In November, as Thanksgiving approaches, it is often a time to reflect upon the people, moments, and progress that we are grateful for. It is a season of appreciation and connection, and here at Good Neighbor Iowa, we are especially thankful for the collective efforts that have helped foster healthier, more sustainable communities.
This year, we want to thank all of our pledges that have made an incredible impact in creating safe, vibrant outdoor spaces. Ones where children and pets can play safely, pollinators can thrive, and neighbors can gather without harmful pesticides. These healthy environments are a testament to the power of community action and the shared commitment to protecting public health and the natural world.
As this season of gratitude unfolds, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the incredible impact our supporters have made. Today’s success wouldn’t be possible without them, and we are truly thankful.
Pledges
Thanks to the dedication of all our Good Neighbors, many lawns, dozens of parks, childcare facilities, and public spaces across Iowa are now safer and healthier for children, pets, and pollinators. We are proud to share that Good Neighbor Iowa has reached over 2,000 pledges, each one representing a person who has taken a meaningful step toward reducing urban pesticide use and promoting ecological balance in their community.
Together, these pledges have helped protect more than 20,000 children from harmful health impacts and prevented pesticide treatment on over 12,000 acres of land. That’s 12,000 acres where nature can thrive, where families can gather without worry, and where pollinators can do their vital work. Our movement now spans 83 of Iowa’s 99 counties, showing that the commitment to healthier spaces is truly statewide.
We are deeply thankful for every pledge, every conversation sparked, and every action taken. Your efforts are shaping a healthier, more sustainable Iowa, one yard, one park, one garden at a time.
Local Champions
We are deeply thankful for all of our local champions who help make Iowa a healthier place to live. These champions come in many forms parents and grandparents, business owners, HOA members, renters, teens, retirees, green thumbs, and even those just beginning their journey toward sustainability. Each one has played a vital role in helping us reach over 2,000 pledges statewide.
Local champions are the heart of our movement. They connect with their communities, spark conversations, and inspire change, making their neighborhoods safer for children, pets, and pollinators alike. Their commitment to pesticide-free spaces is helping to build a healthier future for all Iowans. One group of local champions we are especially grateful for is the 100 Grannies, based in Iowa City. Their tireless advocacy and community engagement have made a remarkable impact. Johnson County leads the state with 946 pledges, the most of any county in Iowa! Their work is a shining example of how local efforts can lead to meaningful, measurable change.
UNI Faculty and Students
We are incredibly thankful for the University of Northern Iowa, its faculty, staff, and especially its students. Without the creativity and dedication of UNI students, Good Neighbor Iowa would not exist. The program was envisioned, designed, and brought to life in the Spring of 2017 by students in the Interactive Digital Studies Practicum, in collaboration with the UNI Conservation Corps. Their work laid the foundation for a statewide movement toward healthier, pesticide-free spaces.
Since then, UNI faculty have continued to champion the program, integrating it into coursework and providing students with opportunities to engage in meaningful, community-driven environmental work. This ongoing support has allowed Good Neighbor Iowa to grow, evolve, and remain deeply connected to the values of education, sustainability, and civic engagement.
We are proud to be a part of the UNI community and grateful for the university’s continued commitment to fostering student leadership and environmental stewardship.
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust
Good Neighbor Iowa would not be possible without the Roy J Carver Charitable Trust. The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust is a grant-making organization that supports nonprofits, primarily in Iowa and parts of Illinois. Its funding focuses on biomedical and scientific research, scholarships, and youth education and recreation programs. We are extremely thankful for their support in our mission.
If you are grateful for healthy lawns, thriving pollinators, and safe spaces for children and pets, consider becoming a Good Neighbor! By switching to pesticide-free practices, you are not only protecting your own health but also contributing to a healthier, more sustainable community.
We would be truly thankful for your pledge. Every commitment helps us grow our movement and expand the reach of safe, vibrant spaces across Iowa. And if you’re ready to take your involvement a step further, we would be especially grateful for you to become a local champion.
Together, all of us can make Iowa a place where nature and people thrive side by side.
By Jordan Holloway, November 10, 2025. Jordan is a student at the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in Environmental Science with minors in Chemistry and Sustainability. Jordan assists Good Neighbor Iowa with community outreach and education.