Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

A local environmental group is urging area residents to park their lawn mowers for the next month.

Bill Young, Conservation Chair with the Sydenham Field Naturalists is heading up the No Mow May campaign to help create habitation and foraging for early pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The No Mow initiative was started in the United Kingdom and is gaining momentum in Canada. Along with the environmental benefits, organizers say pausing or reducing mowing practices can also save homeowners money on lawn treatments and watering, and reduce air pollution.

Other supporters of the No Mow May movement include environmental advocate David Suzuki and home improvement guru Bob Vila.

Residents can buy locally produced No Mow May yard signs for $20 with proceeds supporting SFN conservation programs. Email sydenhamfn@hotmail.com.

The Sydenham Field Naturalists are also encouraging residents to plant more native plants to help pollinators and regain biodiversity. The group is hosting its annual native plant sale on May 20th.