Livingston Launches “No Mow May” Initiative to Boost Local Pollinator Populations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 30, 2021         

CONTACT:

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

Jeanne-Marie Souvigney, Livingston Parks & Trails Committee
(406) 581-8942

webmaster@livingstonmontana.org

Livingston Launches “No Mow May” Initiative to Boost Local Pollinator Populations

Livingston, MT - Starting May 1, Livingston residents may notice 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, has launched a new initiative to support 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 will help to position Livingston as a leader in native bee conservation in the state of Montana.

“This initiative will help protect many of Livingston’s local native bee and butterfly species, including the rare western bumble bee and monarch butterfly that we have here in our city parks and trails,” said Clay Bolt, a member of the PTC who initiated the project.  

North America is home to nearly 4,000 species of native bees and over 400 of these are found in Montana. In 2017, MSU estimated that Montana is home to the greatest number of bumble bee species in the nation, and many of these are threatened.

“The western bumble bee, a once-common species, is found throughout the town of Livingston,” added Bolt, a native bee specialist. “It has become incredibly rare in some parts of its range, so we are fortunate that it still lives within our community.”

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 of North American bumble bee is at risk of extinction.

No Mow May test plots will be located in Mars Park, Mike Webb Park field area, Mayors Landing and the former roping arena area, and along the Hwy 89 S bike path. All locations will be signed. A limited number of yard signs will also be available for residents who want to participate by not mowing their yards in May and are willing to complete a short survey for PTC at the end of the month. Signs will be available for pick-up at the Livingston Recreation Dept., upstairs at the Civic Center, beginning May 3.

The PTC hopes to continue this program in future years. Small, printable signs are available for download at no cost for those who are unable to receive a yard sign. For more information visit the committee webpage PTC at webmaster@livingstonmontana.org.