Brooklyn Park residents are dialing back their lawnmowers once again. This spring marks the return of a grass-roots campaign aimed to foster local pollinator populations, but with a new twist—enter "Slow Mow May." The city council, riding the wave of last year's buzzworthy No Mow May, buckled down in January to support this eco-conscious sequel. According to a press release, the updated initiative allows property beekeepers to let their lawns flourish while toeing the line with suburban tidiness.
Slow Mow May has residents keeping their grass cut at a friendly 3-4 inches, this precise measure aims to strike a balance between habitation for tiny winged friends and neighborhood curb appeal. The city bases its claim on environmental conservation, stating that this approach helps retain soil moisture and nutrients, suppresses pesky weeds, and girds the green against the summer's harsh droughts. Not to mention, the gas and water saved in the process are nothing to shake a rake at, the program also gives birds a better shot at successful nesting according to the city's bulletin.
Joining Slow Mow May is a cinch. Brooklyn Park natives have till May 10 to sign up and snag a free yard sign—first come, first serve. The early birds last year who planted No Mow May signage in their lawns are encouraged to reap and reuse, adding a layer of sustainability to the campaign.
Throughout May, the city promises to pepper participants with intel on creating pollinator-friendly paradises; this includes potential sit-downs with Metro Blooms for site consultations and even workshops and sales geared toward native, buzzy-bee plant species. Spring has always been a touchdown time for pollinators, emerging hungry from their winter hideaways, and Slow Mow May is set to serve up a buffet of blooms. Those interested to know the nitty-gritty of why caring for our diminutive pollinators is vital or to register for the program should visit the Slow Mow May website.
