No Mow May Is Catching On

There is a growing movement among some Dubuque homeowners to participate in “No Mow May.” The idea is to convince as many homeowners as possible to temporarily refrain from regularly mowing their lawns, at least for the month of May. Supporters of “No Mow May” say that by not mowing and allowing local wildflowers to bloom, residents will be doing local wildlife, and particularly local pollinators, a great service. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in 2021 that American bumblebee populations had declined by 90% over a 20-year period, largely due to habitat loss, pesticides, disease, climate change and competition with non-native honeybees. Along with not mowing, participants also are encouraged to refrain from using herbicides and pesticides on their lawns and to sow native plants on their properties.