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As Momentum Builds

I was saddened to see yet another yellow pesticide sign posted, this time at the entrance to Guilford Lakes School. I was told by Director of Operations Cliff Gurnham that Termidor had been sprayed to prevent any ants from getting into the school. This was apparently a preventative measure to combat a problem that doesn’t yet exist. The main ingredient in this product is acutely toxic to native bees, so spraying for ants is also spraying for bees.

When are we going to stop acting like we are the only species that matters and instead start seeing our dependence on the imperiled pollinators that provide our food?

There is change afoot, though. I, along with Robin Campot of the Sustainable Guilford Task Force, recently organized a pollinator garden tour for the towns of Guilford and Branford. I was heartened to meet hundreds of like-minded people who are planting for pollinators and saying no to pesticides. As the knowledge spreads and the momentum builds, I hope the Town of Guilford will follow suit.

Heather Bradley

Guilford