By Rich Larson
Northfield residents are being encouraged to slow down on lawn mowing this year as part of the City of Northfield’s Slow Mow Summer initiative, which aims to support bees, butterflies and other native pollinators.
The program, formerly known as No Mow May and Less Mow May, has evolved to promote pollinator‑friendly practices throughout the growing season. Pollinators emerging from hibernation or migrating to Minnesota in early spring rely heavily on nectar and pollen for food, making early and consistent flowering plants especially important.
City officials say healthy pollinator populations are vital to the food system and global biodiversity. Creating pollinator‑friendly lawns and gardens can also conserve water, improve drought tolerance, reduce air and noise pollution, and save homeowners time and money over the long term.
Residents can participate by removing noxious weeds, planting native and flowering species, and following best practices for mowing and watering while keeping grass and weeds under one foot as required by city code.
Additional tips, resources and rebate information are available at northfieldmn.gov/SlowMowSummer.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
