No Mow May

 What is No Mow May

"No Mow May" is a campaign that encourages people to stop mowing their lawns for the month of May in order to provide a habitat for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects. The campaign was started by the conservation organization Plantlife in the UK, and has since gained popularity in other countries as well. 

No Mow May can help bees and other pollinators by providing them with a habitat and food source. The study conducted by Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, found that non-mowed lawns had five times more bees and three times more bee species than mowed parks in the area. This suggests that allowing grass to grow and wildflowers to bloom can create a more suitable environment for bees and other pollinators.

Other research has shown that reducing lawn mowing and allowing grass to grow can help to support pollinators and other wildlife. For example, a study conducted in the UK found that allowing grass to grow on golf courses increased the abundance and diversity of bees and other insects. Not that we promote golf courses on this site. Another study conducted in Germany found that reducing lawn mowing frequency in urban parks led to increased biodiversity and improved ecosystem services, such as soil fertility and carbon storage.

Benefits of No Mow May

During No Mow May, when people stop mowing their lawns, the grass and wildflowers are allowed to grow, providing a habitat for bees to nest and forage for food. This is especially important for bees during the spring and summer months when they are actively searching for food and nesting sites. By providing a habitat and food source, No Mow May can help to support bee populations and increase their chances of survival.

In addition to the benefits for bees, No Mow May can also help to promote biodiversity and support a healthy ecosystem. By allowing grass to grow and wildflowers to bloom, it can provide a home for other insects, birds, and animals. It can also improve soil health and reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides.

No Mow May can be a fun and educational experience for children and families. It can be a great way to teach kids about the importance of pollinators and how they can make a difference in their own backyard.

No Mow May can be a great opportunity to connect with your community. You can organize a neighborhood event or a pollinator-friendly garden tour to educate others about the benefits of No Mow May and how to create a sustainable landscape.

No Mow May can help to support local wildlife. By providing a habitat for pollinators and other insects, you can also attract birds, bats, and other animals that rely on these insects for food.

No Mow May can also help to reduce noise pollution. Lawn mowers and other lawn care equipment can be loud and disruptive, especially in densely populated areas. By reducing the amount of mowing you do, you can help to reduce noise pollution and create a more peaceful environment.

No monoculture grass yard? Congrats!

If you don't have a yard, there are still ways to participate in No Mow May and support pollinators and biodiversity. This can be done in rental units like apartments or even townhomes/condos/etc.

•     Plant native flowers and plants in pots or containers on your balcony or windowsill. Even a small collection of pots can provide food and habitat for pollinators.
  
  
•     Create a small herb garden or vegetable garden in a sunny spot on your balcony or windowsill. Herbs such as basil, thyme, and lavender can attract pollinators, while vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers can provide food for both people and wildlife.
  
  
•     Support local farmers' markets and community gardens. By purchasing local, sustainably grown produce, you can support farmers who are using environmentally friendly practices and help to reduce the impact of industrial agriculture on pollinators and biodiversity.

Want to let everyone know what you're doing? Buy or make a DIY No Mow May sign to place in your yard to advertise the cause!

Understand that No Mow May is a way of introducing "No Lawn" sustainability to the mainstream. Ultimately, we want to continue the habits of not mowing and creating a more diverse landscape long after the month of May has passed. You don't want to create a haven for insects and other wildlife only to chop it down and destroy it in June, right?