Organic Lawn Care, LLC\r\n<h2>Advisory Council</h2>\r\n<strong>Julie Brown</strong>, Senior Staff Counsel, Business &amp; Professional People for the Public Interest\r\n<strong>Raymond Cloyd, Ph.D</strong>. Professor, Kansas State University, Department of Entomology\r\n<strong>Jay Feldman</strong>, Executive Director, Beyond Pesticides\r\n<strong>Kevin Greene</strong>, Associate Director, IL EPA, Office of Pollution Prevention\r\n<strong>Keith Harley</strong>, J.D. Environmental Law Program Director, Chicago Legal Clinic\r\n<strong>Marc Lame</strong>, Ph.D. Clinical Assistant Professor, Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs\r\n<strong>Philip Landrigan, M.D., M.Sc</strong>. Dean for Global Health, Ethel M. Wise, Professor and Chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine, Professor Pediatrics, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Director, Children\'s Environmental Health Center\r\n<strong>Peter Orris</strong>, Professor of Internal and Preventative Medicine, Rush University College of Medicine; Adjunct Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois School of Public Health; and Adjunct Professor of Preventative Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School\r\n<strong>Rachel Rosenberg</strong>, Manager, Corporate Relations, Chicago Botanic Garden; Former Executive Director, Safer Pest Control Project\r\n<strong>Kim Stone</strong>, Councilwoman, City of Highland Park; Former Associate Director, Safer Pest Control Project\r\n<strong>Jill Viehweg</strong>, Director of Foundation and Government Relations, Denver Museum of Nature and Science; Founding Executive Director, Safer<a name=\"Partners\"></a> Pest Control Project\r\n<h2>Partners and Supporters</h2>\r\nPeter and Lucy Ascoli Family Fund\r\n<a href=\"http://www.boeing.com/boeing/\" target=\"_blank\">The Boeing Company</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tbf.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Boston Foundation Philancon Fund\r\n</a> <a href=\"http://www.chicagowilderness.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago Wilderness</a>\r\n<a href=\"https://bouldercolorado.gov/\" target=\"_blank\">City of Boulder</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en.html\" target=\"_blank\">City of Chicago</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://cityofevanston.org/\" target=\"_blank\">City of Evanston</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.clifbarfamilyfoundation.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Clif Bar Family Foundation\r\n</a> <a href=\"http://www.cornelldouglas.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Cornell Douglas Foundation</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.earthshare-illinois.org/\" target=\"_blank\">EarthShare Illinois</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.epa.gov/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Protection Agency</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://greatlakesrestoration.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Great Lakes Restoration Initiative</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.idph.state.il.us/\" target=\"_blank\">Illinois Department of Public Health</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.iisgcp.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.nchh.org/\" target=\"_blank\">National Center for Healthy Housing</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.panna.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Pesticide Action Network of North America</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.patagonia.com/us/home\" target=\"_blank\">Patagonia</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.piercefamilyfoundation.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Pierce Family Foundation</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.polkbrosfdn.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Polk Bros. Foundation</a>\r\nPublic Places Healthy Spaces\r\n<a href=\"http://www.therobertsfamilyfoundation.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Roberts Family Foundation\r\n</a> <a href=\"http://www.swwtwater.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc.</a>\r\nThomas and Donna Stone Foundation\r\n<a href=\"http://www.villageoffranklinpark.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Village of Franklin Park</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.wallacegenetic.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Wallace Genetic Foundation</a>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Whole Foods Market</a>','About Us','','inherit','closed','open','','12-revision-v1','','','2016-07-15 14:53:55','2016-07-15 14:53:55','',12,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/12-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3302,2,'2016-07-29 20:53:51','2016-07-29 20:53:51','<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3317\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/water-image-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"water image\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" />The US residential sector uses more than nine billion gallons of water per day on landscapes and turf grass. MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson investigates options to quench your lawn\'s thirst while saving our earth\'s most important natural resource.</h3>\r\nWelcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-03/documents/ws-factsheet-outdoor-water-use-in-the-us.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build more drought resilient turf. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.\r\n\r\nJust like when <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/dealing-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">managing dandelions</a> or <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">caring for your soil</a>, proper watering involves monitoring and responding to the needs of plant and soil life, as opposed to just applying the product or resource to instantly “green” your lawn.  