City adopts resolution allowing ‘No Mow May’

By Kim McDarison   

The Fort Atkinson City Council Tuesday approved a temporary exception to city code, allowing homeowners to grow grass in their backyards taller than 8 inches during the month of May.  

The measure was requested by members of the Heart of the City nonprofit citizens’ group as part of their “No Mow May” campaign. Several members from the organization attended the meeting virtually and explained that the campaign was designed to aid in the survival of pollinating creatures that are dependent on vegetation for habitat and food. City Engineer Any Selle said the temporary exception would expire June 1. By restricting the practice to backyards, city staff hoped to facilitate the program on a “trial basis,” while circumventing complaints from neighbors who might not support the concept, he said.

Selle identified four pieces of city-owned property for inclusion within the concept trial, where grass would be allowed to grow. They are Barrie Park near the playground on the corner, property on North Main and North Fourth streets by the train tracks, a portion of ground near the electronic sign at Jones Park, and a section of Wilcox Park. 

During the meeting, council President Mason Becker read the resolution allowing the temporary change in city code into the record. 

According to the resolution: “Residents require food to sustain their lives and one of every three bites of food consumed requires pollinators.” 

The resolution defines pollinators as “bees, butterflies, moths and birds,” among others, and notes “these pollinator species are in decline due to pesticide treatments and mowing, urban sprawl, habitat loss, disease and parasites.” 

The resolution further states that the United States Environmental Protection Agency recognizes the need to protect pollinators and established the first National Pollinator Week last year between June 22 and 26. 

Stated goals of the No Mow May initiative include promotion and education about “this critical period for pollinator emergence and survival, allowing for the creation of crucial pollinator-supporting habitat and early spring foraging opportunities,” according to the resolution. 

During a January monthly Heart of the City meeting, Margaret Schroeder, the member who is spearheaded the campaign, said she hoped to promote the idea to citizens through traditional and social media outlets and provide yard signs to participants. She proposed creating educational “green sheets” for those who sign up to participate or express interest in the project. 

For more information about the project, visit the Heart of the City website: https://heartofthecity.us.