Lawns cover over 40 million acres of land across the United States – that is an area as large as the state of Colorado! These green carpets have replaced what was once diverse and wild landscapes. There is a LOT we can do to help make up for that loss in diversity and create places for pollinators and small wildlife. It’s time for us to take care of them the way they deserve!
That’s why this Spring, Prairie Rivers Network is launching the Wild and Free Lawns Pledge. By signing this pledge you are agreeing to plant native plants, to engage in responsible mowing practices, and to break up with chemical lawn treatments.
It is well known that practices listed above have immense environmental benefits, including:
- Pollinator Support: Try to stop mowing in early spring. Unmowed lawns provide critical early-season nectar, and cover for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when they emerge from hibernation.
- Shrink Your Lawn: Reduce the size of your lawn by incorporating native trees, shrubs, vines, and plants.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: Allowing grass and wildflowers to grow naturally creates microhabitats for insects and small wildlife. Leaving things interesting in the yard, not overly manicured and a touch wild can greatly help protect them.
- Carbon Sequestration: Longer grass captures more carbon dioxide through increased photosynthesis.
- Water Conservation: Reduced mowing decreases water consumption during spring months. Taller grass has longer roots which can reach moisture deeper in the ground.
- Noise and Air Pollution Reduction: Fewer mowing activities means less emissions from gas-powered lawn equipment.
