The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) is asking residents to help support pollinators during spring as they look for their first food sources of the season (normally dandelions or other weeds/flowers), places to hide and protection from night-time frost. Having longer grass, or leaves, around your yard gives them a safe place to shelter. This movement is important as research indicates a mass extinction of insects is underway. Of particular concern in recent years, is the decline of the bee population.
Residents are asked to avoid or reduce mowing their lawns until June with the goal of preventing disturbance of overwintering insects and amphibians that may be burrowed or hiding in leaves and lawns, and to increase food sources to pollinators. Unseasonably warm temperatures may lure them out of hiding and they need a place to retreat back to.
Our goal with No Mow May is to promote conversations about biodiversity protection and how small actions can make a difference. There are concerns about the pros and cons of this campaign and the impact it may cause. The Environmental Advisory Committee is looking into scientific, peer-reviewed research that supports or denies the benefits of No Mow May in Canada.
The Town and the Committee would like to continue learning and engaging with the community to consider initiatives to promote and enhance habitats for pollinators and healthy ecosystems for all residents. We encourage residents to look at Pollinator and Native Plant Gardening Resources to see a full list of ways to help feed the bees!
Reduce, or refrain from mowing your lawn until June 1!
To register for the challenge, please complete the online form. Those who donate minimum of $20 will be entered into a draw and receive a lawn sign to show your neighbours you’re supporting No Mow May. All donations will go to the David Suzuki Foundation Butterfly Way.
Signs can be picked up at the following locations during regular business hours. Please visit the location you chose when you registered.
Residents with mobility issues can request to have signs delivered to their home by emailing the Environment team.
Participants who donate a minimum of $20 through the online form will be automatically entered into a draw for a gift basket from Queensville Farm Supply and Country Store, valued at $150.
How to manage grass clippings during No Mow May |
Grass clippings are banned at the Regional yard waste facility as well as for our curbside collection program.
Tips on how to manage grass clippings through the No Mow May event:
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Whether you can participate in No Mow May or not, you can help pollinators throughout the spring and summer by:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation has a similar initiative underway. You can also learn more about the David Suzuki Foundation Butterfly Way initiative, here.
Our Customer Service Team is here to help!