Intern’s ‘No Mow May’ research prompts discussion on pollinator outreach, not code change

Emma Anderson, a planning department intern, presented research on No Mow May and other pollinator-support initiatives and told the Plan Commission that simply leaving turf uncut for a month can produce tall grass with few flowers and may prompt homeowners to use fertilizers or herbicides. Her recommendations stressed limited chemical use, converting nonfunctional lawn to native pollinator plantings, and encouraging less-frequent mowing and native-plant education.

Anderson proposed educational outreach such as a farmer’s-market booth, utility-bill inserts and native-seed handouts to inform residents about pollinator-friendly plant choices (bee balm, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans) and low-maintenance groundcovers (creeping phlox, clover). Commissioners discussed the city’s current weed/grass-height ordinance (transcript review indicated a 12-inch limit in code) and agreed that public education and seasonal outreach would be appropriate before pursuing regulatory changes.

"When you mow your lawns less frequently during warmer months such as May, it helps produce...pollinator habitat," Anderson said, arguing for a slower-mow strategy and native planting guidance. Staff and commissioners suggested using existing public events and utility communications to share guidance and discussed coordinating with local groups who have produced materials on invasive species and native planting.

No ordinance or enforcement change was adopted at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to consider outreach options and possible incorporation of native-plant guidance into landscaping review processes.