Best Management Practices for Mowing between May 1 and September 30

Follow these standard best management practices that apply to all roadwork projects.

• Mow during the warmer months (e.g., late July).
• Monitor the weather and daily temperature to mow during the hottest times of the day. Aim to mow when temperatures are hot and sunny (≥32˚). Avoid mowing during cooler temperatures when pollinators, amphibians, and reptiles are less active (e.g., early morning, dusk, or in the evening).

• When mowing a field type habitat, start in the middle and work out to the edges.
• Use a flushing bar.
• When mowing an area with ground-nesting birds, check for nests before starting to mow. First, turn off all equipment and vehicles to better hear bird activity. Then walk the area to look for nests on the ground. If a bird flushes from the ground or a tree, or you find a nest, follow the steps under “What to do when you find a bird nest”.

Ensure the mower height is at a minimum of 20cm.

Put signs around important habitat areas to ensure all workers are aware of no mow zones. For example, “Monarch Breeding Area, do not cut or mow” signs can be placed around patches of milkweed.

Do not mow if it is not necessary for driver safety. Maintain dense native vegetation coverage when possible.

• Mow infrequently and allow native plants to bloom and go to seed before mowing.
• Along roadsides, limit mowing to essential areas needed to maintain clear zones.
• In open areas or fields, use spot mowing rather than mowing the entire area.

Mowing can be part of an invasive species integrated vegetation management plan; however, the timing and method is species-specific.

Sign on to the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge program to commit to making the region more monarch friendly.