RCE Saskatchewan-2016

rce_proj_title_2013
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1. Project Title: 
Reducing Pesticide Use: Plant Health Care Model
2. Thematic area/s addressed by the project
Select your options: 
Health and Nutrition
3. Project partner contact information : 
Organization: 
University of Regina
Role: 
Reduce pesticide use on campus as a proof of principle
Main Contact: 
Dr. Tanya Dahms, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Regina
Name: 
Dr. Tanya Dahms
Affiliation: 
Professor of Biochemistry, University of Regina
Email: 
Tanya.Dahms@uregina.ca
Alternative project contact: 
Name: 
Darren Cherwaty
Affiliation: 
Director, Health, Safety, and Wellness, University of Regina
Email: 
darren.cherwaty@uregina.ca
Name: 
Mike Mamona
Affiliation: 
Wascana Center Authority (WCA)
Name: 
Heather Haynes
Affiliation: 
Teacher, Miller High School
4. Project type
Select the relevant type for your project: 
Engaging with transformative learning and research for SD
Enabling policy formulation and/or institutional change
Contributing to community engagement
5. Project description
Provide a short description of the project including strategies, regional challenges, aims and specific project activities.: 

At the University of Regina (Canada), we struck an ad hoc committee to review pesticide use on campus since the scientific literature presents highly compelling evidence that pesticides are harmful to both human health and the environment. Our ad hoc committee designated two very small plots on campus with which to compare "status quo" grounds management with the plant health-care model that was recently proposed by the City of Regina. Dr. Dahms gathered a microbiology expert, Dr. Chris Yost, and turf evaluation expert (Dr. Scott Wilson) to help assess the two plots in a blind study. Teacher Heather Haynes with her Miller high school students learned field sampling and laboratory analysis techniques to test their hypothesis related to this pilot project. Approximately 20 volunteers collected data in May 2014 prior to plot treatment to help address this controversial issue. In the summer of 2015 the project was extended to the University of Regina center green and the project was continued in 2016.

7. Provide references and reference materials : 
File Appendix D 2015.docx
6. Project status
On Going
Description: 
Collaborative talks began May 2013, test plot evaluation started May 2014, plant health care model for Campus Green, Summer 2015 and continued in Summer 2016
8. Tagging
Region: 
Americas
Tags (choose up to 5): 
Community Education
Plants & Animals