by Janice Hawkins
Des Moines Branch
July 2023
“No Mow May” started in the United Kingdom in 2019, jumped the pond, and has now been embraced by more than 200 cities and campuses throughout the United States. In Iowa, Ames, Cedar Falls, Dubuque, and Des Moines have joined the No Mow initiative. WILPF Leadership Team Members Carolyn Uhlenhake Walker and Joann Muldoon along with Janice Hawkins formed the trio leading this action.
Pollinators are the keystone members of our ecosystem with the number of bees worldwide dropping by 50% since the 1970s. Pollinators are directly or indirectly responsible for 75% of the human food supply worldwide. The United Nations has stated that the dwindling count of pollinators is a threat to the survival of life on earth, including human life. Allowing grass to grow higher creates an inviting environment for bees to reside and flourish.
How high your grass can grow before it is referred to as a “public nuisance” is typically found in your city’s list of ordinances, under “weeds.” We approached our City Council, offered education, then requested a proclamation supporting the effort and waiving the height restriction for weeds. Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie met with us several times and heartily agreed to promote the City Proclamation including a waiver of the maximum height rule. An editorial and several articles including “Letters to the Editor” were reported in the Des Moines Register.
Not everyone could participate due to rules, agreements, or contracts of their living situation (the City Proclamation does not usurp those agreements). Negotiated modifications can be successful and allay fears of personal neglect, neighbor complaints, or leaving the impression of no one at home or the property being abandoned.
Des Moines has 49 Neighborhood Associations and over 150 yard signs were placed in 28 or 57% of those jurisdictions. Four weekly newsletters provided information on the names of individuals posting signs. At the end, we gave participation awards of gift certificates to Blooming Prairie Nursery and gardening texts. Spurred by the interest, we are already dreaming of “Mow Less May” for next year! See more in the next issue of Peace & Freedom.
