Fertilizer

[Jenni Mettemeyer]

Hello Fellow Gardeners!

I have heard recently that the grounds crew plans to spray fertilizer and weed killer on the school grounds this spring. Does anyone have any details on this? I was told a special spraying machine was also purchased. Wondering if there is any truth to this?

Thanks!
Jenni Mettemeyer
Shimek Gardener




Sent from my iPhone

[Elling, Gwendolyn L]

I have not heard anything about this. When and if you hear anything, please share with is!
Thanks, Gwen

Sent from my iPhone

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[Blair Frank]

Hello...  I appreciate the alert...  Now that Roundup is linked to cancer it deeply distresses me that this is continuing...  We are smarter than this!  Please keep me updated...  I am helping lead a march against Monsanto on May 23/..  Why is it over 60 countries won't use herbicides and yet we still do?  Thanks for sharing...  I am envisioning us finding a collective voice that stops this...  Thanks...

[Jenni Mettemeyer]

Ben, 

Just realized you are part of this group. Can you let us know if there is any truth behind this? 

Thank You,

Jenni

Sent from my iPhone

[Scott Koepke]

An update on fruit tree policy would be helpful as well.  Thanks! 

 

By the way, I'll have plenty of free tomato starts soon for anyone who wants to connect with me for those.  Will also soon have extra eggplant.  Likely some leeks, cabbage and kohlrabi as well.  Oh, and some basil and milkweed seed!

 

