EAST LANSING, Mich. — The East Lansing City Council has approved a resolution to adopt No Mow May following a joint recommendation from the East Lansing Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the East Lansing Commission on the Environment.
No Mow May is an international conservation initiative that aims to create habitat and provide resources for emerging pollinators by encouraging property owners to reduce or stop mowing their lawns during the month of May. Pollination is required for approximately 80% of the world’s food crops; however, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use and loss of food supply. By allowing plants such as dandelions and clover to grow and flower, pollinators are provided with a vital food source in early spring, which is a time of year when these resources are scarce.
“We are so pleased to bring No Mow May to the City of East Lansing. No Mow May is completely voluntary and community members may choose to participate in any way that works best for them. This might mean full participation, or simply not mowing their backyard, not mowing their front yard, setting aside just a portion of lawn or some supportive option for the month of May,” said East Lansing Parks, Recreation and Arts Director Cathy DeShambo.
Through the adoption of No Mow May, the East Lansing City Council has suspended enforcement of grass height restrictions for the month of May to facilitate community participation. Ordinarily, grass should be no higher than six inches.
No Mow May does not apply to violations of City ordinance that affect public safety. Grass and weeds must be maintained to ensure an unaccompanied minor, a person in a wheelchair or a person walking a bike can be adequately visible to drivers. Grass and weeds also must not intrude on the right-of-way in such a manner as to create a hazard for pedestrians using the sidewalk.
Although registration for No Mow May is not required for East Lansing residents to participate, property owners are encouraged to sign up online. Those who do will receive a yard sign that shows their support for pollinators.
Community members can learn more about No Mow May and sign up to receive a yard sign on the City’s website at www.CityOfEastLansing.com/NoMowMay. An email will be sent when the yard signs are available to be picked up by residents at the East Lansing Department of Public Works, 1800 E. State Road, and East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road.