No Mow May đ
- msmith627
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
Support bees, butterflies, and biodiversityâone yard at a time.
Fun Facts about Bees!
Bees pollinate 35% of the global food supply.
There are 3,600 species of bees.
Studies show that less intensive mowing practices lead to fewer pests, as well as potential costs savings up to 36% a year.
Lawns cover 40 million acres or 2% of land in the United States, make them the single largest irrigated crop we grow.
Not all bees live in hives. Around 70% of native bees are solitary and nest in the ground or in small cavities. Letting your yard grow wild supports their natural habitats.
Bees arenât aggressive. Most native bees are non-aggressive and wonât sting unless threatened. Theyâre more interested in flowers than you!
What is No Mow May?
No Mow May is a growing environmental initiative that encourages homeowners and municipalities to pause lawn mowing for the month of May. Allowing grass and wildflowers to grow during this time creates valuable habitat for bees and other pollinators. Supporting these vital creatures plays a key role in promoting biodiversity, improving soil health, and sustaining local food systems.
Why do it?Â
The start of the growing season is a crucial time for native bees emerging from winter, as flowers can be scarce and food sources limited. By letting your lawn grow a bit longer and allowing early wildflowers to bloom, you can provide essential nectar and pollen to support these important pollinators. Mowing less frequently not only helps bees thrive but also creates valuable habitat that can boost the abundance and diversity of local wildlife. If going the full month without mowing isnât feasible, even reducing your mowing to once every two to three weeks can significantly increase flower availability and make a meaningful difference for our pollinator neighbors.
How to get involved?Â
Participating in No Mow May is simple and impactful. Start by skipping lawn mowing for all or even just part of the month to give pollinators space to forage and nest. Consider leaving sections of your yard to grow naturally or planting a pollinator-friendly patch filled with native flowers. To further protect bees and other beneficial insects, avoid using pesticides and herbicides during this time. And donât forget to display a âNo Mow Mayâ yard sign to help raise awareness and encourage others in the community to join the movement.
Go above and Beyond
Create a Bee Garden! Support pollinators by planting a variety of native plants that bloom throughout the growing season. A bee-friendly lawn can include low-growing flowering plants like white clover, creeping thyme, and selfheal. You may already have valuable native species, such as violets, which serve as important host plants for fritillary butterfliesâso be sure to encourage their growth! For more ideas and guidance on native plant choices, check out the resource guide below.
Maine Audubon has great resources as well.
The Xerces Society in partnership with Bee City has a fun and creative free printable sign you can add to your lawn!
