​City adopts resolution designating No Mow May

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids has adopted a resolution designating the month of May 2024 as No Mow May, which temporarily relieves property owners of lawn maintenance standards in Chapter 36, Sections 302.4 of City Ordinance. Participation in No Mow May is voluntary and free of charge. City residents and property owners who are interested in participating may do so without registering.

During their March 19th meeting, the Common Council adopted a resolution to suspend the enforcement of Chapter 36, Section 302.4, of City Ordinance city-wide for the month of May 2024. Properties must be brought back into compliance by June 7, 2024, which provides a grace period in recognition of weather or scheduling conflicts. Properties that aren't compliant by the deadline will be subject to regular penalties for long grasses and weeds. This is the City’s third year adopting the No Mow May resolution.

Each City of Wisconsin Rapids property is eligible to receive one free yard sign, but we have a limited number of yard signs available. Please keep your yard sign for future No Mow May programs. Additional yard signs can be purchased for $10 each. Yard signs can be picked up at the Mayor's Office on the 3rd floor of City Hall, 444 West Grand Ave., Monday through Thursday, between 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; or Fridays between 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

If you prefer to schedule an appointment to pick up a yard sign, you may contact Emily Kent at 715-421-8216 or [email protected].

The City has also designated some spots on city property to leave un-mowed:
• 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 storm water 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 goal of No Mow May is to provide early season forage for native pollinators by reducing our mowing intensity during a month when foraging resources are limited. Allowing lawns to grow longer, without treating them with chemical pesticides or herbicides, leads to an increase in the number and types of native plants, which are a great source of food for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, it provides important insect habitats for those that are still in diapause (a type of hibernation) in early spring. Weed growth in May is particularly important because many other spring blooms have not yet emerged.

“I’m pleased that the Common Council again supported the popular No Mow May initiative. This program is a great way for residents to learn about the importance of pollinators, and directly impact local insect populations, birds, and gardens,” said Mayor Shane Blaser. “I encourage you to pick up a yard sign, if you haven’t already, to further promote the initiative and its objectives.”

Residents who can’t forgo all lawn care practices for a month can support No Mow May in other ways, such as limiting or discontinuing the use of chemicals on your lawn, leaving a smaller section of your yard unmowed for the month of May, or growing a pollinator garden.

Below are some local resources and programs that are available to learn more about pollinators:
• Clean Green Action (CGA) and Bird City Wisconsin Rapids will have an informational booth on No Mow May and pollinator-friendly practices set up at McMillan Memorial Library from May – June. Learn more about CGA online at: www.cleangreenaction.org
• Find a list of resources and download a coloring page by visiting: www.wirapids.org/no-mow-may

“Clean Green Action, Bird City Wisconsin Rapids and the Monarch/Pollinator Encouragement Project are excited to see the City of Wisconsin Rapids continue in its No Mow May proclamation for its third year. We will endeavor to be a resource for those who have questions regarding the advantages of leaving undisturbed lawns during the early days of spring for the benefit of pollinators and subsequently birds and other wildlife. It is fitting that the 2024 World Migratory Bird Day theme is ‘Protect Insects Protect Birds’ because nearly all our songbirds feed their young on insects, and they have been struggling,” said Elizabeth Whelan, with Clean Green Action of Wisconsin Rapids.

Learn more about the No Mow May initiative online here: www.wirapids.org/no-mow-may

Questions about No Mow May or availability of yard signs can be directed to the Mayor's Office at 715-421-8216 or [email protected].

Questions about lawn care ordinances can be directed to the Community Development Office at 715-421-8228 or [email protected].

Questions about how to dispose of residential lawn clippings can be directed to the Street Department at 715-421-8218 or [email protected].