No Mow May

What is it? No Mow May encourages property owners to refrain from mowing their lawns in the month of May. This allows lawn “weeds” - plants like violets, white clover, and dandelions - to flower. These flowers help provide early spring food for bees as they emerge from hibernation during a time when flower availability is limited. One study in Appleton, WI found that No Mow May lawns had a 5xs higher abundance and 3xs higher richness of bees compared with regularly mowed areas. Now that’s something to buzz about!

Why is it important? Sadly, bee populations are declining. Urban environments, like the Village, are increasingly important for bees. Today, you are nearly 50 percent less likely to see a bumble bee in any given area in North America than you were prior to 1974 (National Geographic).  Your participation could also help the federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, which lives in the Village. How often do you get the chance to protect an endangered species?

How do I participate? It’s easy! Just follow these two steps:

1. Register with the Green Team, and

2. Don’t mow your lawn from May 1st to 31st.