For more support on monitoring your lawn and when to take action visit our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Midwest Grows Green</a> guide or use our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>.','Satisfying Demand, Reducing Supply: Caring for Grass in a Water-Stressed World','','publish','closed','open','','satisfying-demand-reducing-supply-caring-for-grass-in-a-water-stressed-world','','\nhttp://midwestpesticideaction.org/dealing-with-dandelions/','2017-07-27 18:13:19','2017-07-27 18:13:19','',0,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/?p=3302',0,'post','',5),(3303,2,'2016-07-28 19:47:32','2016-07-28 19:47:32','Welcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit or eliminate these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build turf more resilient to drought conditions. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.','','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-28 19:47:32','2016-07-28 19:47:32','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3304,2,'2016-07-28 19:48:53','2016-07-28 19:48:53','Welcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit or eliminate these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build turf more resilient to drought conditions. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.','','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-28 19:48:53','2016-07-28 19:48:53','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3305,2,'2016-07-28 19:55:09','2016-07-28 19:55:09','Welcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit or eliminate these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build turf more resilient to drought conditions. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.','Thi','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-28 19:55:09','2016-07-28 19:55:09','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3306,2,'2016-07-28 20:08:03','2016-07-28 20:08:03','Welcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit or eliminate these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build turf more resilient to drought conditions. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.','Quenching thirst...','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-28 20:08:03','2016-07-28 20:08:03','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3307,2,'2016-07-28 20:59:39','2016-07-28 20:59:39','<h1>Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series</h1>\r\n<h4>Ask the experts!</h4>\r\nWe\'re hosting a series of free webinars, diving into different aspects of Chicago\'s bed bug epidemic. Bringing Chicago’s bed bug experts straight to your computer, we\'ll discuss practical steps for preventing and treating bed bug infestations. Each FREE, hour and 15 -minute presentation will be followed by an “Ask the Expert” Q&amp;A. Learn about Chicago\'s Bed Bug Ordinance as it relates to a tenant or catch up on everything you need to know about the bed bug Ordinance as a landlord.  We\'ll talk about your responsibilities when dealing with tenant reports of bed bugs, as well as recommended preventative measures.  Webinars will take place on the following dates:\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: rgb(255, 102, 0);\">August 17th</span>- Tenant Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants under Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5180399987607981571\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">August 24th</span>- Landlord Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants under Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/629233288196706051\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">September 7th</span>- What to Expect from Your Pest Control Operator</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4699464805525792003\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">September 14th</span>- Effective use of Bed Bug Products &amp; Tools</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5976658611861998595\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\">Contact us at: (773) 878-7378 or<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> </span></span><a style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; color: #276790; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; text-decoration: none; word-spacing: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\" href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a><span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\"> for more information.</span>','Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series','','inherit','closed','open','','2201-revision-v1','','','2016-07-28 20:59:39','2016-07-28 20:59:39','',2201,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2201-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3308,2,'2016-07-28 21:26:33','2016-07-28 21:26:33','<h1>Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series</h1>\r\n<h4>Ask the experts!</h4>\r\nWe\'re hosting a series of free webinars, diving into different aspects of Chicago\'s bed bug epidemic. Bringing Chicago’s bed bug experts straight to your computer, we\'ll discuss practical steps for preventing and treating bed bug infestations. Each FREE, hour and 15 -minute presentation will be followed by an “Ask the Expert” Q&amp;A. Learn about Chicago\'s Bed Bug Ordinance as it relates to a tenant or catch up on everything you need to know about the bed bug Ordinance as a landlord.  We\'ll talk about your responsibilities when dealing with tenant reports of bed bugs, as well as recommended preventative measures.  Webinars will take place on the following dates:\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">August 17th</span>- Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants under Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5180399987607981571\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">August 24th</span>- Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants under Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/629233288196706051\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">September 7th</span>- What to Expect from Your Pest Control Operator</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4699464805525792003\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">September 14th</span>- Effective use of Bed Bug Products &amp; Tools</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5976658611861998595\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\">Contact us at: (773) 878-7378 or<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> </span></span><a style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; color: #276790; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; text-decoration: none; word-spacing: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\" href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a><span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\"> for more information.