Approximately 431 Kalamazoo households reported participating in No Mow May, according to the city, preserving more than 53 acres to help pollinators in the spring.

“It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a way to think about how we can reduce our impact on local ecosystems,” the city said in a Facebook post.

No Mow May promotes strengthening the local ecosystem, and supports pollinators and other animals that rely on wildflowers and native plants for food and shelter.

The city says residents can help beyond the month of May by designating some of their yard 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.