Lisle Park District going pesticide-free at 4 parks

In line with its goal to be an eco-friendly leader in the community, Lisle Park District is launching a pesticide-free program in four of its parks this spring.

In collaboration with the IMP Institute of North America and the Midwest Pesticide Action Center, the district has been working to develop a program to limit the use of potentially harmful pesticides and herbicides in parks.

To introduce the program, the district has partnered with Chicago Grows Green Week to host an Organic Park Kickoff from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 2, at Leask Lane Park along Leask Lane.

Attendees at the free event will have the opportunity to learn about pollinator protection and see demonstrations of the natural lawn care approach from Midwest Grows Green. Refreshments will be provided.

Four parks, spread throughout the district, have been chosen to serve as test sites for the program: Abbeywood, 2211 Abbeywood Drive; Oak Hill, 5460 Ranier Drive; Leask Lane, 4S281 Leask Lane; and Connelly, 933 Lacey Ave.

Beginning this spring, the parks department will use organic, all-natural methods to control invasive species and promote turf growth. While some weeds may still grow, turf and soil will become healthier in the long term. The program will result in more environmentally responsible methods to maintain parks.

Chicago Grows Green Week puts a spotlight on sustainable landscaping progress in the Greater Chicago area to demonstrate that landscapes can be managed with limited use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

This year's theme is "Growing Pesticide-Free Lawns & Gardens for the Long-Term." Between June 1 and 8, Midwest Grows Green will share tips on natural lawn care, organic gardening, and sustainable landscaping, and encourage others to do the same.

To learn more about Midwest Grows Green and Chicago Grows Green Week, visit midwestgrowsgreen.org.