Saturday, May 3, 2025
More

    It’s time to ditch the lawn and go natural!

    Date:

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    By David Suzuki

    Massive fields of non-native turfgrass that suck up enormous amounts of water and require more pesticides than farms — that’s largely what urban and suburban areas in Canada and the U.S. have become. Lawns are a colonial relic, once seen as a sign of wealth and privilege. But those who want to convert theirs to something more useful, such as wildflower or food gardens and pollinator habitats, face hurdles.

    That’s in part because many municipal governments and some homeowner associations prescribe what people can and can’t do with their yards. With growing water scarcity and rapidly declining insect populations, the movement to allow greater freedom in yard design and care is growing.

    A group of conservationists in Canada — including the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, Canadian Wildlife Federation, David Suzuki Foundation, Ecological Design Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University and author and environmental advocate Lorraine Johnson — recently published an open letter urging municipal bylaw reforms to support habitat garden development.

    Outdated bylaws and enforcement have for too long restricted ecological and sustainable practices and landscapes that support biodiversity and contribute ecological services.

    These restrictions can include prohibiting “weeds” without defining what that means, imposing height limits on vegetation even when there are no sightline issues, requiring special permissions to deviate from the outdated standard of manicured lawns, preventing native species planting under the guise of “weed control” and frowning on habitat features such as nurse logs and fallen leaves.

    The benefits of shifting our perspective on yards are numerous. As the open letter notes, habitat gardens “attract and support a diversity of wildlife including birds, bees, and butterflies” and “demonstrate a proactive, local response to the global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.”

    Planting gardens instead of turfgrass can also save residents money, cut down on water and pesticide use and reduce pest infestations. Gardens can even improve quality of life, as they connect people with nature, which has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health and wellbeing.

    Habitat and food gardens sequester carbon, acting as a hedge against climate change, and filter pollutants from air and water. They also reduce soil erosion, improve soil quality and reduce the urban heat island effect. And they can help manage stormwater and reduce local flooding.

    There’s ample room for improvement. As part of its new LawnShare campaign, the David Suzuki Foundation released a study of seven Canadian municipalities showing that lawns cover vast areas of each city, with Toronto and Montreal blanketed in 80 and 97 square kilometres of lawn respectively.

    The U.S. National Academy of Sciences estimates that converting as little as 10 per cent of lawns to natural vegetation “could significantly aid insect conservation, while simultaneously lowering the cost of lawn maintenance through reduced watering, and requisite herbicide, fertilizer, and pesticide applications.”

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says nearly one-third of residential water use goes to lawns, and the country’s Fish and Wildlife Service says lawns use up to 10 times more pesticides per acre than agricultural crops.

    As well as providing habitat for creatures critical to human survival, yards can be used to grow food. It’s not a new idea. During the First and Second World Wars, Canada, the U.S., U.K., Australia and Germany encouraged “victory gardens” that aided the war effort by reducing pressure on food systems and farms. Gardens and chicken coops appeared in yards, parks, school grounds, golf courses, railway edges and vacant lots. Sheep grazed on sports fields and kept grass in check.

    Urban food gardens won’t replace agriculture, but they offer many benefits. As Vancouver writer Peter Ladner wrote in The Urban Food Revolution: Changing the Way We Feed Cities, “When urban agriculture flourishes, our children are healthier and smarter about what they eat, fewer people are hungry, more local jobs are created, local economies are stronger, our neighborhoods are greener and safer, and our communities are more inclusive.”

    Transforming some of our sprawling lawn areas and other green spaces and changing our perspective on what a yard should look like will benefit people and other life forms. Some cities are showing leadership, but removing the barriers imposed by outdated bylaws and regulations would be a win all around!

    David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.

    Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.

    EXCERPT: Outdated bylaws and enforcement have for too long restricted ecological and sustainable practices and landscapes that support biodiversity and contribute ecological services.

