Since 2017, an environmental movement called “No Mow May” has asked individuals to not mow their lawns during May to create a habitat for early-season pollinators. Some local communities have implemented No Mow May programs, including Mankato.

City Manager Chris Dalton said if ever implemented, No Mow May would be a voluntary program. Residents would never be forced to let their grass grow in May, but they could register to the program.

Mankato’s No Mow May pilot program allowed participants to register in advance. This allowed the city to know which properties were taking part in the program to prevent participants from being cited for unkept lawns.

Councilor Les Schultz asked if there was high interest to do this from the community. Council President Andrea Boettger said two constituents had contacted her about the initiative. Mayor Terry Sveine also received two calls. Schultz received a single call on the program. Councilors Larry Mack, Eric Warmka and David Christian received no calls.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt A pollinating butterfly lands on a leaf Wednesday near the Pollinator Park on the north side of the city.

Based on the apparently limited support for the program, Schultz was reluctant to expand staff on the issue.

If implemented the project would be enforced by the New Ulm Street Department. Public Works Superintendent Jeff Hoffmann had concerns about the program.

If one neighbor prefers mowing their lawn every week and the other is allowed to let it grow long it could create conflict. Already this year, the city has sent out 17 complaints about weeds.

Another concern was that after complaints were sent, properties had up to seven days to mow. If a property participating in No Mow May was cited on June 1, they might not mow their lawn until June 8.

The council agreed to table the No Mow May discussion until more constituents expressed interest.

Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz brought in a related topic for discussion. He said the city had unused park lands, such as Pfaender Park and the dormant soccer field by the Art Wall Park, that was regularly mowed. He requested council feedback on whether the department could reduce expenses by not mowing unused areas as often.

Schmitz said they currently mow Pfaender and the soccer field roughly once a week.

Councilor Warmka said this was worth pursuing as a cost reduction and a method of preserving pollinators.

The council agreed to look into a reduced mowing schedule for city parks at future meetings.