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More IPM Information l Mosquito Control Program l Noxious Weed Removal l Pesticide Hotline The City of Boulder Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program exists to mitigate long-term prevention or suppression of pest problems (including weeds) on city lands while doing everything possible to minimize impacts on human health, the environment and non-target organisms. The program follows a comprehensive IPM Policy, which is designed to make the best and most effective decisions for controlling pests on city properties, while protecting public health and the environment. Pesticides are only to be used as a last resort after exhausting all other options. If pesticides are used, the least toxic pesticide is chosen from a list of products that have been reviewed, evaluated and approved by the IPM Subcommittee. Sign up for the Pesticide Hotline RSS feed! For recorded information on pesticide applications on city property, call the Pesticide Hotline at 303-441-3400.
Get outside to play and enjoy the city's parks! The Healthy Parks flyer shows you how Boulder's parks are safe for you, your pets and your family. There are also some pointers on the back side of the flyer that can help you to keep your lawn looking great without using harmful pesticides. Learn about how to keep your lawn and garden child friendly with this factsheet from the University of Colorado's Children, Youth and Environments Center for Community Engagement. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a policy statement about the importance of reducing the exposure of children to pesticides. Boulder's parks provide children with healthy, pesticide-free grass where they can play. Below are some tips about how you can create a healthy and beautiful lawn at your home.
Natural Lawn CareNatural lawn care is simple and cost-effective. Use these simple tips to create a beautiful lawn that is safe for your children, pets and the environment. 1. Water Deeply and Infrequently Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth–one inch per week is ideal. You can easily measure that amount by placing a cup in your yard while watering. When your sprinkler fills it one inch deep, your watering for the week is done. Water early in the morning to minimize turf disease problems. 2. Mow High Keep your lawn mowed at three inches or higher. This will increase the root strength and naturally shade out weeds. Don’t mow your lawn unless it needs it. This creates healthy grass that can withstand drought and stay green longer. 3. Use Organic Fertilizers Commercial fertilizers easily wash away, polluting nearby lakes and streams. Many contain toxic weed killers. Choose an organic fertilizer to capture and deliver nutrients to the lawn throughout the growing season. Keep grass clippings on the lawn as they are an excellent natural fertilizer. 4. Weed Naturally Proper lawn care maintenance naturally eliminates most weeds. Avoid using pesticides, as they can harm other beneficial living things such as bees, birds and fish. The right tool makes quick work of weeding. After pulling weeds, use grass seed and soil to fill in the hole. Your lawn will be strong and healthy as a result. Be a part of the solution. It all starts with a personal choice. In 2010, the city initiated an assessment of its IPM program. The IPM Institute of North America, the Pesticide Research Institute and Osborne Organics worked together to evaluate the city’s IPM program. The key findings and recommendations of this assessment can be found in the report entitled, Moving IPM Forward in the City of Boulder . The City of Boulder 2011 Annual IPM Report includes information and background about the city’s IPM programs and activities.
ContactIntegrated Pest Management Coordinator
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at 303-441-1901. Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 April 2013 11:55 |
City of Boulder 2011 Annual IPM Report