No Mow May Registration
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MAY AS NO MOW MAY
WHEREAS, the City of Ripon would like to encourage an increase in pollinator- friendly habitat through pollinator-friendly lawn-care practices; and
WHEREAS, ideal pollinator-friendly habitat is comprised of mostly native wildflowers, grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees blooming in succession throughout the growing season, is free or nearly free of pesticides, is comprised of undisturbed spaces including un-mown lawns; and provides connectivity between habitat areas to support pollinator movement and resilience; and
WHEREAS, the formative period for establishment of pollinator and other insect species, and the many songbirds and other urban wildlife species which depend upon them, occurs in late spring and early summer when they emerge from dormancy and require flowering plants as crucial foraging habitat; and these opportunities are dramatically reduced with early spring grass-mowing; and
WHEREAS, staff is recommending registration of properties participating in No Mow May to assure that participation is conscientious, that participants understand the requirements of the municipal code and the parameters of the exception being created and that the exception does not prevent enforcement for persons not actively participating in the No Mow May program for other properties leading to nuisance conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Ripon recognizes No Mow May to actively promote and educate the community about the critical period of pollinator emergence, generation of crucial pollinator-supporting habitat and early spring foraging opportunities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Ripon Common Council directs staff to not issue correction notices for long grass and weed violations for properties registered with the city for the No Mow May Program during the month of May, permitting those residents who are properly registered with the City to voluntarily delay lawn care until June 1st, allowing pollinator species to emerge and early flowering grasses and forbs to establish, which may result in ground-cover exceeding established ordinance height restrictions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Ripon Common Council permanently adopts the No Mow May Program until a resolution to repeal the program is approved by the Common Council.
The City HIGHLY recommends not letting your grass get too tall
for your mower as it can be difficult to mow it on June 1st.
Please also do not blow grass clippings in the street.
REGISTRATION BELOW: