Freedom Not to Mow

The Freedom Not to Mow campaign, proudly launched by the Restoring Nature Alliance, champions the autonomy of individuals to maintain their lawns as they see fit and promotes sustainable landscaping practices that support biodiversity, reduce negative environmental impact, conserve resources, and respect personal choice. Our mission is to advocate for policies and cultural shifts that recognize and protect the right to choose alternative, eco-friendly lawn management techniques without fear of penalties or social stigma.

Last summer, we at Birdhouse.farm experienced the worst of “mowing/weed ordinances” when the tiny community we reside in decided they were going to come in and mow down a good portion of two years of our work transforming 6 acres of ground from mostly weeds and lawn to a diverse garden, prairie and habitat for local plants and wildlife. (Wichita Eagle story) Our property is very near a giant wetlands complex (Quivira National Wildlife Refuge) and we were excited about giving this economically depressed area another reason for tourists to visit and hopefully be inspired to rewild their own little corners of the world.

We were devastated that the local government would come in and destroy what we had built for the good of nature and the local community. We’re still not sure why they did it (political?boredom?attachment to the status quo?) but we were determined to make something good come from it. Our team has a lot of experience in natural disaster recovery (Greensburg story) and so we took our lessons from that and started rebuilding immediately. We turned a big parcel of what had been prairie into wetlands (un-mowable!) and have been strategizing what we could do on a larger scale to prevent the government from bullying people like us trying to tend to  our land to heal nature. After much study of the “unlawning” and “rewilding” movements we think we have found a niche where we can help boost efforts to change antiquated laws of cities and towns and HOA policies relating to lawns and gardens.

Want to Support Freedom Not to Mow’s Mission?

 
Sunflowers do more than just add beauty to your yard—they're a powerhouse for biodiversity! 🌻 Unlike traditional grass lawns, which offer little to local wildlife, sunflowers provide food for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. By swap
Do you know what plant this is? Milkweed! By letting milkweed grow, you create a vital habitat for monarch butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. These plants are not only beautiful, with their lush leaves and delicate blooms, but they also play a
Why mow when you can grow? Let your lawn flourish with diverse plants that support wildlife and promote biodiversity. By choosing not to mow, you're creating a vibrant habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects, providing them with food and shelt
By diversifying your lawn with native plants and wildflowers, you're creating a buffet for insects like this fuzzy fly, providing them with food and shelter. Let your lawn grow wild, and give nature a helping hand! #FreedomNotToMow #PollinatorParad
Why should being against a lawn be against the law? Embracing a natural landscape benefits our environment and supports local wildlife. Let’s challenge outdated rules and make space for biodiversity and beauty in our communities. #FreedomNotToM
Letting your grass grow a little wild isn’t just about a more relaxed look—it’s a gift to our pollinators! Taller grasses provide crucial habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, offering them a safe place to nes
Birdhouse.farm's new wetlands project is a perfect example of how rewilding your space creates a thriving habitat for wildlife and strengthens the environment! 🌾🌼 Wetlands support pollinators, birds, and countless other species, all while making ec
Don’t be a grasshole—let your lawn grow wild! By skipping the mow, you're giving pollinators, wildlife, and the environment a helping hand. Learn how you can support the #FreedomNotToMow movement at birdhouse.farm/fntm
Whether you’ve converted a small patch or your entire lawn, we want to hear about your lawn-to-prairie journey! Share your successes, challenges, and everything in between. Every story helps inspire others to rewild their spaces, big or small
We're all about embracing the wild, letting nature take the lead, and giving our lawns a break. Join us as we discover the beauty of untamed landscapes, support local wildlife, and reclaim our time from the endless cycle of mowing. It's time to let y