Finding common ground
Still, she added, it is necessary to think holistically about supporting bees, butterflies and other pollinators beyond a monthlong campaign. She cites articles from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab and Extension that support the intentions behind No Mow May efforts, but also offer tips for avoiding potential harm.
Those tips include allowing dandelions and clover to grow, but mowing before they go to seed; raising the height of lawn mower blades; and slowly cutting the grass back — as Cottongim said she does in June, especially as she seeks to preserve nests for rabbits and other animals.
“While flowering plants in lawns can contribute to bee nutrition, we expect bees to forage in a variety of types of landscapes and habitats,” Heck continued. “Bees need flowers that provide nectar and pollen from spring through fall. Meadows, trees, shrubs, pollinator gardens and bee lawns can be important sources of forage for bees.”
The benefits of pollinator gardens, including rain gardens — like those Oakland County is encouraging residents to create in a RainSmart Rebates program — are something everyone seems to agree on.
“Maybe manicured lawns that we are so used to and putting water and fertilizer on them is not environmentally friendly,” Herzog said. “We’re trying to reimagine what our yards look like. Quite a few residents in Royal Oak have torn up their yards and redone them as native gardens, instead of grass that you mow, water and fertilize.”
Ferndale also embraces a planned natural landscape program that emphasizes native plantings.
The Cottongims have already removed turf grass from one section of the Witch’s Hat property, replacing it with friendly pollinator plants, including sunflowers, and have plans to do the same with another retention area.
Kennedy said the city plans to approve funds for installation of pollinator gardens at Volunteer Park and along walking trails in the upcoming budget. While that wouldn’t take effect until this summer, he said it will set the stage for a long-term benefit for the pollinators.
In the meantime, Cottongim will observe No Mow May and may or may not be penalized, as Kennedy notes the ordinance officer works with property owners in a friendly manner to resolve problems and not issue tickets “as long as the property owner is working with him to get the item addressed in a timely manner.”
“I really hope South Lyon will be a pollinator-friendly community,” Cottongim said. “Let’s do our homework and understand what we’re doing and why we’re doing it — which is caring for our property in a way that sustains life and is beautiful.”
Contact Susan Bromley at sbromley@ hometownlife.com or at 517-281-2412.