From My WindowIssue Date: April 27, 2022Janie Thibodeau Martin No-Mow May
**********
Bravo Peshtigo City Council, for voting to trial a one-year observation of No-Mow May!
No Mow May is a conservation initiative popularized by Plantlife, an organization based in the United Kingdom. Its simple premise is that we can help wildlife, specifically early season pollinators, by refraining from mowing our yards as soon as the lawn starts growing. That's right, I am encouraging you to do less work!
We have been conditioned (to a great extent, by clever ads) to think of a solid green, manicured carpet of grass to be the ideal lawn. We fertilize, treat with weed killers, water and trim with care, hoping to have a lawn that fills us with pride, and is the envy of all our neighbors. Such a vision requires money, and a lot of labor. But in a world where we cared more about our fellow creatures, these same lawns would sport longer grass, dandelions, diminutive wood violets and carpets of purple creeping charlie ?? early spring food sources for bees, moths and butterflies, among others. Such a lawn can be thought of as a badge of laziness or neglect ?? but for increasing numbers of people, it is, instead, a sign of engagement in conservation.
Many Wisconsin communities have adopted an initiative like the one Peshtigo is trialing, which helps increase awareness and participation in No-Mow initiatives, but also shields citizens from citations from city inspectors who may respond to complaining neighbors. (This protection, it should be noted, ends in June, and you are advised to register in advance as a participant.) Among Wisconsin No-Mow communities is Appleton, which had 435 homes participating in 2020. Scientists comparing Appleton lawns found No Mow May lawns had five times the number of bees and three times the number of separate bee species as those who mowed their lawns regularly throughout the month. Stevens Point also started the initiative last year, and had double the number of households anticipated register. Some doubt many people in the city of Peshtigo will participate. I'd love to hear that lots of you surprised them with your willingness to give this a try!
Not everyone likes unmown lawns, even for a single month. One woman in Prarie du Chein was awakened by a police officer pounding on her front door, as her neighbor had reported she might be ill or dead since her lawn wasn't mowed. Another one of her neighbors was so uptight about the unmown lawn, they mowed it without the homeowner's permission! That woman plans on participating again this year, not to make anyone mad, but because she sees it as the right thing to do.
This is a small effort to protecting our imperiled bees. But every little bit does help ?? and your unmowed lawn may spark interest or curiosity in others to give it a try as well. Just because big problems seem insurmountable is not an excuse for doing something small if we can.
Citizens of Peshtigo - If your neighbor's yard looks a little ratty this May, try not to let it bother you. Maybe pull your blinds if you can't stand the sight. Enjoy sleeping in Saturday morning without the droning of a lawnmower next door disturbing you. Maybe the bees your neighbor nourished by sparing the May mowing will pollinate your garden vegetables for you, ensuring a better harvest. Perhaps they will visit your apple trees, increasing your crop. Pollinators feed us all ?? sparing a few early dandelions for them is the least we can do.
I would love to see a time when those who leave their lawns uncut in May are admired, and not reported to the authorities, scorned, or viewed as bad neighbors. Many hack, weed, and spray almost the entire growing season. It's not much of a sacrifice to spare the mower in May. Treat yourself by using the time you would have been mowing to fish, watch baseball, or take a walk. Maybe even take a nap!
Note: Thanks to the environmentally-aware reader from the Pound area who requested I promote no-mow May a few weeks ago, and to the City of Peshtigo for their well-timed decision!
Book I am reading: "The Library," by Susan Orlean. Non-fiction, a best seller in 2018. A story about the biggest library fire in modern history; a mystery of "whodunit," and a treasure trove of fascinating information about our public libraries. If you are thinking "a book about libraries has to be the most boring read ever," I bet you will change your mind if you give it a chance. And if you are a taxpayer who wonders why we should fund public libraries in this time of internet-everything, this book may make you more open-minded about what libraries do these days!
You can reach me for commentary, alternative viewpoints or ideas at this e-mail address: JanieTMartin@gmail.com.
