NOFA/Mass (the parent organization of the Mass. Pollinator Network) envisions a commonwealth of people working together to create healthy landscapes that feed our communities and restore our environment. The use of toxic and persistent chemicals on landscapes, be they schools, playgrounds, municipal properties, community gardens or farms, is not compatible with that vision.

We are excited to now be joining forces with other organizations across the commonwealth at this critical moment of heightened awareness of the dangers presented by our society’s over-reliance and abuse of synthetic biocides like glyphosate and neonicotinoids (biocide is the most general term for a poisonous substance, and also means “the destruction of life” – appropriate!).

Communities across the country are deciding to take action against biocides and the dangers they pose to humans and wildlife. By using tools like local municipal ordinances and resolutions, cities and towns can create policies to promote organic landcare practices, limit pesticide use, and protect pollinators.

The process of enacting city or town policies usually starts with a handful of passionate citizen activists who want to create a safer, healthier community. Some are motivated to protect pollinators from systemic pesticides, others become active when they learn that their children are exposed to pesticides on school and town property.

Want to activate your community? We want to help. The Mass. Pollinator Network and Slingshot host ongoing monthly “local leaders teleconferences,” to help connect and activate local residents.

This initiative is all about equipping local activists with the tools they need to pass town resolutions to reduce pesticides and protect pollinators in their communities. Our monthly calls will help you connect with experts, share resources, successes and ideas, and pair up mentor/mentee relationships with groups across the state. As a network, we can leverage our collective genius and coordinate our efforts.

  • Featured resource: “Tools for Change“-  from our good friends at Beyond Pesticides

Ready to get plugged in? Add your town to the map of more than dozens of communities across the commonwealth where local residents are taking action on all biocides and sign up for our next monthly call. Please sign up to get involved, today!