    REFERENCES:

    Lawns are a colonial relic:

    https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/anthropology-in-practice/the-american-obsession-with-lawns

    Published an open letter:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/science-learning-centre-article/an-open-letter-to-canadian-municipalities

    Bylaw reforms:

    Native species:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/living-green/how-to-source-native-seeds-and-plants

    Benefits of shifting our perspective on yards:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/take-action/act-locally/lawnshare

    Save residents money:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/story/lawnshare-helps-create-vibrant-biodiverse-havens

    Improve mental health and wellbeing:

    https://www.rewildingmag.com/6-reasons-to-downsize-your-lawn

    LawnShare:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/take-action/act-locally/lawnshare

    David Suzuki Foundation released a study:

    https://fr.davidsuzuki.org/passez-a-laction/agissez-localement/partage-ta-pelouse

    U.S. National Academy of Sciences estimates:

    https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2002547117

    Environmental Protection Agency says:

    https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/watersense/pubs/outdoor.html

    Fish and Wildlife Service says:

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969719346030

    Victory gardens:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/story/how-much-food-can-cities-produce

    The Urban Food Revolution: Changing the Way We Feed Cities:

    https://web.archive.org/web/20161104221346/http://www.newsociety.com/Books/U/The-Urban-Food-Revolution

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    POPULAR

    More Good Stuff!
    Related

    Living alongside polar bears in the Canadian Arctic – BBC World Service

    In the polar bear capital of the world, melting...

    ATTENTION CANADIANS etc, “Is Trump’s tariff war motivated by Project 2025” | The Fifth Estate

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war has panicked people...

    A Evening of World Class Music Performed by an Exceptional Trio!

    Violinist Lucia Barcari, pianist Mayu Funaba and cellist Kerri...

    Danielle Smith and Donald Trump are best friends! | This Hour Has 22 Minutes

    And like I always say, tariffs are just another...

    #REAL | How an Idyllic Retirement Resort became a ‘Financial Prison’

    When retired policeman Geoff Gauci packed up his old...

    Collingwood Festival for Canada: A Canada Day Celebration

    Collingwood, ON – The Collingwood Festival for Canada is...

    THE HOGTOWN ALLSTARS | June 20th | John Saunders Centre

    Built with some of the most experienced players in...

    The Tariff War’s Toll on Dollar Stores – How Long Until the Shelves Run Dry?

    The ongoing tariff war has cast a long shadow...

    Waters-Johns vs Parenteau-Sock: Mixed Doubles QF Mesa Arizona Cup 2024

    Waters-Johns vs Parenteau-Sock: Mixed Doubles QF Mesa Arizona Cup...

    County Councillors approve next step in process to adjust the size of County Council 

      Midhurst/January 14, 2025 – County Council today revisited a previous...

    Collingwood welcomes a second new family Doctor to Town through Council recruitment funding

    Collingwood, ON - Collingwood now has another new family...

    OPP SEEKING PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE IN RELATION TO A THEFT IN THE TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH

    (TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment...

    ‘In a new realm’: China’s escalating cyberespionage leaving the U.S. ‘so vulnerable’

    On Friday, the U.S. announced sanctions on China’s Integrity...

    Town Conducting Poison Ivy Spraying on Georgian Trail June 17-21

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    Why Cohousing Communities are the Future of Living

    Green Grove is a fun-loving, vibrant, family-friendly community embracing...

    Senior-Friendly Chair and Stretching Exercises

    Chair exercises offer seniors a safe way to stay...

    Keen Eyed OPP Officer Makes Vehicle Stop Resulting in Drug Seizure and Vehicle Impound

    (TINY TOWNSHIP, ON) -  An early morning vehicle stop on Simcoe...

    JFK: Secrets Declassified | MEGA EPISODE | National Geographic

    The story of JFK’s assassination through the eyes of...

    Expanded Ontario SPCA donation helps pets and their people stay warm this winter

    Enables warming centre in Wasaga Beach to become pet...