-sk

 

~~~~~

Scott Koepke

New Pioneer's Soilmates organic garden education service for children 

319-248-6416

sko...@newpi.coop

"Building community by building soil"

---

From: icschoo...@googlegroups.com [icschoo...@googlegroups.com] on behalf of Jenni Mettemeyer [jen...@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2015 7:35 AM
To: Blair Frank
Cc: Elling, Gwendolyn L; icschoo...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [icschoolgardens] Fertilizer

[David Dude]

Good afternoon, everyone. I've checked in with our grounds crew to gather some information about this.

Our district practices integrated pest management, as explained in administrative regulation 807 (I'm not sure if this group allows attachments, so I've pasted the complete text below my email). In terms of weed control and Roundup specifically, the genesis of the concern below, Roundup (Glyphosate) is a Class 5 chemical that has been approved for use and deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency. Weeds are only spot sprayed when schools are not in session and only by personnel who have been certified to do so. We limit spraying to fence rows and next to buildings or problematic areas where the use of mechanical devices is not effective. We never spray near gardens or fruit trees and we only spray with the recommended percentages and best practices. This practice has been used in the district for at least 20 years, if not longer--the last two years with our in-house grounds crew and previous to that with our outsourced grounds care company. Regarding the question about the recent sprayer that was purchased, that is not for weed control.

Hopefully this addresses your questions and concerns, but if others remain please let me know.

Thanks,
David


David Dude, Ph.D. – Chief Operating Officer/Chief Technology Officer – Iowa City Community School District – Mobile: 319.481-3833 – Office: 319.688.1289 – Fax: 319.688.1009 – Email: Dude....@IowaCitySchools.org – Twitter: @ICCSD_Dude – Educational Services Center: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245-9589

Need help with a technology problem? Contact our Help Desk at Help...@IowaCitySchools.org or call extension HELP (4357).
Questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact me or my supervisor, Stephen Murley, Superintendent, Murley....@IowaCitySchools.org.


#####################################################

Code No. 807

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINE

GROUNDS - PESTICIDES


Integrated Pest Management is a comprehensive process that utilizes information about plants, pests and the environment to plan and implement management tactics in overall strategies to keep pests below levels that cause damage. Integrated Pest Management specifically involves regular monitoring of plant material and pest levels, and using pesticides only when other means of control are ineffective, or economically unfeasible.

Proper grounds management techniques reduce stress and encourage good health in plants. These include avoidance of problems, proper planning and cultural practices, such as watering, fertilizing, mowing, core aeration, pruning and mulching. It is important these practices be done at proper times and intervals.

A pesticide is a substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests or used as a plant growth regulator. This includes insecticides used against insects, herbicides used against weedy or other plants, fungicides used against fungi, and antibiotics or bactericides used against bacteria.

Pesticides may be used when:

1. Students or employees are experiencing discomfort or unsafe conditions.

2. Damage is occurring to a tree, shrub, plant, or to the grounds.

3. After cultural and biological methods have been used and population dynamics of pests indicate that significant increases in pest problems are inevitable and pesticide use will decrease the pest population.

The district's grounds maintenance contractor must:

1. Hold an Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicators License.

2. Require employees applying pesticides to be certified pesticide applicators.

3. Provide a written plan for each school that will describe a method for periodic inspection by monitoring of grounds and plant material for the potential pest problems and plant health which will include a threshold level that will determine when pest control measures are necessary.

4. Institute a grounds management program which encourages healthy plants.
This will include proper timing and scheduling of watering, fertilizing, mowing, core aeration, pruning, mulching (to minimize stress of plants thus reducing susceptibility to insects, disease and weeds).

5. Evaluate grounds management practices and pest control procedures on an
ongoing basis. Revise practices as needed to gain from past experiences and new
techniques.

6. Adhere to the procedures in this regulation.

When it is necessary that pesticides be applied, the contractor must:

1. Keep records indicating the extent of the pest problem, the reason for deciding to take action and the control used. These records will be kept for a minimum of five years.

2. Use the "least toxic" pest control measures when feasible.

3. Apply pesticides when school is not in session.

4. Post notification signs in accordance with Iowa law and district regulations.

5. Notify building administrators.




Revised: September 17, 2013


#####################################################

-----Original Message-----
From: icschoo...@googlegroups.com [mailto:icschoo...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Elling, Gwendolyn L
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2015 6:49 PM
