<h2>Midwest Grows Green: Pesticide-Free Parks</h2>
<span style="color: #222222;">The goal of the Pesticide-Free Parks program is to </span>help park managers<a href="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2100-x-1400-DandelionHeadband-e1380813500621.jpg"><img class="alignright wp-image-359" src="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2100-x-1400-DandelionHeadband-e1380813500621-300x133.jpg" alt="Dandelion Headband" width="311" height="137" /></a> move toward the adoption of sustainable turf management practices, thereby reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to lessen their impact on the health of people, pets, and the environment. The Pesticide-Free Parks program is designed as an educational tool to inform the community about natural lawn care and highlight the park management's commitment to healthful and environmentally responsible gathering spaces for the community.

<a href="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SoccerKids1.jpg"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-2597" src="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SoccerKids1-300x170.jpg" alt="SoccerKids1" width="270" height="153" /></a>Through a public/private partnership, MPAC launched the first pesticide-free park program with the City of Evanston in 2015 with the designation of five parks as pesticide-free. MPAC created posters and other information materials distributed throughout Evanston’s parks to promote the program.  In addition, MPAC drafted a press release that was picked up by over 18 media outlets, providing the program with exposure and positive feedback. Our hope is to grow the Pesticide-Free Parks (PFP) program in other communities across the Midwest.

<strong>What is a pesticide-free park?</strong>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">We define a pesticide-free park as one that is maintained under the principals of natural lawn care. As part of the program, signage will be incorporated to let the community know that the park is being managed without the use of harmful chemicals that could compromise the health of their children and the natural environment. In addition, MPAC will help communities adopting PFP to draft a press release  to draw community attention to the initiative.</p>
<strong>For more information about this and other Midwest Grows Green programs, contact Midwest Pesticide Action Center at general@pesticideaction.org and “Midwest Grows Green” as the subject.  Or, call us at (773) 878-7378.</strong>