Healthy Communities Project -- Healthy Lawns, Clean Water Workshop 2006

The Healthy Lawns, Clean Water Workshop was held on Saturday, March 11, 2006 in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. This workshop, conducted in partnership with the Urban Ecology Center, with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, covered human health risks associated with lawn pesticide exposure, basic principles of natural lawn care (ways of maintaining a healthy lawn that resists pests and diseases naturally), and other ways of reducing polluted runoff from lawns, including the use of rain barrels and rain gardens. Over 80 people and a dozen businesses and organizations attended the workshop.

For information about the Healthy Lawn Kits we began distributing at the event, visit this page.

For information about other upcoming workshops and events, visit our News & Events page.

Volunteers prepare for the Healthy Lawns, Clear Water Workshop.

Before the workshop, volunteers prepare the registration table.

HCP co-founder Melanie Ariens introduces the workshop speakers.

Family practice physician Claire Gervais presents information
on the health risks of lawn pesticide exposure.

Over 80 Milwaukee area residents turned out to learn more about natural lawn care and runoff reduction strategies.

Over 80 Milwaukee area residents turned out
to learn more about sustainable lawn care.

Natural landscaper Melanie Schave discusses methods for
maintaining lawns without harmful chemicals.

Karen Sands of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
explains how to install rain barrels to reduce runoff.

A variety of organizations and businesses participated in the workshop.