Rochester residents encouraged to participate in 'No Mow May'

Apr. 30—ROCHESTER — Rochester residents are being encouraged to take part in "No Mow May" for the fifth consecutive year.

The month of May is when pollinator species are the most vulnerable, as they have just returned from migration or come out of hibernation and need locally sourced nectar to continue their life cycles and colonies.

The Rochester Parks and Recreation Department is providing yard signs for residents and business owners participating in "No Mow May." The signs can be printed at home or picked up from City Hall, 151 Fourth St. SE.

"Participating in 'No Mow May' is an easy, low cost, low effort way to help our pollinator species. All you have to do is nothing in the month of May," Forestry Supoervisor Alison Litchy said. "What better way to support the environment than doing almost nothing?"

The signs available at City Hall are already printed, laminated and attached to a small wooden post. One is available per household or business, and people are encourgaed to call 507-328-2525 to check on availability before visiting City Hall.

Participants can dedicate as little or as much of their lawns as they desire to "No Mow May," since even a small unmowed section of a yard will benefit pollinators

However, participating in "No Mow May" does not exempt properties from following the noxious weed portion of Rochester City Ordinance 8-5. Noxious weeds are still not permitted.

Alongside encouraging property owners to participate, several Rochester parks are part of the "No Mow May" effort. They include:

* Meadow Park, 505 20th St. SE

* Valleyside Estates Park, 1135 Peregrine Drive SE

* Greystone Park, 1508 Greystone Lane SW

* Baihly Meadows Park, 1914 Fox Valley Drive SW

* Cassidy Ridge Park, 4230 Stone Crest Lane NE

* Glendale Hills Park, 1265 Northern Valley Drive NE

* North Park, 6035 Hillsboro Drive NW

* Rolling Green Park, 3860 21st Ave. NW