UNDATED -- The Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking land owners who live along state and county highways to avoid mowing the ditches until after August First.

Carmelita Nelson is the DNR's Roadsides For Wildlife Coordinator. She says it's an important nesting habitat for pheasants, Mallards and Teal.  In fact, she says it provides habitat for 40-60 different species of birds.

Nelson also says the grasses and flowers are important for pollinators too.

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