Fight Pesticides in Oakland: Free Fax Action

Then go do your part to prevent half the city from burning next time: go up and weed a couple of acres by hand.

Planting native perennial grass would solve several problems;

less risk of fire as native perennial grass does not dry up like the invasive annuals that dry every summer..

no need 4 any watering as native grass is used to the local climate..

No herbicides needed!! By replacing the dry fire prone annual grass with native California perennials, the toxic carcinogenic/endocrine disrupting effect of petrochemically derived pesticides on children and community residents can be avoided completely..

Here's some info from the California Native Grasslands Association (at least give these folks a chance before exposing Oakland residents to even more toxins, prevention of cancer is ALWAYS better than pharmaceutical chemotherapy);

"In spite of intensive cultivation and grazing in California during the last 200 years, representative populations and diverse communities of more than 300 species of native California grasses are still found statewide. These unique and important plants evolved in California and flourish in all habitats, from cool, wet forests to hot, dry deserts, and all places in between.

Restoration of native plant communities, maintenance of biodiversity, landscaping, and erosion control are obvious roles for native grasses. Growth forms range from tufted bunchgrasses to spreading sod-forming grasses, and sizes range from just a few inches to several feet tall.

Native grasses stabilize soil and improve soil quality wherever they are found. They increase water infiltration and fertility and also recycle nutrients. Their deep and fibrous roots (up to 12 feet in length) can tap deep soil water, allowing them to stay green year-round. Because of this, California native grasses are relatively inflammable and can provide low-maintenance fire buffers around residences. They also offer a long green forage season that benefits both wildlife and livestock, and can help prevent invasion by noxious alien weeds such as yellow starthistle.

Native grasses provide vital habitat to many species of insects, birds, reptiles and mammals, both small and large. Their visual texture and beauty suit them to a wide variety of residential and urban landscapes. They contribute to sustainable agriculture add value to both rural and urban areas.

The mission of the California Native Grasslands Association is to develop, promote, preserve and restore native grasses and grassland ecosystems of California."



CNGA Website;