To: Jenni Mettemeyer
Cc: icschoo...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [icschoolgardens] Fertilizer

________________________________

NOTICE: All email communications to and from the District’s email server are archived in accordance with District policy and procedures. This email communication, including attachments, contains information which may be confidential and/or legally privileged, and may otherwise be exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The information is intended solely for the use of the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient or believe you received this communication in error, please reply to the sender indicating that fact and delete the copy you received. In addition, if you are not the intended recipient or believe you received this communication in error, any unauthorized retention, copying, disclosure, distribution, or other use of the information is strictly prohibited. Thank you.

[Mike Loots]

I would love to connect on some starts Scott!

Maybe for Earth Day?

Thanks David for clarifying on the fertilizer usage.

Any thoughts on the trees we are allowed to plant in a school year (five, correct?) being or nut fruit trees?  We would like to plant a few more apples at NWJH, now that we have seen our first batch successfully take root.

Mike Loots

515-571-3036

NWJH Language Arts Instructor 

University of Iowa Touch the Earth/ LLS Adjunct Instructor/ Naturalist 

[Jenni Mettemeyer]

Thank you for your information on the pesticide use David.

Still wondering about the use of fertilizer on school properties... I would appreciate any information you have to share on this.

Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone

[David Dude]

Good afternoon,

Regarding fertilizer, we use different approaches depending on the area to be addressed. Fertilizer is primarily used on athletic fields and high visibility areas, like the front of buildings. Around playgrounds we apply seed at a very high density in order to create as many plants per square inch as possible, only using fertilizer minimally. Turf is considered a safe playing surface, rated and tested for injuries due to impact and twisting of feet, which is why we try to keep play areas as weed free as practical. Hope that helps address the questions.

David


David Dude, Ph.D. – Chief Operating Officer/Chief Technology Officer – Iowa City Community School District – Mobile: 319.481-3833 – Office: 319.688.1289 – Fax: 319.688.1009 – Email: Dude....@IowaCitySchools.org – Twitter: @ICCSD_Dude – Educational Services Center: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245-9589

Need help with a technology problem? Contact our Help Desk at Help...@IowaCitySchools.org or call extension HELP (4357).
Questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact me or my supervisor, Stephen Murley, Superintendent, Murley....@IowaCitySchools.org.

[Blair Frank]

David Dude... 

I am amazed that an ad in strative policy wouldn't be up for a review after being implicated as a cause of cancer...  On school grounds?  Meanwhile bees across this country ate dying from herbicides...  Very difficult for me to understand... 

I appreciate your response...  I think its time to reevaluate our priorities...

[David Dude]

Good afternoon,

 

We’re always open to reconsidering past decisions. Please feel free to send me pertinent information and we will review accordingly.

 

Thanks,

David

 

 

David Dude, Ph.D. – Chief Operating Officer/Chief Technology Officer – Iowa City Community School District – Mobile: 319.481-3833 – Office: 319.688.1289 – Fax: 319.688.1009 – Email: Dude....@IowaCitySchools.org – Twitter: @ICCSD_Dude – Educational Services Center: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245-9589

 

Need help with a technology problem? Contact our Help Desk at Help...@IowaCitySchools.org or call extension HELP (4357).

Questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact me or my supervisor, Stephen Murley, Superintendent, Murley....@IowaCitySchools.org.

 

[Margaret Kiekhaefer]

Hello David, 

Educated in preventive medicine and environmental health, there have been numerous concerns about roundup over the years.  Here is some recent study and review that ma be helpful.

http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/blogs/new-review-points-to-glyphosates-dangerous-health-effects/

I also know that with the Integrated Pest Management process, which is also used by many Master Gardeners, at times the use of such products as glyphosates and neonicotinamides are used under restricted and controlled conditions as a last resort.  It is known that these products do affect soil organisms as well as beneficial insects.  I do think that at times we often focus on areas of lower risk bypassing those subjects of much higher risk and concern.  

Hopefully, this can start a meaningful discussion and evaluation of the concerns  that people have.

Meg Kiekhaefer

---

From: dude....@iowacityschools.org
To: bfrank...@gmail.com
CC: icschoo...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [icschoolgardens] Fertilizer
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 2015 20:52:55 +0000

Good afternoon,

 

We’re always open to reconsidering past decisions. Please feel free to send me pertinent information and we will review accordingly.

 

Thanks,

David

 .688.1009 – Email: Dude....@IowaCitySchools.org – Twitter: @ICCSD_Dude – Educational Services Center: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245-9589

[David Dude]

Thanks, Meg! We will look this over.

 

