Dandelion defenders ask Thunder Bay to embrace flower power

This spring, residents of Thunder Bay, Ontario are being asked to show a little lovefor dandelions.

The common yellow flowers are often viewed as pesky weeds, of little value.

But a new campaign, organized by Roots to Harvest, Eco Superior and the Thunder Bay District Stewardship Council aims to change that perception. The campaign urgespeople to let thedandelions grow, for the sake of pollinators such as butterflies and bees.

"We really want to get the message out there that dandelions absolutely have a place in our yard," said Erin Beagle of Roots to Harvest.

The early-blooming flowers are an important source of nourishment for birds, bats, bees, and other insects that play an essential role in fertilizing crops, said Beagle, adding that the bright yellow flowers can also be pretty.

"I think that a thick yard of dandelions is actually quite beautiful," she said.

Beagle said there are a number ofways people can help to protect dandelions, including avoiding pesticidesandwaiting until after the peak dandelion season to mow the lawn.

If people must cut the lawn, they can minimize harm by doing so in the early morning, or evening, when flowers are closed andpollinators are unlikely to be in harms way, she said.

People can also create"pollinator pastures" by cutting part of the lawn, but leaving some spots to grow naturally, she added.

Beagle noted that while they are asking people to be kind to dandelions,they're not advocating that they park the mower entirely.

The city might not love it "if you never mowed," she said.