Recent stories, opinions and photos
| Issue Date |
Department |
Headline |
| 05-18-2022 | Front Page |
Oconto County Hard Hit By High Waters
|
| 05-18-2022 | Front Page |
Working to Recognize Fallen Marinette Co. Sheriff's Deputy
|
| 05-18-2022 | Front Page |
Peshtigo Schools Recognize Sanders, Heritsch Retirements
|
| 05-18-2022 | Front Page |
State Will Support Shipyard Building New of Navy Frigates
|
| 05-18-2022 | Front Page |
Firefighters Rescue Three Jet Ski Passengers From Peshtigo River
|
| 05-18-2022 | Front Page |
Peshtigo Town Hears Speeding Complaints
|
| 05-18-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Sewer System Overflow
|
| 05-18-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Turns 104
|
| 05-18-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Graduates Boot Camp
|
| 05-18-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Honor Casper
|
| 05-18-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Crivitz School District Sponsors Summer Food Service Program
|
| 05-18-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Crivitz School Concert May 19th
|
| 05-18-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Crivitz Legion Armed Forces Day Pancake, Porky Breakfast
|
| 05-18-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Crivitz Board To Air Squad Car Funding
|
| 05-18-2022 | Community - Wausaukee |
Wausaukee Seeks New Town Board Supervisor
|
| 05-18-2022 | Community - Wausaukee |
Wausaukee School Sponsors Summer Food Service Program
|
| 05-18-2022 | Community - Wausaukee |
Name Johnson, Durian For New Plan Commission Terms
|
| 05-18-2022 | Sports |
Wolverines/Cougars Share M&O Title
|
| 05-18-2022 | Sports |
Coleman Wins M&O Conference Championship
|
| 05-18-2022 | Sports |
Lena/STAA Boys, Suring Girls Are M&O Champs
|
| 05-18-2022 | Sports |
Lena & Oconto Claim Conference Crowns
|
| 05-18-2022 | Sports |
Menominee Inducts Eight Into Sports Hall of Fame
|
| 05-18-2022 | Sports |
Blanc's Late Score Pushes Barbarians Past Oregon/West Side
|
| 05-18-2022 | Perspectives |
From My Window
|
| 05-18-2022 | Perspectives |
Country Cousin
|
| 05-18-2022 | Perspectives |
From Our Readers
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
David L. Anders
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
William Anderson
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Stephen J. Bedwell Sr.
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Daniel R. Chaney
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
George L. Collison
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Betty A. Fronsee
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Carole I. Furton
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Mildred Gmirek
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Ruth A. Harmon
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Joseph Hrabik
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Daniel G. Jacques
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Patricia La Fountain
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Carol L. Marble
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Geraldine Matykowski
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Mary H. Parkansky
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Annie J. Pempek
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
John G. Rugg
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Clara L. Talbot
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Frank Thornton
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Stacy Walker
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Steven F. Waszak
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Rodger A. Wendt
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Darryl G. Werner
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Manfred E. Wickman
|
| 05-18-2022 | Obituaries |
Marion C. Zeitler
|
| 05-11-2022 | Front Page |
Ten Fire Departments Respond to Sal B Blaze
|
| 05-11-2022 | Front Page |
Future LCS Beloit Christened, Launched At Marinette Marine
|
| 05-11-2022 | Front Page |
Peshtigo To Hire Summer Parks/Rec Help May 23
|
| 05-11-2022 | Front Page |
Peshtigo Plan Commission Denies Home Gun Business
|
| 05-11-2022 | |
Peshtigo Plan Commission Denies Home Gun Business
|
| 05-11-2022 | Front Page |
Fair Board Interested In Owning Old Library
|
| 05-11-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Coleman Fine Arts Night is May 25th
|
| 05-11-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Coleman Area Rescue Squad Open House Sunday, May 15
|
| 05-11-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Coleman Area Rescue Squad Held Open House
|
| 05-11-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Grant Awarded to Coleman-Pound Library
|
| 05-11-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Crivitz VFW Post Has New Commander
|
| 05-11-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Crivitz To View Long Range Plans For Fire Department
|
| 05-11-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Crivitz Students Future Fund Savings Accounts
|
| 05-11-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Crivitz Legion Post #413 Memorial Day Poultry Shoot
|
| 05-11-2022 | Community - Wausaukee |
Chainsaw Demonstration Held at Wausaukee School
|
| 05-11-2022 | |
American Legion Auxiliary 2022 Poppy Poster Contest
|
| 05-11-2022 | Community - Wausaukee |
Wausaukee Review Board To Elect Officers May 26
|
| 05-11-2022 | Community - Wausaukee |
Wausaukee/Amberg Blood Drive is Monday, June 6th
|
| 05-11-2022 | Sports |
Oconto Locks Up Packerland Championship
|
| 05-11-2022 | Sports |
Cougars Stay Hot, Post Three Win Week
|
| 05-11-2022 | Sports |
Panther Girls Win Peshtigo Invite; Marine Boys/Girls 2nd
|
| 05-11-2022 | |
Panther Girls Win Peshtigo Invite; Marine Boys/Girls 2nd
|
| 05-11-2022 | Sports |
Bulldogs Beat NEW Blazers in Programs First Home Contest
|
| 05-11-2022 | |
Marinette/Oconto Take Home Tourney Titles
|
| 05-11-2022 | Sports |
DNR to Host Free Fishing Weekend
|
| 05-11-2022 | Perspectives |
From My Window
|
| 05-11-2022 | Perspectives |
Country Cousin
|
| 05-11-2022 | Perspectives |
From Our Readers
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Joan Rita Alloy
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Dale J. Axtell
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Patrick Bruso
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Roger L. Campbell
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Christopher D. Carollo
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Viola B. Casperson
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Mary L. Dyson
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
James H. Dzurick, Sr.
