The goal of the program is to allow residents to let their grass grow uncut for one month, thereby allowing a habitat for early season pollinators.
Ambler Borough Council has approved a new program for residents that looks to enhance wildlife — specifically bees and other pollinators — while allowing grass to grow tall.
The “No Mow May” program is on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited participation, according to the borough website. It begins April 20, and all grass must be cut down by May 20.
The goal is to have residents let their grass grow uncut for one month, thereby allowing a habitat for early season pollinators. Register here for the program.
“This is particularly important in urban and suburban areas where floral resources are often limited. In addition to benefiting pollinators, reducing mowing frequency will save water, help your lawn become more resilient to drought, and reduce emissions from gas-powered lawn equipment,” states the website.
Those taking part must register with the Chief of Police, Code Department and Fire Marshal, per the website, as well as post a sign in the yard notifying participation. Participants are also required to educate neighbors on the program and why they are participating in it.
According to the borough:
There are several studies that illustrate how reducing the frequency of mowing benefits bees, as well as butterflies, grasshoppers, and many other insects. In central Kentucky, 26 species of bees were recorded visiting dandelion and white clover in urban and suburban lawns. Researchers in Massachusetts found 93 species of bees visiting lawn flowers, with the greatest diversity and abundance on lawns mowed every two or three weeks. Meta-analyses that looked at results of many studies from Europe and North America found a significant increase in the abundance and species richness of butterflies and bees in less-frequently mowed lawns, and that increased mowing intensity resulted in a significant negative effect on plant diversity and insect diversity.
Some studies also indicate that less intense mowing practices lead to fewer pests, as well as potential cost savings of up to 36% for park managers that by reducing mowing frequency from 15 to 10 times per year. And it is not just bees that benefit from flowering lawns. Surveys of park users in Minneapolis found that 95% of them supported less mowing.
For more information and questions on the program, check out the website here.
