| | Published June 23rd, 2010
| Saint Mary's Takes a Cautious Route Toward Sustainable Lawn Maintenance
| | By Sophie Braccini | | |
When Susan JunFish, director of the Moraga-based activist group Parents for a Safer Environment (PfSE), drove by Saint Mary's College (SMC) on June 11th she was disappointed to see a Chem Lawn truck spraying herbicide on the football field. A year ago, the Moraga resident had made a presentation to SMC explaining the risk associated with exposing youth to pesticides and herbicides, and offered recommendations for healthier alternatives. "Change can't happen overnight," answered SMC Media Relations Director Michael McAlpin, "but this month we're starting a pilot program to test alternative methods of taking care of our fields and lawns, and after a growing season, we will be able to decide on a general policy for the campus."
There was interest on campus to work on the issue immediately after PfSE's presentation. Unfortunately, the professor who led the effort was Gerry Capriulo, whose premature death shocked the community last winter. Now in charge of the project are Steve Woolpert, Dean of School of Liberal Arts, and chemistry professor Steve Bachofer.
SMC's exploration of the issue continued, and the San Francisco-based group Pesticide Watch recommended that the college work with Gardeners' Guild to test alternative lawn treatment. Gardeners' Guild is a recognized leader in sustainable landscape programs; its approach is science-based, focused on soil health and irrigation efficiency.
"Two fields have been selected for the pilot, the athletic practice field and the central green lawn by the De La Salle building" said Suzanne Harris of Gardeners' Guild, "The work should start before the end of the month (June). We will gradually introduce certified organic products, we will implement aeration techniques, the weeds will be removed mechanically, and we will use top dressing with worm casting."
According to McAlpin, the pilot approach will allow staff to compare results and costs between traditional and environmentally friendly techniques. One of the aspects that SMC is concerned about is the necessity to maintain the sports field in top condition as part of their NCAA participation. "We have managed sports field," assured Harris, "and our company is recognized for its sustainable practices."
"This is an important step that the campus is taking," stated McAlpin, "and we are quite excited about it. Our discussions with PfSE and Pesticide Watch are important because our College is focused on sustainability. We have implemented a sustainable food program in the cafeteria, our food waste is recycled through a Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority pilot program and we have a large vegetable garden," he noted.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA