Cities in SE Wisconsin to participate in ‘No Mow May’ to protect pollinators

GREENFIELD, Wis. — This yr a number of cities in southeast Wisconsin are taking part in “No Mow Could” for the primary time, together with Greenfield and Glendale. Different cities in Wisconsin that take part embody La Crosse, Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids.

The concept is to not mow your garden throughout the month of Could to verify pollinators, like bees, butterflies and birds, have an early spring supply of meals.

Ashley Modlinksi launched the thought of No Mow Could to her metropolis of Greenfield this yr.

“We’re ingrained that yards which are stuffed with grass, which are clear and pristine is the lifestyle. The repercussions of getting that’s inflicting the decline of all our pollinators,” Modlinksi mentioned. “It comes right down to, if we do not have the bees, we’re not going to have meals.”

She mentioned it is also useful to individuals who prefer to hold a produce backyard of their yard.

“We’ve a vegetable backyard right here, so by constantly taking part in No Mow Could and leaving the stuff for [the pollinators], I’ve steady pollinators,” she mentioned.

‘No Mow Could’ bee boosting initiative rising in Wisconsin

However not everyone seems to be so certain in regards to the concept.

Chet Elliott and Jo Osowski and beekeepers in Greenfield. Elliott does not assume No Mow Could is one thing his neighborhood will take part in.

“A lot of the neighbors care about what their garden appears to be like like. I believe letting the weeds go to seed shouldn’t be one thing they’d be doing,” Elliott mentioned. “In the event you mentioned the explanation they’d be doing that’s for pollinators, I do not see that serving to apart from they will get a number of extra dandelions. The bees will fly as much as six miles a day to discover a flower. In order that’s usually not an issue that they’re going to want the dandelions or different weeds.”

Osowski mentioned she does not assume No Mow Could is a foul concept in case your metropolis permits. However, she mentioned there’s different methods to verify pollinators are getting fed.

“Plant your zucchini and let it path perpetually as a result of it’s the biggest supply of pollen. It is going to hold all of the pollinators busy.”

Modlinksi mentioned should you’re uncertain about taking part, you can begin small.

“In the event you do not need to not mow your grass, mow it in sections so that you all the time have a rotating meals supply for everybody,” Modlinksi mentioned.

If you wish to take part in No Mow Could, verify with metropolis officers as a result of some locations like Greenfield require you to register your yard to keep away from fines.

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