Update during COVID-19 shelter in place order

For more than a month, we've been sheltering in place, and you haven't heard much from us.  But rest assured, we haven't stopped working....
Now more than ever, it’s important to have safe parks.  Unprecedented numbers of people, of all ages, are seeking exercise, recreation, and access to natural beauty in our parks as we shelter in place to avoid spreading the Covid-19 virus.  It is imperative that parks be free of toxins that can cause disease and compromise our immune systems.  This means no harmful, synthetic pesticides should be applied at this time.

Our Resolution was about to be introduced on March 12, 2020, before City Council suspended it’s meetings. 
The resolution urges the City of Philadelphia to immediately halt the purchase and use of any herbicides containing glyphosate and/or 2,4 D and to phase out the use of all other synthetic herbicides on all city owned and leased grounds over the next 18 months as these herbicides include known carcinogens and pose serious health risks to all those frequenting City parks, recreation centers, fields and other public spaces.  It further urges the City to replace use of such herbicides with safe methods known as organic driven integrated pest management.

-We will continue to advocate for this goal and work with City Council to pass this Resolution.

-We secured a Pilot Park Program to transition two Philadelphia parks to organic land management practices in partnership with Non Toxic Neighborhoods. More details on this are forthcoming.
These are challenging times.  Philadelphia residents are facing the risk of illness, food insecurity, unemployment, school closures and social isolation.  At the same time, people are acting with great compassion. Still, the widespread use of harmful, synthetic pesticide use continues to be a public health crisis with long term ramifications, and we will continue to press for positive change.