For more information, including a copy of the brochure and a pledge form, phone Kim O’Rourke, Middletown's Recycling Coordinator, at 344-3526.

Learn how to maintain your lawn safely with The Organic Lawn Care Manual by Paul Tukey.  Copies are available for sale at the CT River Coastal Conservation District in Middleotwn. Proceeds benefit the District's natural resource conservation programs and services.

For more information about the harmful effects of lawn care chemicals and safe lawn care practices check out:

• SafeLawns.Org
• Northeast Organic Farming Association of CT, Organic Lawn Care for the Homeowner
• National Coalition for Pesticide Free Lawns
• Environment and Human Health Inc,  Risks from Lawn Care Pesticides report

Diversify Your Yard!
Interested in diversifying habitat in your yard for wildlife, adding edibles and reducing the size of your lawn? Here are some useful resources:

• Ecological Landscaping Network (info. on sustainable landscaping/lawn alternatives)
• USDA "Backyard Conservation" booklet and tip sheets
• National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat program
• UConn Cooperative Extension System Rain Garden Design Guide
• Edible Landscaping, National Gardening Association
• Edible Flowers, What's Cooking America
• Planning a Vegetable Garden, National Gardening Association
• National Gardening Association (many food gardening resources, e.g. articles, videos)
• Northeast Organic Farming Association of CT, Resources for Gardeners
• UConn Cooperative Extension System Home & Garden Education Center (home gardening info.)