The city has deep roots in environmental stewardship, carefully managing its urban and open space properties to protect ecosystems. The city also manages public spaces for the safety and wellbeing of our community by reducing and eliminating pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.), synthetic fertilizers and other chemicals linked to health issues in people. These toxic substances also contaminate our waterways, negatively impact biodiversity and harm our environment.
The city constantly strives to improve management practices so that they better support soils, vegetation, pollinators and other wildlife. This helps to stem biodiversity loss, while creating a beautiful and livable city.
This program partners with research scientists, community leaders, non-profit organizations, schools, businesses and other local governments to provide resources and offer programs to residents to improve public health and implement sustainable practices on private property.