    Construction continues on Springwater Paramedic Post

    Construction continues... Midhurst/January 13, 2025 – Construction of the new Paramedic...

    OPP ARREST TWO INDIVIDUALS AFTER VEHICLE THEFT INVESTIGATION

    (TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH, ON) - Members of the Huronia...

    Mayor’s Office Invites Local Students to be Mayor for a Month | Collingwood

    Collingwood, ON - So you think you can be...

    Global Markets Plunge as Trade War Escalates: Your World News Roundup

    China Retaliates with 34% Tariffs as Political Crises Unfold...

    Collingwood – Vehicle on Front Yard leads to Impaired Driving Charges

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - On December 22, 2024, at 11:00 pm,...

    SO MUCH FUN!!! Blue Mountain Retro Pond Skim | March 29, 2025

    Retro Pond Skim: A Splashy Send-Off to Ski Season As...

    Second Assist Program to help OJHL players with substance abuse, bullying, harassment

    SECOND ASSIST PROGRAM LAUNCHED ACROSS THE OJHL Players will get...

    The Divorce Expert: 86% Of People Who Divorce Remarry! Why Sex Is Causing Divorces!

    James Sexton is America's top divorce lawyer, and bestselling...

    Onlookers in Collingwood charged with Distracted Driving #GOOD

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - At approximately 10:00 am on December 31,...

    Gord’s Gold – Lightfoot Songs LIVE | The Simcoe Street Theatre

    Step into the world of a true Canadian icon...

    The Depths of the North Sea: Life in the Cold Abyss | Secrets of the Seas

    "Seas in Motion - Wonders of the North Sea"...

    VIDEO: 張哲瀚Zhang Zhehan 紀錄片《八月》

    《八月》是中國演員張哲瀚首次擔任導演的紀錄片,2024年4月14日上線。 該片記錄了張哲瀚在2021年8月突遇網路風暴,演藝人生頃刻被顛倒後的一次自我療愈之旅。 當舞臺與燈光不再,當事業與生活被網路上的不實資訊和惡意扭曲震碎,張哲瀚選擇在兩年後的8月,以自己熱愛的方式向著真實的世界重新出發。從香格里拉到拉薩的騎行之路上,他遇見雪山和冰川,遇見草木牛羊,遇見許多個普通而動人的面孔;他傾聽天地之聲,傾聽陌生人的故事,也傾聽內心的痛和愛。 曾經的8月還未終結,以後的8月依然會來。而這一個《八月》意義非常。 #zhangzhehan_super3 #張哲瀚 #張哲瀚八月 #紀錄片八月 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLwMG6XoJ34&t=11s

    VIDEOS | 2nd Annual Kenny’s Concert with Team GIVE’R 🤘

    It was a picture perfect evening on the shores...

    OPP: DEFEND AGAINST “PORCH PIRATES” THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

    DEFEND AGAINST "PORCH PIRATES" THIS HOLIDAY SEASON (ORILLIA, ON) - The...

    My ETSY Suspension | Getting Sued | Why I Quit Amazon | Selling on EBay

    17 years of selling. The truth of my selling...

    Hitler Seized Control in 53 Days | WAKE UP PEOPLE – TRUMP & ELON ARE SEIZING DATA & WAY MORE

    By James Moffatt I read that recent piece in "The...

    Sam Roberts Band Ready to Light Up Wasaga Beach on February 8

    The six-time JUNO award-winning artist will perform at the...

    Special Meeting of Council – January 10, 2025

    The January 10, 2025 Special Council Meeting Agenda Package...

    World Altering Horoscopes by Orion Moonsong | For the Week of April 13th, 2025

    Orion Moonsong, celestial eavesdropper extraordinaire… While we’re all busy with...

    How to play MODERN pickleball so you aren’t LEFT BEHIND in 2025

    👉 Pickleball Drills App! 100's of drills taught by...

    Sodium-ion batteries in the USA. Beating China at their own game!

    China has cornered the market in green energy transition...