I did a quick search on the topic and was surprised to find several other pieces appearing to discredit this one. I share those links as resources to include in the conversation, with no judgment as to their accuracy.

 

http://www.sci-phy.com/detecting-bogus-scientific-journals/

http://skeptoid.com/blog/2013/05/04/roundup-and-gut-bacteria/

 

Thanks,

David

 

 

David Dude, Ph.D. – Chief Operating Officer/Chief Technology Officer – Iowa City Community School District – Mobile: 319.481-3833 – Office: 319.688.1289 – Fax: 319.688.1009 – Email: Dude....@IowaCitySchools.org – Twitter: @ICCSD_Dude – Educational Services Center: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245-9589

 

Need help with a technology problem? Contact our Help Desk at Help...@IowaCitySchools.org or call extension HELP (4357).

Questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact me or my supervisor, Stephen Murley, Superintendent, Murley....@IowaCitySchools.org.

 

[Jenni Mettemeyer]

David, 

Would you be willing to share with us exactly what kind of fertilizer the grounds crew uses? I am curious what chemicals my children are being exposed to. 

Thank you for your willingness to engage in this conversation!

Jenni

Sent from my iPhone

[MARY Kirkpatrick]

As the school reviews policies for use of pesticides, I would encourage them to remember that at one time in the not so distance past, DDT was considered safe.  When I took my Master Gardener training, we were shown a video of parents spraying their children with DDT to keep them ‘safe’.  Now we know how harmful and misguided that was.  But at that time the experts said that was okay…until we learned more.

I worked for over 30 years for Iowa State University.  I can tell you that large agribusiness and chemical companies contribute huge amounts of money to universities and influence what is researched and what is reported.  There is a lot of pressure to suppress research and information that would harm the profits of the huge companies that benefit from use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and other chemicals.  We need to be cautious about what we read.

A respected local physician, Dr. Terry Wahls, has done extensive research on the harm done to human health by pesticides like Roundup and many others.  You can check her facebook page for references.  She strongly recommends that we eat organic foods and avoid contact with toxins such as Roundup.  This includes our lawns.  She cites research to back up her statement.  Here is one example: http://www.naturalnews.com/040482_glyphosate_monsanto_detoxification.html#  I would encourage the school district personnel to contact Dr. Wahls for her input on the topic of pesticide use on school property.

I STRONGLY urge the school to use the precautionary principle!!  The precautionary principle states: The precautionary principle or precautionary approach to risk management states that if an action or policy has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of scientific consensus that the action or policy is not harmful, the burden of proof that it is not harmful falls on those taking an action.

The principle is used by policy makers to justify discretionary decisions in situations where there is the possibility of harm from making a certain decision (e.g. taking a particular course of action) when extensive scientific knowledge on the matter is lacking. The principle implies that there is a social responsibility to protect the public from exposure to harm, when scientific investigation has found a plausible risk. These protections can be relaxed only if further scientific findings emerge that provide sound evidence that no harm will result.

In some legal systems, as in the law of the European Union, the application of the precautionary principle has been made a statutory requirement in some areas of law.

I believe that the issue of spraying the school ground with pesticides violates the precautionary principle.  Our children are being exposed unnecessarily to poisons (that’s what pesticides are).  Let’s stop adding to the health risks our children face!!

 

Mary Kirkpatrick

431 Elmridge Avenue

Iowa City, IA 52245

---

From: dude....@iowacityschools.org
To: msk...@msn.com; bfrank...@gmail.com

CC: icschoo...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [icschoolgardens] Fertilizer

Date: Tue, 7 Apr 2015 21:39:22 +0000

[Brandi Janssen]

David, and all-

One reason that glyphosate has been in the news again recently is that the WHO promoted it to a "probable" carcinogen a few weeks ago.  The EPA has not changed its categorization, but is scheduled to review it as part of the regular pesticide review schedule this year. 

Here is a link w/ some information about the WHO ruling and the 2A chemical designation.  http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060016212

Best,

Brandi Janssen

[Blair Frank]

Everyone...

I have to say that the link you (David) site has connections to the makers of Roundup...  There is very little research in the United States that is independent of Monsanto...  Science journals funded by agribusiness profit with sales of Roundup...  I question that they are in a position to say the science is false...  

The majority of agricultural departments of universities across the USA including Ames Iowa is heavily funded by Monsanto...  And now over 60 countries have banned Glyphospate...  We are being duped...  Spraying herbicides on playgrounds and athletic fields so athletes won't twist their ankles does not make any sense to me...  Maybe that's because I have worked on oncology units and had a wife die of breast cancer...

I am totally committed to illuminating this issue as I am seeing a direct connection to the wellbeing of our children and unborn children as well as to the bees and monarchs and yes...  Us...

