During the May 2nd meeting of Ambler’s Borough Council, the council voted to allow a “No Mow May” program for a limited number of borough residents who wish to register and participate. From the announcement:

Mowing your lawn less helps to increase the abundance and diversity of wildlife, including bees and other pollinators. By participating in No Mow May residents can let grass grow uncut for the entire month, allowing a habitat to form for early season pollinators. This is particularly important in urban and suburban areas where floral resources are often limited. In addition to benefiting pollinators, reducing mowing frequency will save water, help your lawn become more resilient to drought, and reduce emissions from gas-powered lawn equipment.

In 1957, the Borough of Ambler adopted an ordinance that limited the height of “grass or weeds or any vegetation whatsoever” to six inches. The ordinance doesn’t apply to edible plants, or those grown for useful or ornamental purposes. The ordinance also prohibits vegetation that throws “off any unpleasant or noxious odor or to conceal any filthy deposit or to create or produce pollen.”

Council member Haley Welch (Ward 3, D) voiced concerns over the possibility of a participating residence being neighbors with someone with a bee allergy. Those advocating for the program shared that ground bees are unlikely to sting. Council member Erin Endicott (Ward 1, D) voiced concerns that if certain residences were prohibited from participating due to the proximity of someone with a bee allergy, it could lead to further regulations limiting what could be grown in a garden, etc.

Registration for the program is on a first-come, first-served basis, with participation limited. Find details on how to participate here.