Slow Mow May returns to help early season pollinators

The City of Fond du Lac has announced it will again allow residents to participate in allowing lawns to become overgrown during the month of May, as a way to support pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Slow Mow May is a City of Fond du Lac initiative that encourages residents to mow lawns less frequently during May in an effort to provide habitat and nectar for early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies. By allowing flowers like clover, dandelions, and violets to bloom, homeowners support these insects as they emerge from hibernation before many wildflowers have had a chance to bloom.

Previously the program was called No Mow May, which encouraged skipping mowing for the entire month, whereas Slow Mow May encourages reduced mowing frequency, down to every 2-3 weeks during the month of May.

Registration is required so the City can identify participating properties that are exempt from the City Ordinance regarding Plant and Weed Control, which typically limits grass height to six inches. The Slow Mow May program will end on May 31, after which the standard ordinance will be strictly enforced for everyone.

Residents can register via a form located on the home page of the City of Fond du Lac website at www.fdl.wi.gov.