Alternatives in Action 
NCAP's Sustainable Parks Information Network (SPIN) is an online professional network offering resources and collaborative tools for reducing pesticide use in parks and other public spaces. This month, three new educational videos were added to the SPIN library to demonstrate organic and alternative practices in action:
1.
Dandelions, Pesticides and Soil Health: Lindsay Schramm describes the conditions that lead to dandelion growth, explains why pesticides are not a long term solution for weeds, and provides tips for maintaining healthy, active soil.
2.
Organic Turf Care 101: Lindsay Schramm covers the basics of keeping healthy turf. This includes how to water properly, when and why to mow, and what your turf needs to get the most out of the nutrients you're putting down.
3.
Native and Low-maintenance Landscapes: Diane Jones from Draggin' Wing Farm describes the advantages of landscaping with native and high performance plants, including how to minimize weed growth with ground cover.
You don't have to be a SPIN member to access the material there, so stop by the site to check these out and see our other multimedia resources.
Visit the SPIN video library
If you work in a park, school, housing complex, or any urban area where pesticides are commonly used, consider joining us on SPIN to connect with peers from your field and learn innovative strategies for pesticide reduction.
Sign up for SPIN
Grower's Own Conference
At the Grower's Own Conference, the farmers are the experts. They are a wealth of knowledge and experience. So that's why Grower's Own is focused entirely on you: the farmer.
This year's conference will bring together Idaho farmers for a sharing of experiences, the successes and the challenges. Join us and ask your questions about new varieties, potting soil sources, preventative weed control, deer fences, beneficial insect planting, and much, much more!
Click here for info or to register for the 2011 Grower's Own Conference
Reducing Pesticides (and bed bugs) in Public Housing
Next month NCAP and our allies at the Housing Authority of Portland (HAP), and Oregon State University Extension will start a process to ensure healthier living for thousands of Portland families that rely upon low-income housing services. Starting with an evaluation, we’ll kick off an effort to further improve HAP’s pest management practices...which are already pretty good.
HAP is being recognized around the country for its effective management of bed bugs. Clearly, the Housing Authority of Portland is dedicated to providing safe housing to people that need a place to live. NCAP will bring to the table new methods for responsibly managing bed bugs while also reducing pesticide use.
Got bed bugs? Click here for tips on how to cope without chemicals.
Putting the "Fun" back in Fundraising
Supporting a cause you believe in has its own rewards, but we know that extra incentives are nice too. They're also a fun way for us to say thanks. So...
We're giving away two lift tickets to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort to the person who wins our online giving raffle. These are valued at $140.00 (thanks Mt. Bachelor!) and are valid for any non-holiday between now and May 30.
Enter to win by donating at least $25.00 online by Feb. 28. The winner will be announced the following day.
Click here to support pesticide reform, and enter to win!
Supporter Spotlight: Jean Cameron
We deeply appreciate everyone who supports our work, but some supporters deserve special recognition for the longtime commitment they've made to pesticide reform. Jean Cameron is one of those people.
Jean began her affiliation with NCAP in 1985. While working on a degree in environmental management from the University of Oregon, she took an internship with Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) to study IPM policy in collaboration with NCAP. Understanding the need to replace pesticides with environmentally sound alternatives, and knowing much about how to do it, Jean soon joined NCAP's board of directors.
In the early 1990s, Jean and OEC worked with NCAP to help pass Oregon's original IPM bill, creating IPM programs for state agencies as a way of reducing the pesticides used on state managed lands. Since moving to the Oregon Coast in 2001, she has been serving on her local water district board and working with West Coast state environmental agencies to develop policies for dealing with oil spills.
Jean returned to NCAP's board as secretary in the early 2000s, and then served as board president from 2003 to 2007 before “retiring” to focus on other environmental policy work.
Currently, Jean says she's as motivated as ever when it comes to protecting kids and the environment from toxic pesticides. She remains a strong supporter of NCAP's work, and has plans to pursue estuary protections and address roadside spraying near her seaside community.
The Ladybug Lovely: A Lovely Way to Support NCAP
Ladybugs are a great way to defend against invading aphids in your garden. They are a powerful force in reducing the use of pesticides. The same is true for members of NCAP’s Ladybug Lovely.
The Ladybug Lovely is made up of a special group of members that agree to make on-going credit card or electronic fund transfer donations on a monthly basis to help advance alternatives to pesticides and reduce pesticide use. It is the backbone of our support because it provides us with a dependable source of revenue which will enable NCAP to work harder to protect the health of people and the environment.
Join our Ladybug Lovely today and receive this complimentary Pesticide-free Area sign from NCAP and Mountain Rose Herbs! It's a perfect addition to your pesticide-free yard or garden and adds strength to our organization.
When you join:
-
A tax-deductible gift in the amount you specify will be automatically charged to your credit card or taken from your bank account each month.
-
A record of your gifts will appear on your credit card or bank statement each month.
-
You will not receive additional fundraising appeals.
-
You will still receive timely emails and action alerts, including the NCAP Action News.
-
Your membership will be automatically renewed each year.
-
You can help NCAP protect the health of people and the environment every day!
Joining the Ladybug Lovely and getting your sign is easy -
Call 541-344-5044 ext.15!
