In response to the June 11 edition of the Sentinel, I wonder what kind of abstract science the kids may think you’re dishing out when they encounter “Live butterflies, summer reading program at the library”? This is a direct plea to stop the pesticides and burn chemicals used by government agencies (town and state) in our area. We raised our son 30 years ago across the street from a Green Acres park that had been host to many birds, wildflowers, flowering weeds and interesting insects, dragonflies and hawk moths included, that children love to find. These provided a continuous learning experience for the children as they explored this bountiful world in the park. Upon bringing these home to study, they instilled a great appreciation in me that little things like dandelions, plaintain, clover, moths, bees in a jar and worms could be so exciting.
But as the contracts with pesticide companies began several years ago and the township began spraying weedburning chemicals on what they considered weeds, the balance and variety was rocked. To my dismay, the soil became depleted of nutrients, insects and weed seeds and pollen, the bird and insect population as a result have become greatly diminished. We had hordes of mockingbirds, catbirds, redbellied woodpeckers, robins and an array of blackbirds and sparrows, and often a sighting of a rare bird. The grass may look green and there are no weeds, but we have to stop thinking on such a selfish level as adults. Is it so difficult to play on grass speckled with dandelions, clover and chickweed and chase fireflies?
Kathy Introne
Metuchen