Somerville Enacts 'No Mow May' On Behalf Of Pollinators

SOMERVILLE, MA — Mowing of city-owned, passive-use grassy areas is paused in May as part of the international "No Mow May" initiative, Mayor Jake Wilson announced Tuesday. Athletic fields and cemeteries are the exception and will continue to be mown regularly.

"Noticing the grass is growing taller than usual? It’s intentional," Wilson said.

The goal of the pause is to support biodiversity and provide food sources for pollinators reemerging in spring, such as bees, beetles and butterflies. Somerville said it is taking part because pollinators are considered under threat. According to the city, approximately one-third of the food people eat depends on insect pollination.

"Pollinators wake up from winter in early spring and need food, while the flowers they rely on can be hard to find. Allowing flowers in lawns to grow in April and May gives those insects an important food source," the city said in a statement.

While mowing is on hold in those areas, Somerville’s Department of Public Works and Public Space and Urban Forestry division are shifting that labor to other work, such as planting in parks and other open spaces.

Residents and businesses are also being asked to wait before mowing their own lawns during this time period. The city said grass mowing enforcement on private property will be relaxed throughout May. However, it does not apply to every overgrowth issue. According to the city, violations that block sidewalk passage will still be enforced. Excessive overgrowth from long-term unmanaged vegetation that could attract rodents remains subject to enforcement.

Somerville is directing residents to its Pollinator Action Plan for more information about pollinators and ways to support them. The city describes it as a first-of-its-kind plan created specifically for an urban environment. The plan was designed for broad use and includes information on local pollinators, recommendations, plant lists and design guidance that community members can use to build habitats.

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