A climate action evanston program
Plants native to Evanston
speaker series
@ Thierry Vrain

Glyphosate, engineered food, and your health

Wednesday
February 18, 2026
6:30 pm
-
7:30 pm
Zoom

About our topic

Having taken into account the large amount of scientific evidence that shows how synthetic pesticides can be hazardous to human health and the environment, Dr. Vrain is sounding the warning about the multiple dangers associated with pesticide use in crop production and domestic applications. He refutes the claims of the biotechnology companies that their engineered crops yield more, that they require less pesticide applications, that they have no impact on the environment and, of course, that they are safe to eat.

About the speaker

Dr. Vrain is a retired soil biologist and genetic engineer who spent his research career with the Department of Agriculture in Canada.   He was the head of a research group of 40 professionals in Biotechnology, the Vice President and President of national and international associations of soil biologists, and an Associate Editor of several scientific Journals in Europe and in the USA. He has spoken publicly about the current excesses of chemical agriculture, particularly antibiotic contamination of engineered crops and food. He lives on Vancouver Island on the West Coast of Canada. www.innisfreefarm.ca

Sponsored by Natural Habitat Evanston

We are an all-volunteer community group of about 1,500 members, spreading the word on creating habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife. We aim to change the culture of lawns: leaving your leaves is the simplest first step; the second step is adding a native shrub or tree to shrink your lawn. We show how to transition from turf with low-cost cardboard methods, which keystone native plants to choose, that insects chewing on leaves is a ‘win’ (don't reach for pesticide), how turning off unnecessary lights saves insects and birds (and human health), and how to make your windows bird-friendly (because if you are going to invite birds to your yard, give them safe passage). We plant a lot of native trees and shrubs, especially at schools, parks and in the 2nd and 5th Wards. We encourage people to think outside the lawn with No Mow May. Our Pollinator Pledge is a central focus of all our outreach and education, and a great way to spread the word to your neighbors.
Natural Habitat Evanston is a program of Climate Action Evanston.

Co-sponsored by Edible Evanston

Edible Evanston’s mission is to increase local food growing and sharing throughout Evanston and build a culture of community where this is a shared value. Our focus is on a regenerative agricultural approach, prioritizing the connections in nature and soil health while feeding our community of people. Edible Evanston helps people in the community gain experience and knowledge about food gardening of all types and share what they grow with those in need. We have a permaculture-based food forest in Eggleston Park. We collect produce from community gardeners, home gardeners and our own food forest and donate it to food pantries. We do education, programs and outreach about critical issues like soil health, organic growing techniques, agroforestry, etc. Edible Evanston is a program of Climate Action Evanston.