30 years ago the native Rusty-Patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) was as common as three out of every ten bumblebees seen. We haven’t seen one since 2009.  The alarming rate of pollinator decline, food production challenges, soil depletion, chemical pollution, climate change, carbon emission, and sequestration are some of the most serious environmental issues we face.  Scientists predict that if we stay on this trajectory we have less than 60 years of harvesting crops before soil collapse and untenable climate change halts crop production. A third of the food we eat is attributed to the pollination services of bees. An abundance of healthy native bees, ensures this food. In D7040, 32 of our economically important crops (valued at $690 billion per year in Ontario) are pollinated by native pollinators. 

 

Whilst many Rotary clubs (20+ in D7040) and hundreds of friends participate in No Mow May with enthusiasm, others are skeptical, complacent, or critical.  Some find it inconceivable to change minds and lawns from what we have, for decades, been doing, creating, caring for, and what we are fiercely proud of. There are entrenched beliefs about lawns - how it should look, lawn care, and its function. Sometimes our views are emotionally charged: Those who had Lyme’s or other tick-borne diseases (or know someone so unfortunate) are appalled at the thought of not mowing.  Many concerns are based on misinformation and beliefs not backed by science. FAQ like “What about ticks?”, “What happens after May?”, and more, are answered on our D7040 website. Some did not like the name No Mow MAY and suggestions like “Mindful May”, “Pollinator Month” or the inspirational “Grow More May” developed by the Rotary Club of Gananoque , will potentially replace the No Mow message. 

 

At Harvard, researchers found that lawns with multiple species of grasses and wildflowers require far less mowing and water than would the typical turf.  We need to think twice about perfectly manicured lawns requiring water (in dry months), fertilizer and herbicides (bad for your health and the environment), topsoil, GMO seeds, maintenance labour, and machines (producing air, particle, and noise pollution), in addition to releasing an insane amount of greenhouse gasses (those that are fossil-fuelled). Let’s face it, it costs a lot of money to maintain a lawn in pristine condition. There are powerful corporations, heavily invested in the estimated $8 billion turfgrass lawn industry in North America, and they sponsor universities and institutions that actively advocate against No Mow May. 

 

Environmental leaders say we don’t do enough, we should do more, and that just not mowing in May is not nearly enough.  I tend to agree. If we can do for the Environment what Rotary has done for Polio we will have an enormous impact. We can spread awareness and take action, creating sustainable urban habitats.  May is a perfect time to imagine thriving living lawns. Our gardens, patios and balconies can be places for healing the earth. Imagine your community in 60 years. What legacy do you want to leave? Let us be responsible ancestors!