I live in the Greens at Cross Court. Across from the entrance to the complex is an open field about the size of a football field. For most of the years that we have lived here that field was left in its natural state. That meant lots of wild flowers (chicory, daisies, black-eyed susans, Queen Anne’s lace, Joe Pye, milkweed, etc.). Also birds were among the inhabitants, especially redwing blackbirds, as well as many butterflies (swallowtails, monarchs, buckeyes, fritillaries, cabbage whites, blues, morning cloaks).
Now twice a year it is mowed down to an ugly field of clumps of vegetation. And why? So I can see the bypass! To destroy such a natural magnet for native flowers, butterflies, and birds makes a mockery of leadership that professes to care about the environment!
My question is: What government agencies make this decision–town, county or state? I want the responsible government entity to be aware of the unhappiness that this brutal treatment of a formerly beautiful field has caused!
James Carroll
Easton
Bettye Maki says
Dear James
I totally, whole heartedly agree. In the past unmowed fields were said to be unsightly, uncared for etc. Now we know mowing releases carbon, mowing is costly, mowing kills many creatures that need this type of field for survival like butterfly caterpillars, insects and nesting birds.
I have often wondered how a field or roadside looks better covered with dead grass and flowers then one unmoved in full-bloom from spring to fall.
Reed Fawell 3 says
GREAT OBSERVATION AND OPINION!
Paul Rybon says
Mr Carroll needs to observe fallow fields. Within a few years they become a impenetrable thicket of tall weeds, tree saplings, that sort of thing. If his field stays full of low-growing things like he describes it is the best it can be.
Reed FAWELL 3 says
Ba Humbug!
JP Borneman, Oxford says
I live along the Oxford road. I walk multiple miles each morning. It is magical to see the native species grow from spring hope to June and July flowers. Then the State comes along and sprays herbicide. The magic is dead and brown. What a waste of my taxpayer dollars. Have you seen what the herbicides did to the Conservation Park?