Greenwise Pesticide Free Parks Program

Greenwise loves its hometown. Evanston has been a great partner to us since we opened our doors back in 2007. To thank the community that has supported and grown with us, Greenwise partnered with the City of Evanston to launch the Pesticide-Free Parks Program, also known as the PFP Program, in 2014.

Giving Back to Our Hometown

The Pesticide-Free Parks Program represents Greenwise's way of giving back to the Evanston community that has supported us since our founding. This program allows us to demonstrate organic land management practices in public spaces while providing safe, beautiful parks for community members to enjoy.

Greenwise loves this opportunity to give back to the community we call home and is thrilled to partner with the City of Evanston to promote organic land management. This is a great way to tell the folks of Evanston to get out and enjoy your parks.

The Pilot Program

The Pesticide-Free Parks Program pilot began with Greenwise maintaining five Evanston parks without the use of pesticides during a one-year test season. The parks are Ackerman, Burnham Shores, Eiden, Perry, and Trahan. We are now looking for another park to add, and if you have ideas, we would love to hear from you.

According to city officials, the parks ended up looking fantastic. The pilot program proved to be such a success that Evanston wants to expand the number of parks included. Also, the Parks and Recreation Department offers activities and programs at the pesticide-free park locations. In 2016, the city added the Evanston Animal Shelter to the Pesticide-Free Parks Program.

How the Program Works

Instead of using pesticide treatments, the City employs alternative weed control methods, such as mowing high to increase root strength and naturally shade out weeds, in addition to improving soil health for natural weed resistance. These organic approaches create healthy turf that can compete effectively with weeds.

The overuse and misuse of pesticides cause water pollution. Residential fertilizers are a major culprit in chemicals finding their way into the region's lakes, rivers, and streams. Launching Evanston's pesticide-free parks pilot program marked the fifth anniversary of the City's Pesticide Reduction Policy. This policy solidified Evanston's commitment to protecting the health of families and the environment by significantly decreasing the application of pesticides in public spaces.

Natural Lawn Care Tips

We encourage Evanston residents to follow the City's example and try these four simple, cost-effective natural lawn care tips in their own yards. Water one inch per week, mow three inches high, use organic fertilizers, and take a soil test to know exactly what nutrients your lawn needs.

These practices help create healthy turf that can compete with weeds naturally while supporting environmental health and protecting water quality.

Community Impact

The Pesticide-Free Parks Program demonstrates that organic land management can work effectively in public spaces, creating beautiful parks that are safe for families, pets, and the environment. This program shows how communities can reduce pesticide use while maintaining attractive public spaces.

Greenwise is proud to partner with the City of Evanston on the Pesticide-Free Parks Program and to demonstrate organic land management practices in our hometown.