Have you noticed some of your neighbor's yards in West Michigan looking a bit unkempt as we move through the month of May? Well, they may be participating in 'No Mow May' an online effort to create habitats for bees and other pollinators.

Canva
Canva
loading...
Get our free mobile app

What Is No Mow May?

@BeeCityUSA/Twitter
@BeeCityUSA/Twitter
loading...

No Mow May is a movement to keep homeowners from mowing their lawns until the month of June to allow more flowering plants to bloom. According to BeeCityUSA.org there is also the added benefit of the habitat that longer grass provides:

Mowing your lawn less allows flowering plants to bloom, providing bees and other pollinators with the nectar and pollen that they rely on to feed themselves as well as their offspring...Longer grass can also provide other benefits to invertebrates including shelter. The more varied structure created by longer grass will support more than just bees.

 

Does Michigan Participate In No Mow May?

While the state as a whole doesn't have a coordinated campaign to participate in No Mow May, some areas are encouraging residents to participate.

@A2GOV/Twitter
@A2GOV/Twitter
loading...

The city of Ann Arbor actually passed a resolution encouraging its residents to participate in the program back in April.

ROMI.gov
ROMI.gov
loading...

 

Also Royal Oak in Metro Detroit has also decided to suspend code enforcement for their citizens to participate in No Mow May and even has signs available for use from city hall.

Do West Michigan Communities Participate in No Mow May?

At this point, no West Michigan communities have officially made declarations in support of No Mow May, but you may notice signs like these popping up in yards across the area.

Canva/Ken Evans
Canva/Ken Evans
loading...
BeeCityUSA.org
BeeCityUSA.org
loading...

But as the campaign begins to grow, along with lawns across Michigan and the United States, you might see more towns and cities participating as studies show that longer lawns are indeed, great for the bees!

This Michigan Airbnb Is Both A Boat And Home

The Floathaus of Saugatuck is a combination of a pontoon boat and a house. The Floathaus comfortably sleeps up to four people with room for six with one bedroom and a loft featuring two queen beds and a couch that pulls out. There is 500 square feet of finished space with a kitchen, fridge, microwave, and a table that folds down. There’s a shower and a bathroom. Outside there are two decks to enjoy. There are also two adult kayaks for guests to use and access to the waterfront pool at the marina, along with a park that has a playground and grills.

Interesting Things Found At The Bottom Of The Soo Locks

Each year the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District drains the Soo Locks and cleans out the debris. Check out some of the things they've found at the bottom, including some jewelry and silverware.

11 Helpful Facebook Groups in West Michigan That You Need to Join

These Facebook groups are a great way to stay connected to what's happening in West Michigan, whether you're new to town or have been a lifelong Michigander.

 

More From Mix 95.7