This Green Earth - January 7, 2020 James Wolfin

An article published last month in the Journal of Applied Ecology found evidence that plan and invertebrate diversity declines - and pest species increase - when lawns are mowed more intensely.  The authors propose that, "in addition to known advantages such as carbon emission reductions, we propose that a reduction in mowing intensity in urban lawns is likely to promote urban invertebrate and plant diversity, and associated ecosystem services."  James Wolfin of Metro Blooms joined Chris and Nell to talk about his research on pollinator communities that forage on lawns, and his work throughout the state of Minnesota to install turf alternatives to ensure water quality and provide forage for pollinators.