No Mow March

No Mow March: A Spring Initiative for Winston-Salem & Forsyth County

This spring, Winston-Salem and Forsyth County are embracing “No Mow March,” an initiative designed to promote environmental health and sustainability. Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:

• What is No Mow March?
  • It encourages residents to refrain from mowing their lawns throughout March.
  • This allows natural growth, benefiting pollinators and the environment.
  • It is an adaptation of “No Mow May” that has been altered to fit the North Carolinian growing season.
• Key Benefits:
  • 🐝 Protect Pollinators:
    • Provides crucial food sources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
    • Helps maintain healthy ecosystems.
  • 💨 Breathe Cleaner Air:
    • Reduces emissions from gas-powered lawn equipment.
    • Minimizes particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds.
    • Potentially lessens the amount of airborn pollen.
  • 💧 Conserve Water:
    • Reduces the need for lawn irrigation.
    • Promotes deeper root growth, enhancing drought resistance.
  • 🐦 Boost Bird Populations:
    • Increases insect populations, a primary food source for birds.
    • Provides shelter and forage for ground-foraging birds.
  • 🤫 Reduce Noise Pollution:
    • Creates a more peaceful environment by minimizing the use of noisy lawn equipment.
    • Helps wildlife that are negatively impacted by noise.
• Participation:
  • Residents are encouraged to take the pledge on the City of Winston-Salem’s Sustainability webpage.
  • Yard signs are available for purchase to raise awareness.
  • Several parks within the city of Winston Salem, and Forsyth county will also be participating.
• Addressing Concerns:
  • No Mow March does not significantly increase pest populations.
  • Natural landscapes can actually help control pests.

By participating in No Mow March, residents can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable community!