We have reached a saturation point...  Species are dying as we have poisoned the planet...  And spraying our schools with Roundup seems absolutely contrary to common sense...  

I believe this discussion is going to get much bigger...  Respectfully yours...

Blair Frank

319-721-7741

Gaia's Peace Garden

Sent from my iPad

[David Dude]

Good morning,

 

Thank you all for sharing this information. It’s very helpful. If you have additional resources to share, please don’t hesitate to do so. As I’ve been looking into these things, I found some additional resources I thought I’d share:

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/generalinformationaboutcarcinogens/known-and-probable-human-carcinogens

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045%2815%2970134-8/fulltext

http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/glyphosate/

 

I really like the concept of the precautionary principle that Mary shared and look forward to giving that more thought. My initial thought in reading it was how to measure “harmful.” For instance, I think there is solid evidence that a 65 mph interstate speed limit causes more deaths than a 55 mph limit, but many states allow it (and higher limits) in some sort of “cost-benefit” reasoning (I presume).  (Note that even this, naturally, has contradictory perspectives. See this and this, for example.) For a more local example, if harm is any injury, then allowing students to play on a playground has a suspected risk of causing harm. I’m not aware of scientific consensus that allowing students to play on the playground is not harmful, therefore this principle would require us to discontinue allowing children to play on the playground. I share these examples as food for thought as I process the concepts myself.

 

Regarding the impact Monsanto has on research, research universities, and government agencies, I’m not clear how our school district is in a position to evaluate that. For instance, when I read pieces that refer to glyphosate as “that sinister chemical,” I’m not inclined to believe that the author is objectively, scientifically evaluating the evidence, but those pieces are being shared as evidence that the US EPA is negligent in their protection of US citizens. I appreciate Blair’s perspective that “we are being duped,” but would appreciate suggestions as to how the school district should evaluate contradictory information between the WHO and the EPA, for instance. Since many of you have strong beliefs regarding glyphosate, I encourage you to reach out to your legislators and get the state to update Iowa code to reflect how glyphosate should or should not be used. You can look them up here: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators.

 

Looking forward to continued conversation on this topic.

 

David

 

 

David Dude, Ph.D. – Chief Operating Officer/Chief Technology Officer – Iowa City Community School District – Mobile: 319.481-3833 – Office: 319.688.1289 – Fax: 319.688.1009 – Email: Dude....@IowaCitySchools.org – Twitter: @ICCSD_Dude – Educational Services Center: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245-9589

 

Need help with a technology problem? Contact our Help Desk at Help...@IowaCitySchools.org or call extension HELP (4357).

Questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact me or my supervisor, Stephen Murley, Superintendent, Murley....@IowaCitySchools.org.

 

[Scott Koepke]

Great exchange, all.  Very healthy and long overdue as we continue to build bridges.  I'd just add that if we acknowledge that playgrounds shouldn't be banned because someone might get hurt, that same logic should apply to plants.  Should apple trees be banned because a kid might throw an apple?  Of course not.  ANYthing is a potential projectile.  Should we ban pollinators (most of which all garden plants are, by the way) because a kid might get stung and have an allergic reaction?  Of course not.  Provide more Epi Pens on site.  Should we ban all plants over a few feet tall because a preditor might be hiding behind a tomato cage?  Of course not.  But these are legit questions to wrestle with.  And I'd suggest turning to a myriad of resources in other school districts, many of which I'm in in the corridor, where these concerns have been dealt with (not to mention formally priortized in budgets and common core curricula): http://www.lifelab.org  Edible landscapes and outdoor classrooms are the future.  

 

I have yet to see any evidence that apples are dangerous (we might want to change the logo of ICCSD if that's the case :), but plenty of evidence that glyphosate is extremely harmful, even in minute doses.  There are plenty of MUCH safer alternatives: http://www.omri.org  (Organic Management Research Institute)  A fundamental tenet of my teaching is the direct, causal link between Biodiversity and Balance.  Glyphosate greatly diminishes microbial diversity essential for nutrient cycling (not to mention its negative impact on water quality).  And more vibrant, robust ecosystems with a deliberately biodiverse botany, including a variety of vegetables, fruit, nuts, flowers & herbs, are abSOILutely essential (sorry, couldn't resist) for enhancing beneficial insects (not to mention life skills): http://www.xerces.org 

 

Happy spring.  Let's grow soil, grow food and grow lifelong learners!

 

-sk 

p.s. Great suggestion to contact your public officials at the statehouse, by the way.  But let's also start right here with our local folks -- school board, city council ... There are many of us who will continue to lobby for this stuff, again, to be prioritized in policy and budget cycles.

 

