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Media Advisory: Department of Pesticide Regulation Director Participates in Grand Opening of Nature’s Inspiration Gardens in San Jose

Media Contact: Lea Brooks
916-445-3974 | Lea.Brooks@cdpr.ca.gov
September 19, 2012 (12-20)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHY:
In 2010, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) awarded a $200,000 grant to the city of San Jose to create a model, pesticide-free urban park in its Courtyard Gardens within Guadalupe River Park. Today, Nature's Inspiration Gardens feature low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and native plants that invite beneficial insects and wildlife and help prevent contamination of waterways. Pest control has shifted from pesticide-based to integrated pest management (IPM), a combination of natural and preventive strategies that focus on long-term pest prevention and are as benign as possible to people, pets and the environment.
 

WHAT:
Press conference and tour to celebrate the grand opening of Nature's Inspiration Gardens.
 

WHO:
DPR Director Brian R. Leahy, Guadalupe River Park Conservancy Executive Director Leslie Hamilton, San Jose Environmental Services Department Director Kerrie Romanow and others.
 

WHEN:
Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at 11 a.m.
Guadalupe Courtyard Gardens
Taylor and Seymour Streets near the Heritage Rose Garden
San Jose

More information about the event is posted on San Jose's website at: http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1914/1544095/
 

VISUALS:
Mulching demonstration, garden tours, sustainable landscaping workshops
 

ATTIRE:
The event is outdoors. Dress casually.
 

If you want to schedule an interview with Director Leahy about DPR's efforts to reduce pesticide use, please RSVP to DPR by 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 21 at 916.444.3974 or to Lea Brooks, assistant director of communications, at lbrooks@cdpr.ca.gov

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