The benefits of No Mow May initiative are too vast to ignore.

The Village of Riverside has a history of celebrating the natural world. In harmony with this, the Landscape Advisory Commission (LAC) is evaluating the sustainability initiative of No Mow May. This concept is in use in the nearby communities of Appleton, WI and Shorewood Hills, WI (https://www.shorewoodhillsgreenteam.org/no-mow-may) and in the UK. Check out the 400 sq. ft. patch along West end of the library and don’t mind the dandelions, violets, and creeping Charlie.

The decline of pollinators, especially native bees, can have far reaching effects on both natural and agricultural ecosystems (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7518183/). Basically, by mowing less and allowing weeds to reach their full potential, biodiversity for pollinators was up to three to five times higher than manicured lawns. 

While there are currently ordinances in place to keep our lawns well kept, community members are encouraged to look at other ways to help our pollinators.  Reducing or eliminating pesticides and planting ephemerals that are blooming now, can make life for a bee much better. Check out https://beecityusa.org/no-mow-may/ for more information.

Please share with us your feedback, email the LAC at: LAC@riverside.il.us