</span>','Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series','','inherit','closed','open','','2201-revision-v1','','','2016-07-28 21:26:33','2016-07-28 21:26:33','',2201,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2201-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3309,2,'2016-07-28 21:28:58','2016-07-28 21:28:58','','BedBug_2016Webinars Final Updated','','inherit','closed','open','','bedbug_2016webinars-final-updated','','','2016-07-28 21:28:58','2016-07-28 21:28:58','',2201,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/BedBug_2016Webinars-Final-Updated.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(3311,2,'2016-07-28 21:37:29','2016-07-28 21:37:29','<h1>Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series</h1>\r\n<h4>Ask the experts!<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BedBug_2016Webinars-Final-Updated.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-3310 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BedBug_2016Webinars-Final-Updated-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a></h4>\r\nWe\'re hosting a series of free webinars, diving into different aspects of Chicago\'s bed bug epidemic. Bringing Chicago’s bed bug experts straight to your computer, we\'ll discuss practical steps for preventing and treating bed bug infestations. Each FREE, hour and 15 -minute presentation will be followed by an “Ask the Expert” Q&amp;A. Learn about Chicago\'s Bed Bug Ordinance as it relates to a tenant or catch up on everything you need to know about the bed bug Ordinance as a landlord.  We\'ll talk about your responsibilities when dealing with tenant reports of bed bugs, as well as recommended preventative measures.  Webinars will take place on the following dates:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">August 17th</span>- Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants under Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5180399987607981571\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">August 24th</span>- Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants under Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/629233288196706051\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">September 7th</span>- What to Expect from Your Pest Control Operator</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4699464805525792003\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">September 14th</span>- Effective use of Bed Bug Products &amp; Tools</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5976658611861998595\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\">Contact us at: (773) 878-7378 or<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> </span></span><a style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; color: #276790; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; text-decoration: none; word-spacing: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\" href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a><span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\"> for more information.</span>','Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series','','inherit','closed','open','','2201-revision-v1','','','2016-07-28 21:37:29','2016-07-28 21:37:29','',2201,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2201-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3312,2,'2016-07-28 21:38:08','2016-07-28 21:38:08','<h1>Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series</h1>\r\n<h4>Ask the experts!<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BedBug_2016Webinars-Final-Updated.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-3310 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BedBug_2016Webinars-Final-Updated-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a></h4>\r\nWe\'re hosting a series of free webinars, diving into different aspects of Chicago\'s bed bug epidemic. Bringing Chicago’s bed bug experts straight to your computer, we\'ll discuss practical steps for preventing and treating bed bug infestations. Each FREE, hour and 15 -minute presentation will be followed by an “Ask the Expert” Q&amp;A. Learn about Chicago\'s Bed Bug Ordinance as it relates to a tenant or catch up on everything you need to know about the bed bug Ordinance as a landlord.  We\'ll talk about your responsibilities when dealing with tenant reports of bed bugs, as well as recommended preventative measures.  Webinars will take place on the following dates:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">August 17th</span>- Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants under Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5180399987607981571\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">August 24th</span>- Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants under Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/629233288196706051\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">September 7th</span>- What to Expect from Your Pest Control Operator</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4699464805525792003\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">September 14th</span>- Effective use of Bed Bug Products &amp; Tools</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5976658611861998595\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\">Contact us at: (773) 878-7378 or<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> </span></span><a style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; color: #276790; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; text-decoration: none; word-spacing: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\" href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a><span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\"> for more information.</span>','Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series','','inherit','closed','open','','2201-revision-v1','','','2016-07-28 21:38:08','2016-07-28 21:38:08','',2201,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2201-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3313,2,'2016-07-29 13:52:57','2016-07-29 13:52:57','<h1>Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series</h1>\r\n<h4>Ask the experts!<a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BedBug_2016Webinars-Final-Updated.