Blooming In Nashville HSMT Magazine - Magazine - Page 35
No Mow
April
Photo: EllyM/Unsplash
T
he Cumberland River Compact is leading
Nashville’s No Mow Month campaign for
a fourth time this year. Throughout April,
Davidson County residents are encouraged to
refrain from mowing their lawns– or a section of
their lawns– to reduce stormwater runo昀昀, prevent
pollution, and help wildlife.
“By participating in No Mow Month, residents
have a unique opportunity to make a tangible
impact on the health of our waterways,” states
Mekayle Houghton, executive director at the
Cumberland River Compact.
“In previous years, we’ve seen whole neighborhoods come together to participate in this initiative on a large scale, which is really exciting.”
Participants will receive a distinctive No Mow
Month yard sign to display their commitment to
environmental stewardship throughout April.
The Compact is partnering with Metro Nashville
on this initiative, so residents who display a yard
sign and make sure their grass remains under 12”
tall will not be subject to relevant code violations.
The partnership is a joint e昀昀ort to raise awareness
about the positive e昀昀ects of sustainable lawn
care practices.
“Traditionally manicured lawns don’t absorb
water very well when it rains,” explains Hunter
Andrews, Urban Waters Program Coordinator at
the Compact.
“As the water runs o昀昀, it carries pollutants
like mower oils, pet waste, and fertilizers into
neighborhood streams. By letting grass grow
taller, we allow it to establish deeper roots, which
aerate the soil, absorb more water, and 昀椀lter
pollutants before they reach our waterways.”
About Cumberland River Compact: The mission
of the Cumberland River Compact is to enhance
the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland
River and its tributaries through education,
collaboration, and action. To learn more about
the organization and its initiatives, please visit
https://cumberlandrivercompact.org/.
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