Help our Local Pollinators!

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. “No-Mow April” is an initiative of the City’s Bee City USA Committee and is sanctioned by the Mayor and Council to encourage property owners to help our native pollinators grow and thrive during this critical period in their life cycle.

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.

Pollinators are necessary for the reproduction of native plants as well as food crops, without them we wouldn’t be here! However, many of our native pollinator species are at risk, especially in urban areas, in part because they have lost much of their habitat to development (buildings, roads, and manicured lawns). Participating in No Mow April is a small and easy step we can take to help early season pollinators that are foraging for food sources and habitat.

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 and 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? There is no registration for No Mow April -- the College Park City Council passed Resolution 22-R-13 to permanently designate April as No Mow Month and waive the tall grass enforcement for College Park residents during April. Signage, denoting participation in No Mow April, is optional, and the City has a limited number of these colorful yard signs available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents who want to display support or help spread awareness of No Mow April may pick up a yard sign at Davis Hall, 9217 51st Ave, during business hours. Signs do not need to be returned at the end of the No Mow Month.

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 actions you can take, including the reduction or elimination of pesticide use and our seasonal native plant give-aways.