Kalamazoo residents are being encouraged to participate in No Mow May, an initiative to promote local ecosystems by allowing lawns to grow undisturbed.

The City of Kalamazoo says all participants will be exempt from the Tall Grass/Weeds Nuisance Violation Notice for the month of May as long as the following areas are mowed:

• The entire curb lawn between the street and the sidewalk (if there is no curb lawn at your home, then at least five feet from the edge of the road) 
• At least one mower width on the private property (house or lot) side of the public sidewalk
• At least one mower width on any walkway or approach to the front porch
• At last three feet at neighboring property lines

The city is also offering free No Mow May lawn signs to residents to place in their lawns. Signs are available at the Community Planning & Economic Development offices at 245 N Rose St. Suite 100 during normal business hours.

No Mow May is a great way to start a conversation about strengthening the local ecosystem, the city says. The initiative also supports pollinators and other animals that rely on wildflowers and native plants for food and shelter.

Residents can also help by designating some of their yards to native plants, which provide food and shelter for creatures all year round. More information about native plants can be found on Michigan State University’s Extension website as well as via Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones.