Projects

The Maryland Pesticide Network and the Maryland Pesticide Education Network established several campaigns and projects that work to promote a safe and pesticide-free Maryland. Integrated Pest Management alleviates pest problems with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. IPM emphasizes nonchemical strategies such as sanitation and exclusion to achieve long-term solutions. Pesticides are only used as a last resort after nonchemical strategies have been exhausted and only after consideration of the full range of alternatives, based on analysis of health and environmental effects, safety, effectiveness and costs. Organic Land Care is a pesticide-free approach to turf and landscape management based on the concept of 'healthy soil'.. It integrates the use of natural, organic products as dictated by soil testing; an understanding of the soil and its biomass and cultural practices. Healthy soil begets health turf and plants which naturally crowd out weeds.