The City of College Park is encouraging its residents to reduce or refrain from mowing their lawns in support of local pollinators during the month of April. The pilot “No-Mow April” is an initiative of the City’s Bee City USA Committee and was sanctioned by Mayor and Council to encourage property owners to help our native pollinators grow and thrive during this critical period in their life cycle. City residents interested in participating must register (see details below).
Early Spring is a critical time for pollinators and the plants on which they rely. In our region, primarily during the months of March and April, pollinators emerge from overwintering and begin to forage in lawns and yards for food sources. Many plants within our lawns provide food and habitat for these early-emerging pollinators, and by eliminating or reducing lawn mowing, you can help their populations grow and thrive.
You probably don’t need another reason to delay the chore of mowing, but just in case, we’ll give you some – quality of life improvements, such as improved air quality, noise reduction, and increased bird and beneficial insect biodiversity. As we allow our lawn plants to flower, we will be able to better enjoy nature as we look at our more colorful, varied landscape, and observe a diversity of pollinator species in our local ecosystem. By mowing less frequently (or by participating in No-Mow April), you will allow plants in your lawn to flower which in turn help our local pollinators survive and reproduce, who then help more of our local plants produce. Plus, you may be surprised to see what colorful plants and pollinators may be living or foraging in your yard!
Want to participate? City residents who wish to participate in the City’s No-Mow April initiative must register at www.collegeparkmd.gov/nomowmonthform. Once you register, you can pick up a yard sign to proudly display in your front yard. You must register to participate; register by March 21, 2022 to receive a yard sign. Missed the cut-off to receive a sign? Print your own with this image. After April 30, please return the sign to the Department of Public Works.
Interested in learning what more you can do to help our native pollinators? Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/pollinators for tips, lists of pollinator friendly plants and local nurseries, and more pollinator-friendly information. One way you can help our pollinators thrive is by reducing or eliminating pesticide use and by planting native species in your yard.
Still not sure how to get started or have questions? The City’s Bee City USA Committee is hosting a public forum at the beginning of their regularly scheduled meeting on March 9, 2022, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. To join, please click the Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95328123396.