The City of College Park and Bee City USA Committee encourage residents to refrain from mowing their lawns during the month of April to support local pollinators! 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 foraging for food sources and habitat.

Early spring is a critical time for pollinators and the plants on which they rely. In our region, primarily during March and April, pollinators emerge from overwintering and must immediately find food and nesting resources to survive and produce their next generation. Many of the non-turfgrass plants that grow within our lawns provide food and habitat for these early-emerging pollinators. By eliminating lawn mowing and avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides in our lawns, we will allow these plants to flower and provide nectar and pollen that help native pollinator populations grow and thrive.

In addition to providing important pollinator food and habitat, No Mow April will benefit us with more leisure time, improved air quality, noise reduction, improved soil health and drainage, and increased bird and beneficial insect biodiversity. Plus, we will be able to enjoy observing the many colorful plants and pollinators living or foraging in our yards!

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-serve 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 native pollinator-friendly plants and local nurseries where pollinator-friendly plants can be purchased, and other pollinator-friendly information. You can also help pollinators thrive by eliminating pesticide use and by replacing your lawn (or even just small portions of it!) with native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.

From the City's Bee City Committee