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-3310 size-medium\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/BedBug_2016Webinars-Final-Updated-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a></h4>\r\nWe\'re hosting a series of free webinars, diving into different aspects of Chicago\'s bed bug epidemic. Bringing Chicago’s bed bug experts straight to your computer, we\'ll discuss practical steps for preventing and treating bed bug infestations. Each FREE, hour and 15 -minute presentation will be followed by an “Ask the Expert” Q&amp;A. Learn about Chicago\'s Bed Bug Ordinance as it relates to a tenant or catch up on everything you need to know about the bed bug Ordinance as a landlord.  We\'ll talk about your responsibilities when dealing with tenant reports of bed bugs, as well as recommended preventative measures.  Webinars will take place on the following dates:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n<h3></h3>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">August 17th</span>- Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants under Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5180399987607981571\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">August 24th</span>- Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords under Chicago Bed Bug Ordinance</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/629233288196706051\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">September 7th</span>- What to Expect from Your Pest Control Operator</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4699464805525792003\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">September 14th</span>- Effective use of Bed Bug Products &amp; Tools</h3>\r\n<h4><a href=\"https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5976658611861998595\" target=\"_blank\">Register Here</a></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\">Contact us at: (773) 878-7378 or<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> </span></span><a style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; color: #276790; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; text-decoration: none; word-spacing: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\" href=\"mailto:general@pesticideaction.org\" target=\"_blank\">general@pesticideaction.org</a><span style=\"font: 15px/22.5px sans-serif; color: #302c29; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; float: none; display: inline !important; white-space: normal; widows: 1; background-color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;\"> for more information.</span>','Bed Bugs in Chicago: Expert Webinar Series','','inherit','closed','open','','2201-revision-v1','','','2016-07-29 13:52:57','2016-07-29 13:52:57','',2201,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/2201-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3314,2,'2016-07-29 17:00:44','2016-07-29 17:00:44','Welcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit or eliminate these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build turf more resilient to drought conditions. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.\r\n\r\nJust like when <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/dealing-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">managing dandelions</a> or <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">caring for your soil</a>, proper watering involves monitoring and responding to the needs of plant and soil life, as opposed to just applying the product or resource to instantly “green” your lawn.  For more support on monitoring your lawn and when to take action visit our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> guide or use our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>.','Quenching thirst...','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-29 17:00:44','2016-07-29 17:00:44','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3315,2,'2016-07-29 20:31:47','2016-07-29 20:31:47','<h3>The residential sector uses more than 9 billion gallons of water per day on landscapes and turf grass. MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson investigates options to quench your lawn\'s thirst while saving our earth\'s most important natural resource.</h3>\r\nWelcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit or eliminate these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build turf more resilient to drought conditions. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.\r\n\r\nJust like when <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/dealing-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">managing dandelions</a> or <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">caring for your soil</a>, proper watering involves monitoring and responding to the needs of plant and soil life, as opposed to just applying the product or resource to instantly “green” your lawn.  For more support on monitoring your lawn and when to take action visit our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> guide or use our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>.','Quenching thirst...','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-29 20:31:47','2016-07-29 20:31:47','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3316,2,'2016-07-29 20:35:35','2016-07-29 20:35:35','<h3>The US residential sector uses more than nine billion gallons of water per day on landscapes and turf grass. MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson investigates options to quench your lawn\'s thirst while saving our earth\'s most important natural resource.</h3>\r\nWelcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit or eliminate these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build turf more resilient to drought conditions. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.\r\n\r\nJust like when <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/dealing-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">managing dandelions</a> or <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">caring for your soil</a>, proper watering involves monitoring and responding to the needs of plant and soil life, as opposed to just applying the product or resource to instantly “green” your lawn.  