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Gene R. Gocht
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Mary L. Hallfrisch
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Kevin D. Hoogesteger
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Bruce M. Rastall
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Anthony C. Ruatti
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Sharon Lee Schaal
|
| 05-11-2022 | Obituaries |
Dennis B. Staudenmaier
|
| 05-05-2022 | Front Page |
Four People Displaced By Pound House Fire
|
| 05-05-2022 | Front Page |
To Launch Future USS Beloit At Marinette Marine On May 7
|
| 05-05-2022 | Front Page |
Peshtigo Auditor Advises 3% City Water Rate Hike
|
| 05-05-2022 | Front Page |
Future of Crivitz Community Education Appears Unsettled
|
| 05-05-2022 | |
Future of Crivitz Community Education Appears Unsettled
|
| 05-05-2022 | Front Page |
Crivitz School Ranked High In State News/World Report
|
| 05-05-2022 | Front Page |
Peshtigo Skate Park In Need Of More Repairs
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Coleman School Student Fighting for His Life
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Pound Village Board May Allow Chickens
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Coleman School Board To Elect Officers May 9
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Coleman High School Commencement is May 21
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Crivitz VFW Gun Show May 7th
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Loomis Legion to Distribute Poppies
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Town Of Stephenson Board to Meet May 11
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Crivitz Student Councils Ukraine Fund Raiser
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Wausaukee |
Wausaukee Cemetery Needs Volunteers May 9
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Wausaukee |
Paul Family Singers Concert at Florence May 15 at 6 pm
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Wausaukee |
Legion Auxiliary Unit 66 List Coming Events
|
| 05-05-2022 | Community - Wausaukee |
Wins 300th Game
|
| 05-05-2022 | Sports |
Wausaukee Bats Get Hot in Win Over STAA
|
| 05-05-2022 | Sports |
Peshtigo Girls Soccer Teams Routes Two Rivers 10-0
|
| 05-05-2022 | Sports |
Bulldogs Blast Wolverines in Non-Conference Tilt
|
| 05-05-2022 | Sports |
Marines Take 1st, Maroons 2nd At Marinette Ryder Cup
|
| 05-05-2022 | Sports |
Panther/Marine Girls Finish 1-2 at Oconto Falls Invite
|
| 05-05-2022 | Perspectives |
From My Window
|
| 05-05-2022 | Perspectives |
Country Cousin
|
| 05-05-2022 | Perspectives |
From Our Readers
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
John G. Andrekopoulos
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Kevin R. Andrzejczak
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Francis D. Baribeau
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Joyce Belongia
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Joanne C. Craig
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Phyllis A. Deruso
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Mary L. Durocher
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Joanne C. Craig
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Phyllis A. Deruso
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Mary L. Durocher
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Brian H. Limberg
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Raymond M. Nowack
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Roger D. Pocan
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Rosanna M. Robinson
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Earl E. Scheidt
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Sanford C. Severson
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
John Stewart
|
| 05-05-2022 | Obituaries |
Angeline M. Wiedemeier
|
| 04-27-2022 | Front Page |
Support Lions Food Booth
|
| 04-27-2022 | Front Page |
Lena School Board Returns Lori Dufek As President
|
| 04-27-2022 | Front Page |
Town of Stephenson Electors Advise Doing No Major Road Work In 2022
|
| 04-27-2022 | Front Page |
Porterfield Board May Re-Start Carviou Lane Discontinuance
|
| 04-27-2022 | Front Page |
Kowalski Named Council President In Marinette
|
| 04-27-2022 | Front Page |
Crivitz School Approves Summer Swim Lessons
|
| 04-27-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Lena Centennial Storytelling Continues
|
| 04-27-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Cougar Country Business Assoc. Coffee Hour May 5th
|
| 04-27-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Blackbourn Donates Statues to Veterans Memorial Park
|
| 04-27-2022 | Community - Coleman |
Arts, Crafts Supply Swap at Library
|
| 04-27-2022 | Community - Crivitz |
Northwoods Apostolic to Hold National Day of Prayer
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Yes
No
Undecided
