Brookings Telling Residents to Put Away Their Lawn Mowers in May

There's a very good chance that several residential lawns throughout the city of Brookings, South Dakota will resemble a jungle by the end of May.

For the second consecutive year, Brookings is encouraging its residents to participate in a "No Mow May."

The no-mowing initiative was designed to support pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, birds, and beetles to name a few.

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Robin Buterbaugh, a Sustainability Council member told Dakota News Now, “Bees and other pollinators play an important role in our food supply and help keep our natural resources healthy. Spring is a crucial time of year for pollinators as they emerge and look for habitat and food. Relaxing our ideas about mowing and the traditional appearance of lawns is a good first step. That’s why we’re excited to once again sponsor No Mow May.”

Those choosing to participate can opt out of mowing their entire yard during May, or just parts of it, to help improve the habits of pollinators.

According to Dakota News Now, the city of Brookings is also providing yard signs for those who want one to show they are participating in this year's No Mow May initiative. Signs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Brookings City & County Government Center.

If you live in Brookings, don't think the city will let you get away with your lawn mower collecting dust all summer, part of the No Mow May initiative requires that every lawn be brought back into compliance with the City’s vegetation management practices by June 7th.

The city of Brookings requires its residents to keep their lawns no taller than 15 inches when the No Mow May initiative is not in play.

Dakota News Now reports that Brookings will once again begin to issue violation notices after May is over.

Source: Dakota News Now