Cherry Hill, NJ- Posting the first of 100 "Pesticide Free Zone" signs at a park on Chapel Avenue today, Cherry Hill Township Mayor Bernie Platt pledged to implement a pesticide reduction policy aimed at greening the township's public spaces using natural methods. This policy, adopted on March 23rd by the Township Committee, designates certain public properties in Cherry Hill Township, such as Croft Farm and numerous other tot lots and parks as "Pesticide Free Zones", and establishes "least toxic" pest management strategies for all township buildings and grounds.

"Ensuring that the places our children and pets play are pesticide-free is important to me, and a reflection of our ever-evolving Green Action Plan," said Mayor Bernie Platt.

"Integrated Pest Management is an economically sound way to manage and mitigate pest damage with the least possible harm to our residents, property and the environment. We encourage all Township citizens to make every effort to participate in this endeavor on their own property"

The impetus to explore the policy came from Township resident and business owner Susan Wolf, who noticed on her walks from home to work that the green lawn flags noting pesticide applications were all too prevalent. "There has to be a better way to keep lawns and gardens green, without using harmful pesticides," said Wolfe. "Why put children, pets, and the environment in harms way?"

Dr. Wolf was well aware of the Township's commitment to the environment, for she was part of a South Jersey Environmental Group who proposed to Mayor Platt that the Township adopt the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement. She also worked with the Mayor's staff to develop the Township's Plan to make Cherry Hill an environmentally conscious community.

She contacted Jane Nogaki, pesticide program coordinator for the NJ Environmental Federation and a nearby Marlton resident, who suggested the "Pesticide Free Zone" campaign might be a good place to start. In this program, municipal and county buildings and grounds departments agree to minimize pesticide use, and instead employ organic methods to prevent and control pest problems.

Wolf and Nogaki met with public works and parks department employees as well as with the Cherry Hill Environmental Action Committee to explain the plan. They were pleased to find out that the Cherry Hill public works department uses no pesticides routinely on park properties. The exception might be the occasional spot treatment for poison ivy when it is in the way of a park activity or encroaches on a resident's property, according to Steve Musilli, Dir. of Public Works.

It is easy to manage a lawn/landscape without harmful chemical pesticides used to kill weeds and insects, according to Jane Nogaki. Cost effective and environmental friendly alternatives to pesticides include: hand pulling weeds; mulching areas properly to prevent weeds; planting native plants that do not attract insects; reducing or eliminating lawns to cut down on the need for watering; fertilizing; and mowing.

According to many scientific studies, pesticides have been linked to increased risks of cancer, learning disabilities, asthma, birth defects, kidney disease and other ailments. These chemicals can also poison animals, pollute local streams and rivers and seep through the ground into our underground aquifers. Every body of water tested in NJ has evidence of pesticide contamination, according to a study by the US Geological Survey.

Children are especially sensitive and vulnerable because of their rapid development and behavior patterns, and the effects of pesticides can cause lifelong impairments.

Cherry Hill Township joins 28 other communities in New Jersey which have designated Pesticide Free Zones in parks including Burlington and Cape May Counties, and the townships of Bernards, Chatham, Collingswood, Asbury Park, East and West Windsor, Hightstown, Ocean City, Dennis, Colts Neck, Hazlet, Neptune, Red Bank, Pine Beach, Voorhees and Wall Townships.

According to Jane Nogaki, Program Coordinator for the New Jersey Environmental Federation, New Jersey uses about 4 million pounds of pesticides annually for lawn care, mosquito control, agricultural production and golf course maintenance.

"The New Jersey Environmental Federation is extremely pleased that Cherry Hill is adopting this important environmental resolution," Nogaki said. "These safe practices will protect all Township residents, including children who play in the parks and are in close contact with the grass and play equipment.

"We also need residents to do their part in reducing pesticides in our environment and keeping our air, water and land safe from toxic chemicals," said Susan Wolf. "Residents can participate by making their own property a "Pesticide Free Zone." Dr. Wolf is hoping that this becomes a movement embraced by not just the Township but will extend to neighboring towns and Camden County Parks as well.

Non-toxic lawn care tips and "Pesticide Free Zone" ladybug logo yard signs are available from www.cleanwateraction.org/njef or www.pesticidefreelawns.org. For more information on how your school town or county can adopt Pesticide Free Zones, contact Jane Nogaki, 856-767-1110 or email Janogaki@cleanwater.org. For a list of organic landscapers, go to www.nofanj.org/OrganicLawnandLandCareFinalList2006.htm.

Natural methods of pest control are also available from Master Gardeners of Camden County, Phone: 856-566-2900, ext. 1, or at their Web Site: www.co.camden.nj.us/government/offices/rutgers/garden.html