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Now that #NoMowMay is coming to a close, we're reflecting on the impact this experiment has had on campus, especially as we're still recovering from the April storm. Our Grounds Associate, Jeremy, shares observations from this month: We're thrilled with yet another year of No Mow May. Whether the increased bird song and insect buzzing in the air has to do with the abundance of grass and flowers, or whether it's just the changing season, it's inspiring to watch what was once turf grass spring to life in just a few weeks. Though, it sometimes feels a bit silly. I mean, all we’re doing is letting some lawns grow for a month and a half. And considering the destruction that slammed through our campus this spring, with dozens of towering decades-old trees snapped in half or completely uprooted, it can feel a little…too little. But when I get excited about seeing a pin oak seedling pop up in the grass, or a new species of native flower appear along a walkway, what I’m really getting excited about is resilience. There’s a lot that we humans want, can, and indeed have to do to speed up the healing and regeneration of the land. But most of what is needed is to simply let life be. Seeds are eager to sprout. Root masses have nodes constantly poised to send out shoots when the conditions are right. Moths and songbirds will fly in at a moment's notice for the right food. This ecosystem wants to thrive and adapt. As we wrap up this month of less mowing, we are ramping up our other projects: planting new native trees and shrubs so the ecosystem can better find its balance; updating our tree maps so more folks can intimately experience our arboretum; planting more native wildflowers and perennials to support pollinators (which in turn support everyone else!). These all feel like natural next steps, small as they may be, towards healing and connection for all of us in the greater Pendle Hill community and ecosystem. (fb)