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FOR RELEASE: September 29, 2006
CONTACT:
Megan Kemple, Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, (503) 423-7549
Steve Morgan, Portland Parks and Recreation, Nature Services, (503) 823-1636 or (503) 823-6324
Portland's Pesticide-free Parks program serves as a model for communities throughout the Northwest
New programs have been established in Eugene, Oregon and Bozeman and Helena, Montana
Three Portland parks have successfully remained pesticide-free and will be holding community celebrations this Saturday and Sunday, to commemorate the two year mark of a three-year program. Portland Parks and Recreation and the non-profit group Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, or NCAP, will honor the program's success in each of the three parks (see below for event details).
Pesticide-free parks are catching on: new programs have been established in Eugene, Oregon and Bozeman and Helena, Montana this year, using Portland's program as a model. The Portland program's success in providing safe, fun spaces for people who prefer not to expose their children to pesticides is due in large part to the innovative use of community volunteer work to control weeds.
"We have been able to replace the use of pesticides with people power in these three parks." said Megan Kemple of Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides. "Portland's Pesticide-free Parks program has been a model for new programs which are sprouting up all over the Pacific Northwest."
Portland volunteers keep weeds at bay by hand weeding, mulching and with propane-powered weed burners. Over 240 volunteers have taken part in 44 work parties, logging over 1200 hours.
"Portland Parks and Recreation appreciates the time and effort that our partners have devoted to these parks. It is only through public involvement that this program can be successful." said John Reed, Pest Management Coordinator for Portland Parks and Recreation.
Weekend Events for the Public (Reporters Welcome*)
Celebrations will be held at the following times and locations:
Lair Hill Park
Saturday, September 30th Noon to 2pm
SW 2nd & Woods (between Barbur Blvd & 2nd at Woods)
Sewallcrest Park
Sunday, October 1st 10am to Noon
SE 31st & Market
Arbor Lodge Park
Sunday, October 1st 1pm to 3pm
N. Bryant & Delaware (This eight-acre park lies 2 blocks south of Lombard St. between Greeley and Delaware)
- There will be snacks, kids activities, and native plants to give away.
- Program staff will be available for interviews.
- Families are encouraged to attend.
* Photo Opportunities
Parents and their children will be attending the event on Saturday Sept. 30th 10am-12pm and will be available for interviews. NCAP staff and Parks Department officials will also be on site for interviews and can demonstrate the use of pesticide-free tools including a propane-powered flameweeder.
Volunteers can be seen weeding in the pesticide-free parks on Sunday October 1st, 10am to 12 pm at Sewallcrest Park, SE 31st and Market.
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