As reported by the Swampscott Reporter, organic lawn care expert Chip Osborne recently spoke to a public gathering at Swampscott High School. According to the story, the Swampscott Board of Health had previously discussed the idea of making Swampscott pesticide-free with respect to lawn care. Back on April 7, Osborne was invited by the Board of Health and the Open Space and Recreation Committee to address the town.
Swampscott is a small, affluent community located roughly 15 miles north of Boston. A Board of Health member said the forum was necessary because a growing body of scientific evidence shows that pesticide exposure, even at low levels, can adversely affect health and environment.
In his presentation, Osborne said landscaping is one area where toxic threats to the environment and people can be reduced. He said an organic method of caring for the soil would enhance the ability of natural minerals, nutrients and nitrogen, to aid in growth.
Swampscott is currently in the midst of organizing plans to place a new turf for its high school field at Phillips Park, a project that is estimated for completion in 2017. According to Osborne, Swampscott and the surrounding area has the ideal type of soil to grow strong turf fields.
