Livingston’s “No Mow May” Initiative Supports Native Bees for Third Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2023         

CONTACT:

Clay Bolt, Livingston Parks & Trails Committee
(864) 385-4616

webmaster@livingstonmontana.org

Livingston, MT - Beginning May 1, Livingston residents will once again see bright yellow and black banners and yard signs in select locations around the city featuring a large bee and the slogan “No Mow May.” The Livingston Parks and Trails Committee (PTC), with the support of the City of Livingston, is launching its third year of support for Livingston’s pollinator species—particularly spring bees and butterflies—with much-needed food in the form of dandelions and other naturally occurring wildflowers on public and private grounds. PTC says this relatively simple undertaking positions Livingston as a leader in native bee conservation in the state of Montana.

“While planting Montana wildflowers and offering a pesticide-free environment are the best things we can do for Livingston’s native bee and butterfly population, dandelions offer much-needed nourishment for our spring pollinator community,” said Clay Bolt, PTC member and Manager of Pollinator Conservation for World Wildlife Fund-US.

North America is home to nearly 4,000 species of native bees and at least 750 of these are found in Montana. In 2017, Montana State University estimated that Montana has more bumble bee species than any other state, and many of these are threatened, These include the western bumble bee, a species that may soon be protected under the Endangered Species Act.

“It is fairly common to encounter the rare western bumble bee downtown and in backyards throughout our community,” remarked Bolt. “This goes to show you that homeowners can make a big difference for pollinators. Every flower counts.”

Bumble bees are some of the most important pollinators in Montana, pollinating a broad range of crops, local gardens, and native plants. Unfortunately, one out of every four species is at risk of extinction.

For those who can’t go an entire month without mowing, Bolt says, “Limiting your May trimming to just once will still provide enough time for flowers to grow and feed bees.”

City-supported and signed No Mow May test plots will be located in Mars Park, Mayors Landing, Myer’s Riverview Park, the former roping arena area, and Reservoir Park. Printable No Mow May window signs are available for download at no cost at this link.

For more information visit www.livingstonmontana.org or contact the PTC at webmaster@livingstonmontana.org.