Carlton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Gary Peterson addressed the nationwide effort to encourage a stable pollinator population for gardens and crops in a meeting this week. He said his wife is a beekeeper and the stress on the pollinator population is very evident. There is a movement to have a “No Mow May” in which the local lawns are not cut in May to protect the dandelions.

Peterson said harsh winters put a strain on native pollinators and the dandelions on our spring lawns provide some of the first chances for food.

Peterson made the motion for a “No Mow May” but stressed this is not mandatory, only a move for public awareness. The motion passed unanimously and he asked for people to spread the word.