    King Trump – Episode I | The Mike Malloy Youtube Channel

    Mike Malloy came to talk radio by serendipity. Writing...

    A Tribute to Congressman John Lewis: Champion of Civil Rights and Justice

    Congressman John Lewis: "Get in Trouble. Good Trouble" Congressman John...

    The Craziest 12K Video | Smooth 240fps – Dolby Vision™

    "Join us in a heartfelt exploration of Earth's wonders,...

    Samantha Jones with lunch by Fig and Feta star at our Local Live Lunch

    August 14th – 12 till 1:30 – Samantha Jones...

    Canada must resist anti-democratic crusaders

    By David Suzuki This beautiful blue planet, spinning around the...

    OPP COMMISSIONER AND PIERZCHALA FAMILY STATEMENT REGARDING VERDICT IN DEATH OF PROVINCIAL CONSTABLE GREG PIERZCHALA

    (ORILLIA, ON) - The Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police...

    Price Brothers Country Hoedown | The Marsh Street Centre

    Don't miss the Price Brothers Country Hoedown at The...

    FEMALE CHARGED WITH IMPAIRED OPERATION AFTER SINGLE VEHICLE COLLISION

    (TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment...

    Resettling The Residents Of Mar-a-Lago

    In the spirit of taking over territory you have...

    Construction Notice – Thornbury West Reconstruction Phase 1B

    On behalf of the Town of The Blue Mountains,...

    #WOW – Great Team Competition @ Swing Courts | Ladies Only Tournament on Sunday

    Today was an epic showdown at the Swing Courts,...

    VIDEO | Elon Musk Stuns Piers Morgan

    I worked at Tesla starting in July of 2017...

    Marc Suood shares “How to Play Pickleball: “The Ultimate Guide on Pickleball Rules”| VIDEO

    Every Saturday, Marc Suood shares a pickleball video or...

    Love, Actually… or Lies? OPP warns of red flags in romance scams this Valentine’s Day

    OPP warns of red flags in romance scams this...

    UPDATE I – OPP Seeking Assistance in Theft of Retail Items from Midland Store

    Suspects Identified and Charged Through investigation and the assistance of...

    Holey Moley shares: Cabbage with eggs tastes better than meat recipe! Easy, quick and very delicious!

    Cabbage with eggs tastes better than meat! Easy, quick...

    VIDEO: Tesla FSD 13 First Drive!

    This video showcases the new features of Tesla's Full...

    Trump, Putin & Co. – Deutsche Bank’s questionable clientele | DW Documentary

    Deutsche Bank managers driven by greed set it on...

    COLLINGWOOD OPP INVESTIGATE FATAL COLLISION INVOLVING CYCLIST

    (Town of the Blue Mountains, ON) - Members of the...

    Fracked LNG is a washed-out bridge to nowhere

    By David Suzuki In 2011, the David Suzuki Foundation and...

    Town Set to Celebrate Volunteers on Wednesday, April 30

    The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to...

    ONLINE SCAMS COST CANADIANS MILLIONS – KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

    (OTTAWA, ON) - Social media is a powerful tool for communication,...

    The Ambassador: China – Taiwan | Complex Dynamics in Dangerous Times

    China's potential invasion of Taiwan is a complex issue,...

    Half the World Has Now Joined BRICS – Here’s Why They’re Winning in 2025

    BRICS just doubled in size and the organization has...

    How an AI chip war could destroy the global economy | Chris Miller for The Freethink Interview

    Welcome to The Freethink Interview, an interview series from...

    Plastics treaty failure shows need to curtail oil industry

    By David Suzuki During the recent British Columbia election campaign,...

    John Bolton on what Trump might want from Canada

    John Bolton was once one of Donald Trump's closest...

    Georgian Bay News welcomes Dr. Bridget McMaster, ND

    “focus on yourself” Hi Georgian Bay News!  I am Dr. Bridget,...

