Page 20 - GM Summer flipbook 2024

uRESEARCH CORNERuDR. SARA STRICKER, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR AT THE GUELPH TURFGRASS INSTITUTE
#NoMowMay
If you choose to let turf grow and allow dandelions to flower, mow in response to the flowering stage instead of by the calendar. Mow when the flowers are closed (left) and before they set seed (right).
Some social media campaigns are designed to inspire and motivate individuals to make positive changes or take action on important issues. A relatively new campaign targeted towards the turfgrass industry is #NoMowMay. As awareness of environmental concerns grows, everyone wants to do their part to support biodiversity and mitigate climate change – especially if we can do it while lying on the couch.
#NoMowMay is a movement that began in the UK and encourages homeowners and land managers to abstain from mowing grass during the month of May. The idea originated as a response to the decline of pollinator species, particularly in urban and suburban areas. The theory is that by allowing grass to grow freely for a month, the pollinating insects (especially bees) are provided with an early season food source. Let us look closer into that theory.
20 • CGSA • GreenMaster