WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (OnFocus) – The City of Wisconsin Rapids has officially designated May 2024 as “No Mow May,” temporarily relieving property owners of lawn maintenance standards outlined in Chapter 36, Sections 302.4 of the City Ordinance. Participation in No Mow May is voluntary and free of charge. Interested residents and property owners may partake without the need for registration.
During their March 19th meeting, the Common Council passed a resolution to suspend the enforcement of Chapter 36, Section 302.4 of the City Ordinance city-wide for the duration of May 2024. Properties must return to compliance by June 7, 2024, with a grace period provided for potential weather or scheduling conflicts. Failure to comply by the deadline will result in regular penalties for overgrown grasses and weeds. This marks the City’s third consecutive year adopting the No Mow May resolution.
Each property within the City of Wisconsin Rapids is eligible to receive one free yard sign for the initiative, with additional signs available for purchase at $10 each due to limited availability. Yard signs can be obtained from the Mayor’s Office located on the 3rd floor of City Hall at 444 West Grand Ave, during the following hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; and Fridays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. For those preferring to schedule a pick-up appointment, please contact Emily Kent at 715-421-8216 or via email at [email protected].
Furthermore, certain spots on city property have been designated to remain un-mowed during this period:
- 20th Street, from Two Mile Avenue to Griffith Avenue
- 16th Street, from Two Mile Avenue to Kuhn Avenue
- Whitrock Avenue, between 16th Street and 20th Street
- Around the stormwater pond on 16th Street and Two Mile Avenue
- Robinson Park (ball fields and spectator areas will be mowed)
- Sand Lot Park (ball fields and spectator areas will be mowed)
- McMillan Memorial Library
The primary objective of No Mow May is to offer early season forage for native pollinators by reducing mowing intensity during a month when foraging resources are limited. Allowing lawns to grow longer without chemical treatment encourages an increase in the number and variety of native plants, serving as vital food sources for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Additionally, it provides essential insect habitats for those still in diapause (a form of hibernation) in early spring. Weed growth in May is particularly crucial as many other spring blooms have yet to emerge.
Mayor Shane Blaser expressed his satisfaction with the Common Council’s support for the No Mow May initiative, stating, “This program is a great way for residents to learn about the importance of pollinators and directly impact local insect populations, birds, and gardens.”
Residents unable to forego all lawn care practices for the month can still support No Mow May through alternative means, such as reducing or discontinuing the use of chemicals on their lawn, leaving a section of their yard unmowed for May, or cultivating a pollinator garden.
For those interested in learning more about pollinators, the following local resources and programs are available:
- Clean Green Action (CGA) and Bird City Wisconsin Rapids will host an informational booth on No Mow May and pollinator-friendly practices at McMillan Memorial Library from May to June. Visit www.cleangreenaction.org for more information about CGA.
- Find additional resources and download a coloring page at www.wirapids.org/no-mow-may.
Elizabeth Whelan from Clean Green Action of Wisconsin Rapids expressed enthusiasm for the City’s continuation of the No Mow May proclamation, emphasizing its benefits for pollinators, birds, and wildlife.
For further inquiries about the No Mow May initiative or yard sign availability, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 715-421-8216 or [email protected]. Questions regarding lawn care ordinances can be directed to the Community Development Office at 715-421-8228 or [email protected], while inquiries about residential lawn clippings disposal can be addressed to the Street Department at 715-421-8218 or [email protected].
Learn more about the No Mow May initiative online at www.wirapids.org/no-mow-may.
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Author: News Desk
This piece was posted by our news team! Contact us or submit stories at [email protected].
