Healthy Lawns and Landscapes Come to Massachusetts

You can have a beautiful yard without using chemicals that may harm children, pets and the environment. And the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) can show you how.

This week and next, communities and organizations will present free "Healthy Lawns and Landscapes" workshops, led by Ann McGovern of the MassDEP. Homeowners and landscapers are welcome to attend and may register by calling the contact person listed below.

The workshops will be held at the following times and locations:

-- April 29 - 7-9 p.m.; Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Mass. Ave. Lexington.
Contact: Eileen Entin, 781-862-6418

-- May 6, 6-8 p.m.; Charles River Watershed Association, 190 Park Rd., Weston
Contact: Julie Wood, 781-788-0007 x225

Pesticides and lawn chemicals may have unforeseen impacts on human health and can move through the soil into drinking water supplies, ponds, streams and rivers. Children and pets are especially susceptible to harmful effects of pesticides because of their size. Birds and other wildlife suffer injury and even death from long-term exposure to traces of pesticides in the environment.

"With a few simple changes, you can have a beautiful lawn and landscape without the use of harmful chemicals," said McGovern, the Consumer Waste Reduction Coordinator for MassDEP. "By developing healthy soil, choosing plants that are appropriate for your site conditions and following some basic guidelines in caring for them, you can have a very rewarding, attractive landscape that contributes to the health of your family, neighbors, pets, wildlife and water quality."

Don MacAdam of Canton doesn't bag and carry his leaves to the town's yard waste drop-off area. He saves time and money by recycling yard waste back into the soil. "We make mulch and compost out of the leaves, and that seems to enrich the soil so much we don't need to add anything else. We don't need to water as often as we used to, either," MacAdam said.

John Crisley of Wakefield leaves the clippings on his lawn when he mows. He hasn't needed to use any fertilizer in years because his lawn is green without it. Pests aren't a problem because the grass is healthy. "I used to think the clippings might cause thatch to build up, but it hasn't. Bagging clippings was a pain in the neck. This is much easier," Crisley said.

Come and learn some simple techniques you can use in your own yard. Working with nature, you can create conditions in which life in and beyond your yard can thrive. You can be part of the solution to pollution. Materials will be provided for volunteers who wish to promote sustainable landscaping in their neighborhoods. All attendees will receive a gift and a chance to win a compost bin. Refreshments will be served.

For more information on the workshops and healthy landscaping methods, visit:: www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/composti.htm

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

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