Buzz In The Zoo

Join us in creating a buzz! Buzz in the Zoo is all about transforming our community into a pollinator paradise. By making small, simple changes to our lawn care, we can support Michigan’s butterflies, bees, and other pollinators while keeping our neighborhoods vibrant.

We want to spread awareness about pollinators, inspire sustainable lawncare practices, highlight how planting native species and making pollinator-friendly choices can have a lasting impact, and engage our community with fun activities.

Let Us Know You're Participating

Why Is It Important?

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds play a crucial role in keeping our ecosystems thriving. By creating pollinator-friendly habitats in our own backyards, whether through planting native flowers, reducing your mowing frequency, or providing shelter, we can support these essential species and boost local biodiversity. Small changes in our yards and green spaces add up, helping to ensure a healthier environment for both pollinators and people!

What Happened to No Mow May?

We’re expanding beyond No Mow May to better reflect our ultimate goal: supporting Michigan’s native pollinators. While skipping the mower in May is still an option, with an exemption from the Tall Grass/Weed Ordinance (in May only), we want to encourage a broader range of actions that create lasting benefits. Expanding from a one-month initiative to a full summer allows for a more meaningful, long-term impact, as pollinators need support beyond just spring. A longer timeframe gives participants the flexibility to take action at their own pace, whether by planting native flowers, reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, adjusting lawn care habits, or setting aside an unmowed pollinator-friendly patch. By stretching the event over multiple months, we create more opportunities to learn, engage, and make a lasting difference for Michigan’s pollinators!

What You Can Do

To support Michigan’s native pollinators, we’re encouraging community members to take simple, impactful actions that provide food, shelter, and habitat. During Buzz in the Zoo, you can participate by:

• Planting native flowers to provide food and habitat for pollinators
• Creating a pollinator-friendly space by allowing grasses and wildflowers to grow freely without mowing and planting native flowers
• Reducing your use of pesticides and fertilizers to keep pollinators safe from harmful chemicals
• Participating in the Yard Sign Contest (for students & young adults) to celebrate our pollinators and community creativity
• Joining iNaturalist to document both native and nonnative plants, insects, and other wildlife around the City
• Spreading the word by encouraging your neighbors and friends to join!

Remember, any small section can make a lasting impact on your community and local environment! 

What About City ordinances?

When participating you will be exempt from the Tall Grass/Weeds Nuisance Violation Notice for the month of May, as long as the following areas are kept mowed: 

• The entire curb lawn between the street and the sidewalk (if there is no curb lawn at your home, then at least five feet from the edge of the road) 
• At least one mower width on the private property (house or lot) side of the public sidewalk
• At least one mower width on any walkway or approach to the front porch
• At least three feet at neighboring property lines