LETTER: Take a lawn mowing break and make the world healthier

To Ozaukee Press:

I am writing to express my support for the No Mow May campaign that has been gaining popularity in recent years. For those who are not familiar with this initiative, it calls on homeowners to refrain from mowing their lawns in the month of May in order to allow wildflowers and other plants to grow and blossom.

At first glance, this may seem like a minor or insignificant gesture, but in fact, there are numerous benefits to allowing one’s lawn to go unmowed for a few weeks. For one thing, it can help to promote biodiversity, as we create space for native plants to thrive. This, in turn, can attract a variety of insects and other wildlife, which can be beneficial in many ways, from pollinating our gardens to providing food for birds and other animals.

In addition, allowing our lawns to grow and bloom can help to promote soil health by encouraging the growth of beneficial microbes and other organisms. It can also reduce the amount of water we need to use on our lawns, since longer grass can help to hold moisture and reduce evaporation.

But perhaps most importantly, No Mow May reminds us of the importance of taking care of our planet and its ecosystems. It encourages us to embrace a more sustainable approach to lawn care, one that is less focused on manicured appearance and more on creating a healthy, vibrant environment for all living things.

I urge all homeowners to consider participating in No Mow May this year, and to embrace a more ecologically responsible approach to lawn care in general. By doing so, we can help to create a healthier, more diverse and sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.

Peter Vander Velden

Port Washington