For more support on monitoring your lawn and when to take action visit our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> guide or use our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>.','Satisfying Demand, Reducing Supply: Caring for Grass in a Water-Stressed World ','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-29 20:35:35','2016-07-29 20:35:35','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3317,2,'2016-07-29 20:43:18','2016-07-29 20:43:18','','water image','','inherit','closed','open','','water-image','','','2016-07-29 20:43:18','2016-07-29 20:43:18','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/water-image.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3318,2,'2016-07-29 20:43:44','2016-07-29 20:43:44','<h3>The US residential sector uses more than nine billion gallons of water per day on landscapes and turf grass. <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/water-image.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3317\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/water-image-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"water image\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a></h3>\r\nWelcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit or eliminate these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build turf more resilient to drought conditions. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.\r\n\r\nJust like when <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/dealing-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">managing dandelions</a> or <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">caring for your soil</a>, proper watering involves monitoring and responding to the needs of plant and soil life, as opposed to just applying the product or resource to instantly “green” your lawn.  For more support on monitoring your lawn and when to take action visit our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> guide or use our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>.','Satisfying Demand, Reducing Supply: Caring for Grass in a Water-Stressed World ','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-29 20:43:44','2016-07-29 20:43:44','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3319,2,'2016-07-29 20:44:23','2016-07-29 20:44:23','<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3317\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/water-image-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"water image\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" />The US residential sector uses more than nine billion gallons of water per day on landscapes and turf grass.</h3>\r\nWelcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit or eliminate these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build turf more resilient to drought conditions. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.\r\n\r\nJust like when <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/dealing-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">managing dandelions</a> or <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">caring for your soil</a>, proper watering involves monitoring and responding to the needs of plant and soil life, as opposed to just applying the product or resource to instantly “green” your lawn.  For more support on monitoring your lawn and when to take action visit our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> guide or use our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>.','Satisfying Demand, Reducing Supply: Caring for Grass in a Water-Stressed World ','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-29 20:44:23','2016-07-29 20:44:23','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3320,2,'2016-07-29 20:46:27','2016-07-29 20:46:27','<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3317\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/water-image-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"water image\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" />The US residential sector uses more than nine billion gallons of water per day on landscapes and turf grass. MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson investigates options to quench your lawn\'s thirst while saving our earth\'s most important natural resource.</h3>\r\nWelcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit or eliminate these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build turf more resilient to drought conditions. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.\r\n\r\nJust like when <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/dealing-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">managing dandelions</a> or <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">caring for your soil</a>, proper watering involves monitoring and responding to the needs of plant and soil life, as opposed to just applying the product or resource to instantly “green” your lawn.  For more support on monitoring your lawn and when to take action visit our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> guide or use our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>.','Satisfying Demand, Reducing Supply: Caring for Grass in a Water-Stressed World ','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-29 20:46:27','2016-07-29 20:46:27','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3321,2,'2016-07-29 20:52:56','2016-07-29 20:52:56','<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3317\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/water-image-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"water image\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" />The US residential sector uses more than nine billion gallons of water per day on landscapes and turf grass. MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson investigates options to quench your lawn\'s thirst while saving our earth\'s most important natural resource.</h3>\r\nWelcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build more drought resilient turf. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.\r\n\r\nJust like when <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/dealing-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">managing dandelions</a> or <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">caring for your soil</a>, proper watering involves monitoring and responding to the needs of plant and soil life, as opposed to just applying the product or resource to instantly “green” your lawn.  