No Mow May – All Year Long!

Maria Hoffman, a beloved member of our community, passed away in 2022. Maria was someone who was involved in everything and anything that touched our community – historical preservation, open space protection, and environmental issues. There was no issue too large, or too small that Maria wasn’t part of – and always with a smile on her face. Her involvement was done with a quiet style and grace; and while, her voice was soft and light – her influence was great. Anyone who enjoys West Meadow Beach, the Setauket to Port Jefferson Greenway, the cultural, historical and art institutions in the area – they all need to give special thanks to Maria’s legacy.

Maria was an avid bee keeper. She loved her bees and maintained a number of hives. Her eyes sparkled whenever she spoke about bees – she marveled at their unique abilities and intelligence. And she was deeply concerned about the reports of declining bee populations across the country.

To honor the legacy of Maria, and to protect the bee, butterfly, and bird population the Three Village Community is kicking off its Annual Maria’s No Mow May Campaign.

No Mow May is an international movement that first was popularized by Plantlife, an organization based in the United Kingdom.

The goal of Maria’s No Mow May is to create an increased awareness of how our suburban lawn habits negatively impact the general environment. The application of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides, combined with cutting grass at a low setting in late April and early May destroys the habitat for the emerging insects and animals. Allowing grass to grow – without chemical additive – during the month of May creates an important Spring habitat for early season pollinators. No Mow May is really easy – do nothing! Don’t apply any fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, or pesticides.

You might not want to leave your entire lawn unmown for the month of May. Some environmentalists believe that letting grass grow too high can be hurtful to insects and animals – critters think have found an ideal habitat, only to find their new homes (and themselves,
) are soon cut down by lawnmowers. Ouch!

But, allowing a small area of your yard to be part of No Mow May, and keeping it as a ‘no mow’ zone throughout the season, will certainly make a big difference to the environment.

Think – Maria’s No Mow May – All Year Long!

Join the Three Village Community Trust, your friends, and neighbors in Maria’s No Mow May.

Like Maria, let’s make the world a better place one bee at a time!

Need more information?

Search: Bee City USA, an advocacy group for No Mow May.

AND – If you want a free Maria’s No Mow May Lawn Sign let us know!

Email: tvcommtrust@optonline