Healthier Parks for a Brighter Future:
How a Jacobsville Resident said no to pesticides and yes to a healthier future for everyone
Nestled in the heart of the Jacobsville neighborhood, a quiet environmental revolution is taking root. Where synthetic weed killers and chemical sprays once maintained the grounds, vibrant native flora and organic soil care now flourish.
At the center of this transformation is Annie Odean, who made a simple yet bold decision: say no to herbicides and pesticides, and yes to a safer, more sustainable public space. Today, Jacobsville Park stands proudly as the only pesticide- and herbicide-free park in the city of Evansville.
Rethinking Maintenance & Soil Health
Traditional park maintenance relies heavily on routine chemical treatments to eliminate weeds and maintain uniform turfgrass. However, growing concerns over soil degradation, chemical runoff, and public health prompted Odean to champion a cleaner, safer alternative—especially noting how repeated herbicide application around tree trunks directly damages and poisons the surrounding soil.
"The basic problem is that we are poisoning ourselves, our environment, and our children," Odean said. "It is very hard for me to watch it taking place. It is unnecessary. The Amish have a saying that using these chemicals is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Repeated use of herbicides poisons the soil and poisoned soil leads to unhealthy trees."
Daily Stewardship & Community Building
Odean’s daily routine blends hands-on labor with neighborhood engagement. After preparing her supplies, she walks the park, picking up litter and greeting every visitor she passes—viewing community building as vital to the park’s mission as weeding. Managing stubborn, invasive grasses without chemical shortcuts is an ongoing challenge, which she describes as keeping the unwanted growth down to a "dull roar."
"You know how there are sewing circles?" she joked. "Well, what we need is weeding circles."
Looking Ahead to Spring 2027
Looking to the future, Odean is energized about an upcoming project with the Native Plant Society scheduled for the spring of 2027. Working together, they plan to infuse the park with vibrant, resilient local flora designed to naturally outcompete aggressive invasive species.
"We are not the only species on the planet," Odean reflected. "We need to cultivate, steward, and share our space with others who exist alongside us."
If you are interested in volunteering alongside Annie as a Jacobsville Park Steward, please contact us by reaching out and saying hey through the link below:
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