NORWALK (CBSMiami), Two women from Connecticut have started an environmental movement to get rid of lawn mowing. The idea is spreading across the country.
CBS News’ Louise Washer and Donna Merrill showed CBS News their yard in Norwalk (Connecticut). They admit it is messy, but all the leaves and brush serve a purpose.
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Washer said that it has all the beebalm, and the milkweed that bees and butterflies need.
These native plants provide a space for birds and insects to gather pollen and help the ecosystem thrive even in cities.
Washer and Merrill established the non-profit The in 2017 Pollinator PathwayEncourage others to let their lawns grow wild and stop mowing too often.
People read about the insect apocalypse, the bee declines and monarch butterflies. This is a positive thing. Washer stated that you can do this.
(Credit: Pollinator Pathway)
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You can sign up online to purchase a butterfly marker for your neighbors to let them know why your yard isn’t looking perfect.
The movement now has over 300 members across the country, including South Florida locations in Miami and Plantation.
It is spreading all across the United States. Merill stated that it is now moving into the Midwest and Northwest, as well as the Southeast.
Scott Debnam, University of Montana’s pollinator ecologist, said that pollinators are so vital because 80% of the flowers or plants on Planet Earth require a vector animal for reproduction. He hopes that the pathway will eventually reach unused farmland as well as the sides of roads, highways, and other areas. Debnam stated that there are miles upon miles of forage available.
Merrill and Washer are just beginning.
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I believe that we were actually changing something. Merrill says that she doesn’t believe this is possible at this time. Merrill and Washer both realize that not all towns have lawn care ordinances. They suggest that mowing around the perimeter will keep your yard neat and allow some grass to grow.