Board of Selectmen designates May 27 as Rachel Carson Day in Wellesley

The Wellesley Board of Selectmen has designated May 27, 2018, as Rachel Carson Day to commemorate the birthday of the famous ecologist who launched the modern environmental movement with her 1962 book Silent Spring. The idea behind the day is to remember Rachel Carson’s life and legacy, and to join together to strengthen the protections of our health and the sustainability of our homes, schools, neighborhoods, communities.

In Silent Spring, Carson documented the environmental dangers of pesticide use and ultimately resulted in the banning of the pesticide DDT. Carson continued to speak out against the dangers of pesticides and the largely unregulated chemical industry until her death in 1964.

The NRC in 2017 launched the Grow Green Wellesley initiative to alert residents to the dangers of using chemicals on their lawns and to encourage them to switch to organic methods. As part of the continuing Grow Green Wellesley initiative and using Rachel Carson Day as a springboard, the following FREE activities are planned for the month of May:

Movie Night: “A Chemical Reaction: The Story of True Green Revolution”

Wednesday, May 16, 7pm, Wakelin Room – Wellesley Free Library
A screening and discussion of this 2009 film about a Canadian community that banned lawn chemicals after a local dermatologist noticed a connection between her patients’ health and their exposure to pesticides and herbicides, and the tremendous legal battle waged by the big chemical industry. Information about organic landscape professionals and earth-friendly lawn and landscape techniques will be available. Birthday cake honoring Rachel Carson and popcorn will be provided. Sponsored by the NRC, Heath Department, Department of Public Works, Sustainable Wellesley, and Wellesley Cancer Prevention Project.

Celebrate Rachel Carson in the Wellesley Veterans’ Parade

Sunday, May 20, 1pm
The theme, “Your Lawn, Your Health” remembers Rachel Carson and includes the NRC, Sustainable Energy Committee (SEC), Sustainable Wellesley and other environmental groups marching together to encourage healthy lawn care and landscaping methods.

For more information, contact the Natural Resources Commission, nrc@wellesleyma.gov.