Our Community Commitment to Bees, Blooms, and a Healthier Ecosystem
The Hudson Daybreak Rotary Club is proud to lead a growing community effort to protect pollinators—especially bees—through a thoughtful, year-round approach that goes beyond temporary fixes. Our Protecting Pollinators initiative invites residents to rethink how they garden, mow, and manage their outdoor spaces in order to better support the insects that play a crucial role in our food systems and environment.
Why Pollinators Matter
Pollinators like bees are vital to human life. In fact, the USDA reports that one in every three bites of food we consume depends on them. From fruits and vegetables to beloved indulgences like coffee and chocolate, pollinators help produce much of what we enjoy and rely on every day.
But pollinator populations are in decline. That’s why the Hudson Daybreak Rotary Club is taking action—and we’re inviting you to join us.
From “No Mow May” to “Slow Mow Summer”
While Hudson once supported the idea of No Mow May, the research and reality have evolved. Mowing less during just one month isn’t enough. That’s why we’ve shifted our focus to Slow Mow Summer—a more effective and sustainable strategy that encourages residents to:
While Hudson once supported the idea of No Mow May, the research and reality have evolved. Mowing less during just one month isn’t enough. That’s why we’ve shifted our focus to Slow Mow Summer—a more effective and sustainable strategy that encourages residents to:
- Mow less frequently, only when the grass reaches about 6 inches.
- Cut to a height of around 4 to 4.5 inches to maintain healthy turf while protecting pollinators.
- Avoid rigid mowing schedules; instead, tune into what your lawn actually needs.
This more flexible and informed approach gives a wider range of pollinators the time and space they need to thrive throughout the season—not just in May.
Bee Lawns and Bloom-Friendly Habits
We’re also encouraging residents to transform their yards into pollinator havens. That means:
- Phasing out pesticides
- Planting pollinator-friendly flowers
- Considering a bee lawn, a University of Minnesota–backed approach that blends turfgrass with low-growing, nectar-rich plants like:
- Dutch White Clover
- Self-Heal
- Creeping Thyme
These beautiful, foot-traffic–friendly plants offer continuous blooms and sustenance for pollinators throughout their life cycle.
Join the Movement
Together, we can make Hudson a model for pollinator-friendly communities. Questions? Want to get involved? Contact the Environmental Awareness Committee at Hudson Daybreak Rotary.
Let’s protect what matters. One lawn, one flower, one bee at a time.
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