'No Mow May': East Gwillimbury residents let their lawn grow

More than 60 residents took the pledge to let their grass grow to help protect pollinators

Yorkregion.com
June 1, 2021

The grass is high at Mark Goldsworthy’s house in River Drive Park and it’s not because he is neglecting to cut the fescue. He’s not cutting it on purpose.

Goldsworthy is one of more than 60 East Gwillimbury residents taking in part in the "No Mow May" initiative launched by the East Gwillimbury Environmental Advisory Committee this year.

Goldsworthy explained that insects like bees, butterflies and others are busy pollinating much of the month and the long grass is beneficial for the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

“I certainly have noticed a difference,” Goldsworthy said. “I think my grass is the longest in the neighbourhood. There’s a lot of tall grass going to seed. It will be more drought resistant,” he said.

An arborist by trade, Goldsworthy joined the environmental advisory committee shortly after he moved to East Gwillimbury in 2019. He said the No Mow May initiative has brought him closer to his yard and understanding the ecosystem that is thriving there.

“It’s our first year. I have been really pleased with the response,” said Ward 1 Coun. Loralea Carruthers, who is the council liaison on the committee.

More than 60 residents took the pledge in May. And this wasn’t just a one trick pony.

Carruthers said it is expected for the program to continue in the coming years.

“The idea is to keep doing it every year,” Carruthers said.

People are feeling it’s hard to make a difference and this is a small thing that they can do, Carruthers said.

Goldsworthy echoed that sentiment as a key factor for getting so many people involved.

“People care about insects and they can do something on their property to help,” he said.

Carruthers hopes the committee will be able to reach out and do a bigger education piece next year with COVID-19 restrictions hampering that idea this year.

The signs are key to educate people on what’s going on.

“People don’t’ want their neighbours to think they are lazy,” Carruthers said.

The most important time to protect pollinators is in early May. While some residents tell Carruthers they can’t not mow their lawn for the whole month they would like to do something to help.

“Most people are aware of the threat to bees,” she said.

The spring period is crucial for insects because they seeking their first food sources of the season, Goldsworthy said. Those are things like dandelions and other flowers typically found in lawns. The movement is important because insects are finding it more difficult to live. “There is concern about the bee population.

The committee has done several cleanup initiatives in the past, but with COVID-19 hovering those activities weren’t possible in 2021. “It’s a way for people to help and get involved and in a socially distant matter,” Goldsworthy said.

With all that being said, Goldsworthy is looking forward to cutting his grass once June rolls around.

Participants signed up on the town’s website and those donating a minimum of $5 received a lawn sign. All donations went to the David Suzuki Foundation's Butterflyway Project. Goldsworthy said more than $1,500 was raised through donations locally.

The environmental advisory committee participates in a number of community events each year such as antilitter events, battery collection and textile recycling.

The committee is also engaged with the town in making the new proposed Healthy Active Living Plaza as eco-friendly as possible. The project, which is currently in the design phase, could potentially feature a green roof in its design.