The goal of No Mow May is to allow grass to grow unmown for the month of May, creating habitat and forage for early season pollinators. This is particularly important in densely populated areas where floral resources are often limited.
No Mow May was started in England by a group called Plantlife, to support early emerging pollinators with more flowers for foraging. In this country it is promoted by Bee City USA. Not mowing lawns in May allows many more flowers to bloom in the lawn, and these flowers are crucial forage for spring-emerging bees.
Maine has seventeen species of bumblebees, which carry out crucial pollination services, and several of these species are in decline. Rockland is pleased to encourage our pollinators and No Mow May goes hand in hand with our ordinance (passed last year) phasing out lawn pesticides. We are identifying areas in our local parks that will be left unmown in May as well as spaces well-suited to promoting wildflowers.
“No Mow May” educational signs can be printed off the Bee City USA website, to let folks know this is being done intentionally. Also, volunteers will be printing lawn signs for anyone who would like one, details upcoming.