~~~~~

Scott Koepke

New Pioneer's Soilmates organic garden education service for children 

319-248-6416

sko...@newpi.coop

"Building community by building soil"

---

From: icschoo...@googlegroups.com [icschoo...@googlegroups.com] on behalf of David Dude [dude....@iowacityschools.org]
Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2015 9:17 AM
To: icschoo...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [icschoolgardens] Fertilizer

[David Dude]

Good afternoon,

 

I’m definitely going to try to find a way to use “abSOILutely” in conversation in the future. Better trademark that, Scott! ;-) Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Again, very helpful.

 

In case you or others aren’t aware, Iowa schools have been prevented from “stocking” epinephrine auto-injectors (such as EpiPens). There is a bill in the legislature (HF200, SF462) to address this. It appears it unanimously passed the house yesterday and the senate today.

http://thegazette.com/subject/news/bill-would-allow-more-epipen-use-in-schools-20150329

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/publications/search/document?fq=id:645706

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/publications/search/document?fq=id:632926

 

David

 

 

David Dude, Ph.D. – Chief Operating Officer/Chief Technology Officer – Iowa City Community School District – Mobile: 319.481-3833 – Office: 319.688.1289 – Fax: 319.688.1009 – Email: Dude....@IowaCitySchools.org – Twitter: @ICCSD_Dude – Educational Services Center: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245-9589

 

Need help with a technology problem? Contact our Help Desk at Help...@IowaCitySchools.org or call extension HELP (4357).

Questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact me or my supervisor, Stephen Murley, Superintendent, Murley....@IowaCitySchools.org.

 

[David Dude]

Good afternoon,

 

Thanks for your patience while we pulled together the information to answer Jenni’s questions about fertilizer use, particularly at Shimek. We’re working to develop a system where details for each location can be shared on the website so anyone who wants to review can, but that’s going to take some time.

 

Primary fertilizer for Shimek: 35-0-10 180 day slow release

•                    Summer of 2013--no applications

•                    Summer of 2014--one low application at .5 lbs/1,000 sf was applied

·                     Application was timed with seeding

·                     Recommended labeled rates are 5.7 lbs-8.6 lbs/1,000 sf

•                    Summer of 2015--A low application is planned for a renovation project on the soccer field

•                    To date only the 35-0-10 has been used at Shimek

 

Other products used district wide:

•                    35-0-10 180 day slow release

•                    14-14-14 slow release

•                    34-0-9 95%  90 day slow release

•                    21-0-21 75% RXN

•                    18-12-12 starter mix

•                    18-0-7 50% RXN

•                    13-13-13

•                    We’re also looking into a mix that includes micronutrients, but have not yet identified a supplier

 

David

 

 

David Dude, Ph.D. – Chief Operating Officer/Chief Technology Officer – Iowa City Community School District – Mobile: 319.481-3833 – Office: 319.688.1289 – Fax: 319.688.1009 – Email: Dude....@IowaCitySchools.org – Twitter: @ICCSD_Dude – Educational Services Center: 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245-9589

 

Need help with a technology problem? Contact our Help Desk at Help...@IowaCitySchools.org or call extension HELP (4357).

Questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact me or my supervisor, Stephen Murley, Superintendent, Murley....@IowaCitySchools.org.

 

[Jenni Mettemeyer]

Thank you David, I appreciate the time it took to find this information.

If my understand of fertilizer is correct  the numbers translate to the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer. So 35-0-10 means it is 35% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus and 10% potassium. What it doesn't tell us is the source of the nitrogen and potassium. The source can be many things, from fish to lab created chemicals. Would you be willing to do a bit more digging and find us this information? Even the name brand of the fertilizer used can help answer this. 

I'm sorry if this seems extreme, but if you saw the dirt under my first grader's nails after playing at recess you might understand! And she goes straight to lunch after recess without washing her hands!

Thanks again, 

Jenni

Sent from my iPhone

[MARY Kirkpatrick]

I wanted to share this book, recommended by the Nature Explore program which is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation.  It is written by a person who ran a lawn care business and stopped using pesticides or chemicals when he started having health problems and his doctor said to stop using them.  His health problems went away.  He says that lawns can be maintained very effectively without chemicals and he speaks from experience.  He says the risks from the use of pesticides and lawn chemicals  just aren't necessary.

http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Lawn-Care-Manual-Low-Maintenance/dp/1580176496/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428805313&sr=1-1&keywords=organic+lawn+care+manual

I worked for many years with child care providers and preschools and know that the recommendations from Iowa Dept of Human Services is that they not use pesticides or synthetic fertilizers on their lawns, for the safety of the children.  Hopefully, this will be replicated for school grounds.

Thanks,

Mary

Mary Kirkpatrick

Healing Touch Practitioner

Call 319 430-0861 for information or an appointment

http://healingbeyondborders.org/

---

From: dude....@iowacityschools.org

To: icschoo...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [icschoolgardens] Fertilizer

Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2015 20:30:09 +0000