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Last night, Council voted to eliminate the cosmetic use of pesticides within the City of Guelph. There are exceptions (read the by-law), but for the most part, the days of indiscriminate spraying of pesticides on lawns in Guelph is over. Exceptions for insect infestation (grubs and chinch bugs) will end January 1, 2009.
The new pesticide-free Guelph will require a cultural and behavioural shift. I think this community is up for it - we’re a resourceful and responsible group! So I will be joining the healthy lawn revolution too….
Although I would much rather tear up my lawn and create a lush Ontario native shade garden, the reality is that I still need a stretch of lawn. You see, I have three boys (and a daughter) and therefore, backyard soccer, badminton, volleyball and other lawn activities are still very much a part of our foreseeable future.
I’ve never sprayed pesticides on my lawn. But then again, I’ve never aspired to have the perfect lawn either. I’m okay with dandelions - they make great salad greens BTW - and the birds love the grubs.
This year, I have decided to try some of the techniques suggested by the City of Guelph “healthy lawn” education program to see if they make a difference. I completed the first step last week - dethatching and new “Eco-Lawn” seed with homemade compost. Thankfully, the rain soaked everything yesterday. So far so good….
LP
On April 19th, consider spending a few hours in your neighbourhood or your favourite community park removing unsightly litter. You’d be surprised at the difference we can make in just a few hours when we all work together!
When
Saturday, April 19, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Where
Anywhere within Guelph city limits including neighbourhood streets, parks and greenspaces. You choose the area you’d like to clean.
Who
The clean up is open to everyone: individuals, teams, and neighbourhood and community groups are welcome!
Register
Teams and locations must be registered by calling Karen at 519-822-1260 x 2679. Clean up kits will be provided, including safety vests for teams picking up litter along arterial routes.
After the clean up, volunteers are invited to celebrate with a free BBQ in St. George’s Square. There’ll be food, music and fun!
The Guelph Clean & Green Community Clean Up is sponsored by Guelph & Wellington Development Association, Guelph & District Home Builders Association, Guelph Downtown Business Association and the City of Guelph.
Dear Mayor Farbridge and City Council Members,
We are aware that a road has been proposed to be cut through the small park between Essex Street and Waterloo at the corner of Gordon Street in order to accommodate a large truck that occasionally uses the street. Apparently two large trees have already been removed to create a turnaround where Essex dead-ends at Gordon.
Guelph Urban Forest Friends is very concerned about the additional loss of trees that will occur as a result of this road. Park land and trees are precious resources that belong to all citizens of the city. We ask that a public consultation be held with respect to the proposed road and that well prior to commencement of work on the project, the alignment of the road be clearly delineated with signs and that all trees slated for removal be clearly marked with signs so that the people who use and value this park are aware of the proposal.
Thank you for your consideration.
Tara Treanor, Norah Chaloner & Judy Martin
on behalf of GUFF
