(Photo via Unsplash).
Cortland officials are inviting city residents to grow out their lawn without the risk of a citation for one month next year, thanks to a recently-approved program.
At Tuesday’s Common Council meeting, council members unanimously voted to approve the “No Mow May” initiative.
“Plants of all types including food crops, gardens, trees and others depend on pollinators to reproduce,” stated in the resolution from Tuesday’s meeting agenda. “Pollinators have been under significant anthropogenic pressure in recent years resulting in significant decline. Early spring is a time of vulnerability for pollinators as they emerge from hibernation and food sources are scarce. Residential yards can be an important stopgap nectar source for pollinators if left to grow naturally during this critical period. Lawn mowing removes flowers of violets, dandelions, and other flowering lawn plants.”
The program, according to the resolution, will invite residents to register their properties by pledging not to mow in the month of May. During the month of May, the city’s code department will be directed to not issue citations for the properties enrolled in the program, the resolution continued.
“I’m excited about this program,” City mayor Scott Steve said. “It’s a neat idea and a testament to how much we care for our environment.”
Diane Chu, a member of the city’s environmental advisory committee, proposed and spoke about the “No Mow May” program during the Dec. 6 Common Council meeting.
Contact the City of Cortland office at (607)-753-0872 for further information.
