Neighborhood Notes

The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) has partnered with Portland Parks and Recreation to implement the Pesticide-Free Parks program. The program, which began as a trial at Arbor Lodge, Sewallcrest and Lair Hill Parks three years ago, has been very successful. As a result two new parks are being designated pesticide-free. The two new parks are Midland Park in SE Portland and Hillside Park in NW Portland.

People want pesticide-free parks! They want places they can go with their children and pets where they won't be exposed to pesticides.

"We have been able to replace the use of pesticides with people power." said Haley Smith of Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides. "We're very pleased that Portland Parks and Recreation has designated these parks as Pesticide-Free."

Volunteers keep weeds at bay by hand weeding, mulching and propane-powered weed burners. Over the three year trial program, 244 volunteers put in 1,374 hours removing weeds at Lair Hill, Sewallcrest and Arbor Lodge parks.

Portland Parks & 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.

The public is encouraged to come celebrate these parks on Oct. 11th and 12th. Program leaders will be available to answer questions. Light refreshments will be served and native plants will be given away. There will be kids' activities, a native plant walk and a raffle.

Celebrations will be held at the following times and places:

Midland Park
(SE 122nd and Morrison)
Sat. Oct. 11th, 1:00-3:00 PM

Hillside Park
(653 NW Culpepper Terr)
Sun. Oct. 12, 1:00-3:00 PM

The Portland Pesticide-free Parks Program is made possible by a Metro Nature in Neighborhoods Grant.
For more information please visit www.portlandparks.org or call (503) 423-7549.