PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 20, 2025
We are facing a watershed moment, literally and figuratively, in Falmouth and Greater Portland. After the Falmouth Town Council passed an ordinance to limit pesticide and fertilizer use, the ordinance faced pushback; a referendum to repeal it will be on the ballot in Falmouth this fall. It’s important for our communities, our pets and our waterways to keep the pesticide and fertilizer restrictions in place. I am a veterinarian and marine biologist who has studied water quality and its impacts on living things. I know that what we put in our yards makes its way to our pets, our waterways, our coastlines and ultimately our bodies and our children’s bodies. Although Rachel Carson and her writings faced pushback and controversy, her call to action prevailed and the banning of DDT is why we hear birdsong today. It’s not easy, but we can adapt. ~ Susan Hayhurst, MS, DVM, Falmouth