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Ashland seeks volunteers to help vanquish weeds By Wendy Siporen ASHLAND -- The town elders of Hamelin called in the Pied Piper to spirit away the rats that plagued their fair city in the famous fable. But with no money to pay the piper, the Ashland School District is calling all comers -- parents, students and green-thumbed community members -- to help pull the overabundance of weeds that sprouted in flower beds and grassy areas around school buildings after a mild, wet winter. Superintendent John Daggett issued the call to school principals this week to organize weed-pulling work parties after consulting with the school district's one groundsperson. The district has a standing policy not to use herbicides or pesticides, explained Daggett. That commitment, along with a shortage of paid staff, prompted him to ask for the community's help. "It's cost-effective to spray, but we don't want to do that," said Daggett. "It's not good for the water table; it's not good for the kids. Rather than hiring people (to do the weeding) we're keeping the money in the classrooms." Daggett said his top priority is the flowerbeds around the high school. Those interested in helping should call their respective principal. "We could use hundreds of people," said Daggett. "It's a perfect time before the (dandelion) pollen puffs get blowing." Briscoe Principal Jeff Schlecht said he's optimistic about getting volunteers for a couple of work parties. "We're willing to do it," said Schlecht. "It's a great excuse to get out and enjoy the sun." Middle school principal Dale Rooklyn started his own adopt-a-flower bed program at the beginning of the school year. Each homeroom class was assigned a particular area of the school and was asked to spend 10 minutes a week maintaining it. Some teachers are still warming up to the idea of one more responsibility, Rooklyn said. Others are enthusiastic. "I'm hoping that the idea will catch on," he said. "We're trying to create an aesthetic environment we can take pride in." Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA