Buzz In The Zoo Encourages Pollinator-Friendly Practices
Published on April 21, 2025
The City of Kalamazoo is excited to launch Buzz in the Zoo, a new community-wide initiative that builds on the popular No Mow May campaign to support Michigan’s native pollinators. This expanded program encourages residents to adopt pollinator-friendly lawn care practices all season long, starting with an exemption from Kalamazoo’s tall grass ordinance during the month of May.
Buzz in the Zoo kicks off with a free community event on Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (314 S Park St). All are welcome to attend and learn how simple changes at home can help pollinators thrive in our neighborhoods.
“Pollinators like bees and butterflies are vital to healthy ecosystems, but their populations are declining,” said Justin Gish, Sustainability Planner for the City of Kalamazoo. “With Buzz in the Zoo, we’re empowering residents to take action in their own yards, from planting native flowers to reducing mowing and chemical use, to make Kalamazoo a more pollinator-friendly place.”
While No Mow May remains a part of the initiative, Buzz in the Zoo expands it into a season-long effort to create lasting benefits for pollinators. Participants are encouraged to:
- Skip mowing part of their lawns during May (with a partial ordinance exemption)
- Plant native wildflowers and grasses that provide food and shelter
- Limit pesticides and fertilizers that can harm pollinators Create wildlife-friendly habitats in yards and gardens
- Spread the word by displaying a Buzz in the Zoo yard sign
- Keeping leaves and other habitats available in fall and winter
When participating, residents 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 from neighboring property lines
The Buzz in the Zoo Kickoff Event at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts will feature the announcement of Yard Sign Design Contest winners, showcasing creative artwork by local students from elementary through college. Attendees can enjoy free access to the museum, explore the student-submitted designs on display, and connect with local organizations focused on native plants, sustainable gardening, and conservation. Local conservation and pollinator groups will hand out seeds to help residents plant their own gardens. Participants can pick up their Buzz in the Zoo yard signs at the event to show their support for pollinators and help spread awareness in their neighborhoods.
Participation in Buzz in the Zoo is easy and flexible. Residents can sign up online to receive program updates and help the City track how much pollinator habitat is being created across Kalamazoo. For full details, tips for pollinator-friendly yards, and registration, visit www.kalamazoocity.org/BuzzInTheZoo.