CITY OF SUN PRAIRIE OPENS REGISTRATION FOR SLOW MOW-LET IT GROW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
April 2, 2026
Ashley Manthei
Communications Manager
amanthei@cityofsunprairie.com
(608) 608-0322
 
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. – The City of Sun Prairie is excited to open registration for its annual pollinator conservation initiative: Slow Mow-Let It Grow!

Slow Mow – Let It Grow encourages community members to reduce or delay mowing practices from April 20 through May 31, allowing pollinators to emerge from hibernation and forage early food sources that are abundant in lawns such as flowering grasses, dandelions, clover, and violets. This practice cultivates essential pollinator habitat in urban areas, reduces emissions, and supports biodiversity.

On Tuesday, March 17, City Council voted to temporarily suspend the enforcement of Chapter 8.36 - Noxious Weeds, Section C.1., regulation of length of lawn and grass, or any other section that regulates the length of grass. This allows the Slow Mow program to take place and for early flowering species to bloom, which may result in ground cover exceeding the established ordinance height of eight inches.
The City originally launched this conservation initiative as No Mow May in 2022 and expanded the program to Slow Mow-Let it Grow in 2025. Last year, nearly 200 registrants committed to adjusting lawn care practices, helping to conserve 54 acres of habitat and avoid 1,170 lbs of CO₂ equivalents.

“We saw nearly a 50% increase in registration following this program’s expansion in 2025. We look forward to building on that success as we continue to grow this effort to support our local pollinators,” said Hannah Best, Sustainability Program Coordinator.

Registered participants will have the opportunity to pick up yard signs and a native seedling. Participants can also contribute to community science efforts by downloading the WiBee (Wisconsin Wild Bee) app and collecting data. Data reported from users will provide insight into how pollinators are impacted by mowed and un-mowed lawns. Additionally, users can submit photos of species growing in their lawn for identification by a forestry expert.

Participants must follow all guidelines, including noxious weed and invasive species removal, proper yard waste disposal and are prohibited from discharging grass clippings into the street, storm drains and rights of way. To support this program, citywide yard waste collection has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 26.

Organizations and businesses interested in participating will be considered on a case-by-case basis due to the significant land area these entities may manage.

For more information about the program and to register, please visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/slowmow.
 
About City of Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie is a vibrant and thriving community located in northeastern Dane County, just east of the City of Madison. The City of Sun Prairie has experienced strong population growth since its incorporation from a village to a city in 1958, undergoing a transformation from a relatively small community of less than 4,000 to an estimated 39,419 today.