In its creatively titled "No Mow May" campaign, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is asking Canadians to wait until the end of the month before breaking out the lawn mower to help with biodiversity. Gardeners are being encouraged to put their lawnmowers away and plant bee-friendly wildflowers instead this May.
The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness about the potential role that individuals may play in promoting biodiversity by not mowing their lawns in the front and back yards.
The concept originated in the United Kingdom before finding its way to Canada, according to Matthew Braun, NCC Manager of Conservation, science, and planning.
This month, pollinators including bees, butterflies, and ants are busy pollinating, which is critical for the growth of plants and crops across the country. Keeping the lawn mower stowed away for an extra month allows food sources to bloom and provide for insects and other wildlife species.
Braun says in recent years, provinces like Saskatchewan, have seen a decline in the pollinator population which has been affected by global temperatures and precipitation patterns. Warmer summers, he added, will have an impact on insect and pollinator numbers, as well as reducing liveable environments.