For more support on monitoring your lawn and when to take action visit our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> guide or use our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>.','Satisfying Demand, Reducing Supply: Caring for Grass in a Water-Stressed World ','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-29 20:52:56','2016-07-29 20:52:56','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3322,2,'2016-07-29 20:53:51','2016-07-29 20:53:51','<h3></h3>\r\n<h3><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3317\" src=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/water-image-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"water image\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" />The US residential sector uses more than nine billion gallons of water per day on landscapes and turf grass. MPAC\'s Ryan Anderson investigates options to quench your lawn\'s thirst while saving our earth\'s most important natural resource.</h3>\r\nWelcome to August, summer’s victory tour following its peak in July.  High temperatures and uncertain rain patterns (though we’ve been fortunate this year) causes your neighbor to water his or her lawn to the point that it flows into the street.  Ironically, your neighbor’s meticulous efforts to maintain a green lawn prove counterproductive as weeds, insects, and diseases take advantage of the <a href=\"http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep054\" target=\"_blank\">waterlogged and damaged grass</a>.\r\n\r\nYour neighbor’s problem plagues many lawns in America as the home landscaping sector wastes more than <a href=\"https://watermyyard.org/#/Location\" target=\"_blank\">50% of water it uses</a>. The amount of water it takes to irrigate our nation’s residential landscapes and largest irrigated crop, <a href=\"http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lawn-largest-crop-america_us_55d0dc06e4b07addcb43435d\" target=\"_blank\">turf grass</a>, totals more than <a href=\"https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html\" target=\"_blank\">nine billion gallons per day</a> (1/3 of all residential water use).  These numbers are staggering when compared to other crops (<a href=\"http://scienceline.org/2011/07/lawns-vs-crops-in-the-continental-u-s/\" target=\"_blank\">four times more water applied than any single crop</a>), and more troubling when considering that many of these uses in the home sector result from improper watering techniques.\r\n\r\nTurf does not need continuous, set schedule watering and may actually hurt from it. Any time you find grass in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, you witness this species’ resiliency. It readily adjusts to its external environment. For cases of slightly dry soil in the spring, your grass will spread its roots to find water and prepare for harsher summer conditions. When allowed to reach for the sky by high mowing practices, grass fortifies its root network by expending less energy repairing leaves and stems. All these behaviors and adaptations are necessary for turf survival, but we limit these adaptations when artificially controlling water exposure and other parts of its external environment.\r\n\r\nLetting nature run its course for turf irrigation (at least over the spring) and applying the cultural practices of <a href=\"http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6720\" target=\"_blank\">mowing high, aerating, and organically fertilizing</a> achieves a strong and deep rooting network that enables turf to withstand droughts and outcompete crabgrass, dandelions, and other weeds. You may never need to water your grass during wet summers if well rooted.\r\n\r\nSo, how should you determine when to intervene? Step on a patch of grass, if it springs back no need for more water! If footprints remain on turf grass and it looks blueish-green, <a href=\"https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ay/ay-7-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">then water away</a>.\r\n\r\nGrass returns to the desirable green and upright state with around 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week.  Refrain from daily light and set scheduled irrigations. Instead, provide this water quota in a single thorough soaking or in two equal applications three to four days apart that enable deep root growth. Finally, watering best serves your lawn between 4:00 to 8:00 AM, when water droplets can avoid the wind and evaporation to percolate to the deepest of the turf’s roots. That time window too early for you? Then try between 8:00 to 12:00 PM.\r\n\r\nApplying these tips in the spring will build more drought resilient turf. But, what about now in August, when the soil tends to dry out and grass turns brown? Should you panic? Generally, no.  <a href=\"http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/dont-stress-out-over-your-lawn-summer\" target=\"_blank\">Grass turns brown</a> and enters a state of dormancy to cope with water-stressed conditions. Other than its leaves and shoots, the plant is still very much alive. Grass survives in dormant and drought-tolerant buds prepared to sprout at your next thorough watering session.\r\n\r\nNote that your lawn may thin if left dormant for four to six weeks. If drought conditions persist during those four to six weeks, apply a thorough 1 to 1 ½ inches irrigation to prevent portions of your grass from dying.\r\n\r\nJust like when <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/dealing-with-dandelions/\" target=\"_blank\">managing dandelions</a> or <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/worryaboutthebottomdwellers/\" target=\"_blank\">caring for your soil</a>, proper watering involves monitoring and responding to the needs of plant and soil life, as opposed to just applying the product or resource to instantly “green” your lawn.  For more support on monitoring your lawn and when to take action visit our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WOY_Midwest_Grows_Green_Guide-final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Midwest Grows Green</a> guide or use our <a href=\"http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAC-NLC-Calendar.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Lawn Care Calendar</a>.','Satisfying Demand, Reducing Supply: Caring for Grass in a Water-Stressed World ','','inherit','closed','open','','3302-revision-v1','','','2016-07-29 20:53:51','2016-07-29 20:53:51','',3302,'http://midwestpesticideaction.org/3302-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0);