    BREAKING GOOD NEWS: Mountain Head Performs at the Collingwood Live & Original Concert Series

    Amphitheatre Concert Series The Collingwood Live & Original Music Initiative...

    Frankie Malloy Crashes after Doom Scrolling! Let’s Find “JJ” a Forever Family!

    Our resident chaos coordinator “Frankie Malloy” is staging another...

    Executing the Mid-Day Groom at Blue Mountain Resort

    On Monday, January 6, 2025 we reintroduced mid-day grooming....

    World #1 Ben Johns Teaches the Third Shot Drop | BONUS VIDEOS

    Every Saturday, Marc Suood shares a pickleball video or...

    #LIVE: Experience Blue Mountain Like Never Before With Brand-New Webcams!

    Best Action Cams Ever!!! Find the perfect place to stay...

    THE MASKS OF FRAUD: OPP LAUNCHES FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH 2025

    Campaign empowers Canadians to recognize, reject and report fraud (OTTAWA,...

    VIDEO | Global Energy Market Disruption. This man has THE PLAN!!

    John, thank you for sharing my work on your...

    The Collingwood Sailing Academy FUNDRAISER | June 15th

    This Saturday the Collingwood Sailing Academy is hosting a...

    VIDEO | The Big Air Show at Blue Mountain

    A Thrilling March Break Spectacle, March 11–13, 2025 The Big...

    2025 Proposed Town Budget Now Available for Public Input

    The 2025 Proposed Town Budget is now available for...

    ACCIDENT CLAIMS RESPECTED COMMUNITY BUILDER #RESPECT

    I am so sorry to share this, well known...

    MANSION IMPOSSIBLE – We Met the Owner of Canada’s Largest Abandoned Mansion

    Canada's largest abandoned mansion—the Peter Grant Mansion in Haileybury,...

    Perfecting the Pickleball Volley & Your Paddle Position with Catherine Parenteau

    Welcome to Episode 5 of the Catherine Parenteau Soft...

    Nicholas Campbell and The Two Metre Cheaters | Studio 79

    19 year old sensation Nicholas Campbell and his band...

    Warm Spring Weather Brings Snowmobiling Season Closer to the End in North Simcoe

    (MIDLAND,ON) - As the recent warm spring like weather edges in,...

    Slavery in the name of progress | A Wake-Up Call by Martin Scorsese

    Surviving Progress explores the dangerous paradox at the heart...

    OPP Encourages Community Partnership Through CamSafe Program to Enhance Crime Solving

    (COLLINGWOOD, ON) - The Collingwood and The Blue Mountains Detachment...

    May is Health Care Professional Appreciation Month at the County of Simcoe

    Midhurst/ April 30, 2025 – Throughout the month of May,...

    VIDEO | The Real Reason Dogs STARE at You Is Surprising

    In today's video titled "The Real Reason Dogs STARE...

    Jack de Keyzer | July 17 @ Jazz & Blues Live at the Station

    July 17 – Jack de Keyzer – Juno award-winning...

    New year – New Engagement Portal, Refreshed Website and more ways to get the information you want!

    Collingwood, ON - The Town is pleased to announce...

    Affordable Housing Seed Funding Opportunity | The Town of Collingwood

    Collingwood, ON – The Town of Collingwood is...

    How Canada’s dairy supply management system works — and why Trump hates it

    Donald Trump is not a fan of Canada’s dairy...

    Kitch Deville Jr. shares “The Worst 3 Pickleball Kitchen Errors (And How to Fix Them)”

    Struggling at the pickleball kitchen? You're probably making one...

    VIDEO: We’re in a housing crisis. Why are so many builds going bust? | CBC

    Over the last year, more than 200 real estate...

    Yonnhe’ón:we: Indigenous Art Series Call for Artists

    Collingwood, ON – The Yonnhe’ón:we Indigenous Arts Series returns...

    County recognizes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination during #ITSTARTS month

    Midhurst/March 21, 2025 – Each year during ITSTARTS month, the...