Chatham-Kent residents are being invited to scratch lawn care off of your to-do list next month.
The Sydenham Field Naturalists (SFN) are asking local property owners to take part in a global environmental initiative called 'No Mow May' to help create better habitats for early-season pollinators.
No Mow May asks participants to pause all mowing and lawn treatments for the month, and instead allow native vegetation bloom freely. The result is a stronger ecosystem for bees and other early-pollinators.
"Since 75 per cent of our world food crops depend on pollinators, it cannot hurt to allow them a head start," said Bill Young, conservation chair for the SFN, and the person heading the No Mow May campaign.
Young found out about No Mow May online and tried it out for himself last spring. Now, he's encouraging other members of the community to take part. Anybody with grass on their property can get involved. As Young says, "If you’ve got a lawn, don’t cut it."
Young said there are a number of benefits associated with No Mow May including helping with habitation and foraging for pollinators and other wildlife - especially birds.
He said a month without pollution from gas-powered machinery and chemical-heavy lawn treatments is also a nice break for the environment.
To those worried about grass growing out-of-control, Young said you can tend to your lawn if necessary, but he suggests cutting it a little longer than usual.
Residents of Chatham-Kent who are subject to the Long Grass and Weed Height By-Law, enforced from April 1 to November 1, will have to monitor their property to ensure municipal rules are being followed.
According to the by-law, any weeds or grass that is over 20 centimetres in length are prohibited. However, Young says you'll only see about six inches of growth in a month-long period.
If a manicured lawn is more your style, SFN's annual Native Plant Sale is another way to help the environment this month. The fundraiser is being held on May 20. More details will be available in the coming weeks.
The SFN will also be selling 'No Mow May' lawn signs as a fundraiser and you can find more information about how to support them on their website.